Minister for International Development Cooperation, Peter Eriksson, visits Moldova on February 10-12. In Moldova, the Minister will meet with the President of Parliament, Zinaida Greceanii, the Prime Minister, Ion Chicu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Aureliu Ciocoi, as well as with civil society and private sector partners, and representatives of the political opposition.

During the visit, the Minister for International Development Cooperation, Peter Eriksson, issued a public message:

The year 2019 marked the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership, when Sweden, together with Poland, initiated this partnership within the European Union (EU), becoming a strong partner for the countries in the region. As we celebrated our first 10 years together, we had time to reflect on our common successes. There have been many, but many more to be achieved! 

The relations between Sweden and Moldova exceed those of the Eastern Partnership. Our first cooperation began in 1996, through the AIDS Development Agency. Over the years, our development cooperation, together with Moldova, has been successful. 

I would just mention a few examples. At present, there is a movement towards a society in which there is more equality between men and women, which have equal chances to grow and develop as individuals and active citizens. We notice an improvement in the protection against domestic violence; development of tourism, IT, textile and small-scale wine industry; increasing awareness of environmental challenges and solutions; improving tax administration and increasing tax revenue.

There are three areas in which I see the need for a stronger commitment from Moldova’s Government 

1. Civil society involvement and cultivation of a free and pluralistic media landscape are essential for the development of a democratic society and must be ensured, including in the context of Moldova. This is why we work with civil society organizations. The objective is to support the internal development of independent local organizations in different fields and to help them better contribute to building an open democratic society. Equally, the media and journalists should be able and allowed to investigate and report freely on reality. 

2. Sweden expects a real performance of the Moldovan leadership in the reform of the justice sector, in the development of sound democratic processes and in the fight against corruption. The importance of a judicial function, reliable and predictable state institutions and a strong action against corruption cannot be overstated. It is essential to attract investments and increase the income from the state tax which can facilitate the increase of welfare in society. Sweden is prepared to assist dedicated and honest reform initiatives and will closely monitor progress, but we are also prepared to review our commitment if tangible results will not be visible. 

3. Progress in the development of Moldovan society is hampered by outdated infrastructure, energy insecurity, and serious environmental challenges. All of these areas need government action, investment and there are many ways to interact with the international community in this area. 

Sweden is one of the initiators and the largest bilateral donor of the Eastern Europe Partnership for Energy Efficiency and Environment (E5P) – a fund made up of several donors, which funds projects to improve energy efficiency, water treatment and wastewater. , street lighting, waste management and urban transport. Moldova is eligible for E5P support, and projects are ongoing in Chișinău and Bălți.

As a Minister of International Development Cooperation, in the last year, I visited several partner countries in Eastern Europe and I am glad that the turn of Moldova has come. 

The objective of the Eastern Partnership and the Swedish Development Cooperation is to bring the partner countries closer to the EU. 

Integration into the EU is essential for Moldova in the context of developing democracy, rule of law, openness and pluralism, as well as for sustainable economic development. 

Currently, we support Moldova in its efforts of European integration through programs in three key areas: 1) economic development; 2) democracy, human rights, the rule of law; 3) environment and climate change.

For the continued efficiency of our cooperation, we must be sure that our relationship with the Government in Moldova is firmly based on our common values ​​regarding human rights, the rule of law, democracy and good governance. These are questions that I will ask during my meetings in Moldova.

We see that pluralism in political participation is of particular importance. Last but not least, the participation of more women, as well as minorities, at all levels should be encouraged. Important steps have been taken for a more equal representation and we welcome the increase in the number of women elected in last year’s elections, as well as changes to facilitate it. These advances must be protected and developed. 

As the main actor in the process of international development cooperation, Sweden is present in Moldova, because we consider that the country has enormous potential, and this cooperation benefits us all. Working together, we contribute to a better and safer world. The dedication that Sweden feels to the people of Moldova, in their efforts to modernize and strengthen society is genuine and unwavering.

Therefore, let’s look back at our long-standing partnership and take advantage of what we have learned. Let’s not shy away from future challenges. My firm belief is that if Moldova succeeds with its reforms, Moldova’s citizens and the EU citizens will only benefit.

Sweden is a long-term development partner for the population of Moldova since 1996, through the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida). 

The Swedish Embassy in Chisinau manages an annual budget of approximately SEK 110 million (approximately €10 million). The Swedish assistance is in line with the Results-Based Strategy on Cooperation in the field of reforms with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Turkey 2014-2020 and promotes European integration through three key areas:

• enhanced economic integration with the EU and the development of the market economy;

• consolidated democracy, better respect for human rights and a more developed state in accordance with the rule of law;

• a better environment, reduced impact on the climate and increased resistance to climate change and the environment.

The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is the political framework for relations between the EU and the six partner countries of Eastern Europe (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine). 

The EaP was launched in 2009 – Sweden was one of the initiators – and meant an increased EU focus on closer ties with partner countries. The Association Agreements (AAs), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA), are intended to pave the way for in-depth cooperation with EU institutions, adaptation to the EU common legal framework and increased access to the EU market, exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Following the Eastern Partnership and the agreements many positive results have been obtained, such as significant growth of trade. The EU is now the main trading partner of Moldova.

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