Moldova made progress in implementing key reforms - EU report notes

Chisinau, 13 September /MOLDPRES/- Following the change of government in June 2019, the Republic of Moldova has taken decisive steps to implement key reforms to meet deterioration of democratic standards and the rule of law. The conclusion is set in a report published on 12 September by the European Union, which aims to implement the commitments under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement during the past year.

The report reveals that while the reforms in the economic and banking sector advanced during 2018, fundamental structural reforms of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, the criminal investigation of banking fraud in 2014 and the assurance of media plurality lagged behind.

The EU noted that the new Government, sworn in June 2019, has committed to the implementation of the Association Agreement with Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, fully respecting its key principles. A press release reads that the Moldovan government adopted a lot of programs focused on the most urgent reforms and has taken significant steps, especially the electoral framework, fight against corruption and depoliticization of state institutions. In response, the Commission resumed budget support and signed three crucial funding agreements worth about 55 million euros.

"The new Government of the Republic of Moldova has launched an important reform plan to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. We expect the authorities to respect their commitments and implement the EU-Moldova Agreement for the benefit of citizens. We, the EU, are ready to continue to support this endeavor, " EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini said.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn added that payments for budget support were resumed in July 2019 and financing agreements for sustainable local development and the rule of law were signed with the Moldovan government. Hahn said the EU is ready to continue to increase financial support for our country if reforms continue.

Following the non-transparent invalidation of the local elections in Chisinau in June 2018, the EU and other international actors have noticed a decline in the rule of law and the state of democracy. As a result, the EU decided in 2018 to put on hold payments for budget support and macro-financial assistance, as well as recalibrate and reduce additional financial support.

The report was presented before the annual EU-Moldova Association Council, due in Brussels on September 30, 2019.