Being vital for Moldova to implement Association Agreement with EU, says commissioner Johannes Hahn

Chisinau, 03 July /MOLDPRES/ – The European Union is willing to support the Government in Chisinau in implementing reforms. Also, it is vital for Moldova to implement precisely the Association Agreement signed with EU. The statements have been made on Wednesday, 03 July, by European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn after meeting with Prime Minister of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

"I have been glad to see recently that there is a strong commitment on behalf of PM Maia Sandu to implement the crucial reform agenda, based on Association Agreement. The first Association Council will take place as soon as possible in early autumn to relaunch cooperation. It is time for Moldova to look to perspectives. We appreciate the intention to continue the reforms and I am pleased to note that the focus is mainly placed upon depoliticising and strengthening the independence of state institutions, especially within justice, and combating corruption which seems to be deeply rooted in many areas and is probably the biggest issue that the Government needs to solve," said Johannes Hahn.

The European official has admitted that implementing the governance programme of new Government will be a difficult objective but has assured that in this respect Moldova can rely upon the support of EU both politically and financially for implementation reforms. "We know there will be some patterns, unfortunately. EU is ready to work with the new Government based on mutual commitment, respecting the principles enshrined in Association Agreement. We can quickly mobilise the necessary support and funds, provided the necessary conditions are met and the Government does the right thing: deliver economic results, respect for the rule of law, judicial reform and media pluralism," specified the European Commissioner .

At her turn, PM Maia Sandu has said that Moldova needs a new start, as it faces a difficult task – rebuilding democratic institutions and restore of confidence of citizens in their own state. The official has assured that the European path of EU and Association Agreement with EU remain the foundation of efforts to build a modern state.

"EU has given us some chances to become a European democracy, receptive to the needs and wishes of its citizens. These opportunities have not been fully used. Today, we do not require advance payments, but support for democratic transformation. I am here to fully restore cooperation with EU, which has been frozen due to corruption and fraud," said Sandu.

PM Maia Sandu is paying an official visit to Brussels on 03 July.