Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu met with the E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on September 30, 2019 – ahead of the meeting of the Fifth Association Council of the Republic of Moldova- European Union. The two officials discussed the Transnistrian settlement process and the effects of the cooperation between Moldova and the E.U.   

After the meeting the two officials held a press briefing, sharing that they had agreed to update the association agenda and set new priorities upon which to base the working of the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement in the coming years.  

“Our support will remain conditional on the implementation of reforms. We resumed payments for budget support in June, signed the agreement with the Government to carry out programs for sustainable development and the rule of law. We already have concrete results. We are ready to increase the financial support and the support for the consultation, in order to support the ambitious reform of the Government,” said Mogherini during the press briefing.

Prime Minister Sandu thanked the European Union High Representative for the support the E.U. has given to the current government since its first days in office.

The Prime Minister also expressed her desire to bring cooperation between the E.U. and Moldova to a new level, both in the political field and in the field of security and economic development.

“We discussed the first 100 days of the Government in Chișinău, mentioning both the successes and the set of reforms in progress, meant to advance the European path of the Republic of Moldova,”  Prime Minister Sandu said during the press briefing. “I will make sure that these measures are implemented as promised. We will strengthen anti-corruption institutions. We have the support of European institutions and citizens who want justice at home. I am glad that we can get the two tranches of the macro-financial assistance until the end of this year.”  

The two officials discussed the Transnistrian settlement, Moldova’s energy security, as well as the excellent effects of the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) on the country.

At the same time, European officials expressed their appreciation for the progress aimed at electoral reform and argued that the general local elections on October 20 will be an “important test,” which will demonstrate if the international provisions are being respected.

On October 3, 2019, Mogherini paid a visit to Moldova, where she met with Moldova’s President, Igor Dodon, Prime Minister Sandu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu.  

During her visit to Chișinău, President Dodon conferred to the E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini the Order of Honor of the Republic of Moldova. 

According to the Head of State, the distinction was conferred in profound gratitude for the special contribution to the development and strengthening of relations of friendship and collaboration between Moldova and the European Union.

The focus of the visit was the government reform agenda, which, as mentioned in the Association Council and in the Association’s Annual Implementation Report, constitutes important commitments under the E.U.-Moldova Association Agreement, especially with regards to democratic standards and the rule of law. 

During her visit, Mogherini also discussed the importance of justice reform, the fight against corruption, the investigation of banking fraud, economic development and the improvement of the business climate, as well as the upcoming local elections on October 20, 2019. 

Prime Minister Sandu claimed that the visit to Chișinău of such a high ranking E.U. official is proof that the Government has managed to return Moldova to the European Union.

PHOTO: gov.md

Diana Severin,