European Parliament deputy speaker says EU sees premises for change in citizens' interests in Moldova

Chisinau, 24 June /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Maia Sandu today had a meeting with a delegation of European MPs, led by European Parliament Deputy Speaker Heidi Hautala. At the meeting, the officials set priorities of cooperation between Moldova and EU.    

PM Maia Sandu praised the European Union’s support provided to Moldova, especially in situation when the democratic processes were in danger. Sandu voiced hope that the European partners would further back the Moldovan cabinet’s efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions and processes.  

The prime minister stressed that the human rights, return to the democratic practices and creation of opportunities for citizens were absolute priorities for the government. The PM noted that the previous cabinet had made more promises and started more programmes, without having financial coverage for them and left the country in a difficult financial situation.  

„I voiced hope that, quite soon, the financial and technical assistance programmes for Moldova could be resumed. I expressed our requests for help, in order to investigate the major thefts of the last years, as well as the money laundering which we everybody know. We hope very much that, in continuation, we will get support on these dimensions, as well as in other fields, which will lead to the improvement of the living standards of Moldova’s citizens,” Maia Sandu said at a news conference.   

For her part, European Parliament Deputy Speaker Heidi Hautala promised a new page in the relation between the European Union and the new Moldovan government in the implementation of the democratic reforms.   

„The atmosphere is different in Chisinau. We will firmly back a government having the capacity and will to change Moldova for the good of the country’s citizens. It is important that we unlock the macro-financial assistance. This new initiative to boost our support is welcome, as we see that there is actually political will now. Especially as regards the creation of an independent judicial system and fostering the processes of transparency and consolidation of integrity,” the EU official said.