EU might increase financial support to Moldova

Chisinau, 03 October /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Maia Sandu, has had, on Thursday, 03 September, an official meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, which has paid for the first time in this position an official visit to Moldova, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

"At the Association Council we discussed the agenda of reforms and the changes we need to work on first and foremost, so as to improve the lives of our citizens, but also to fulfill the promises vis – à – vis the European institutions, so that we can continue to benefit from the EU support. We have received assurances that EU will continue to be on our side, on the part of the citizens, on the side of justice,” said Maia Sandu.

Also, the PM has highly appreciated the continuous assistance offered to Moldova, noting that 70 per cent of Moldovan exports go to EU, over six thousand domestic companies benefited from EU support, there were created over three thousand jobs and rehabilitated over 700 km of road with EU help.

During the meeting, the officials have spoken about the main actions that the Government is currently focusing on: reform of justice and fight against corruption, as well as election of a professional and full General Prosecutor. Some other topics which were addressed consisted the investigation of bank fraud and recovery of money, but also organisation of free and fair local elections.

Also, the speakers spoke about promoting Moldova's interests abroad. In the context, Maia Sandu has said that the Association Agreement with the EU and the European integration policy gives Moldova the most realistic chance to create a functional state.

"We need the Association Agreement, first of all, because the measures included there will lead to the improvement of the living standards of our citizens," said PM, expressing the openness for continuation of the Eastern Neighbourhood policy and for a greater vision. ambitious for countries such as Moldova, which aim to join EU.

At her part, Federica Mogherini has mentioned that her visit to Chisinau is a signal of the importance that EU attaches to the partnership with Moldova, appreciating the determination of the Government led by Maia Sandu in the implementation of reform agenda. "My visit is a signal to relaunch relations of Moldova and EU. Today we see positive changes in Moldova, for which we worked together. We feel the responsibility to support Moldova not only financially, politically, but also with very clear and visible signals.”

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has also said that EU will continue to provide support in implementation of reform agenda and it could increase financial support to Moldova.

Federica Mogherini ends her term shortly, and commencing 01 November 2019, the position of High Representative will be hold by the current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, Josep Borrell.