EU approves new budget assistance to Moldova

Chisinau, 19 October /MOLDPRES/ - The European Commission on 18 October approved the disbursement of €14.35 million in budget support assistance to help deliver much-needed reforms that are being taken forward by the new government in the Republic of Moldova. This assistance will support  police reform, the fight against corruption and anti-money laundering, the modernisation of the energy sector and a more efficient and transparent public finance policy.

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations commented: “Today's assistance package demonstrates the EU's commitment to the Moldovan citizens, who have long demanded that such reforms are put in place. The Moldovan authorities are intensifying their work to combat corruption in an effective way and to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and prosecution services. This is vital for public trust and needs to move forward at full speed. The Moldovan people can count on the EU's full support to accompany the process.” 

A press release by the European Commission reads that "The EU recognises the important steps the government has taken in addressing the problem of significant politisation of state institutions, corruption and the lack of independence in the judiciary and prosecution services. With these steps, the coalition government has addressed many of the EU's concerns identified already in the Council Conclusions of 26 February 2018. In particular, positive developments have taken place in the reforms in the electoral system, the draft law on the reform of the Supreme Court of Justice and the legislation on the Prosecutor General. Moreover, the Republic of Moldova has sought the opinion of the Venice Commission on its draft laws, which is a positive development. Public consultations also remain important. The new government has also re-established relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)," the communique also reads.

At the same time, the European Commission and the European External Action Service will continue to monitor closely the political situation and assess the fulfillment of the conditions ahead of any future budget support payments.

The new installment was approved after, Moldova in last July had received 14.5 million euros from the European Union as budget assistance. At the same time, on 10 October 2019, the European Commission approved the providing of an installment of 30 million euros of macro-financial assistance for Moldova.