The European Commission resumed budget support assistance to the Republic of Moldova on July 23. The sum amounts to €14.54 million and is directed to support the implementation of the E.U.-Moldova free trade agreement, to finance vocational education training and to assist in the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan.

The resumed disbursements comes after nearly two years during which payments had been put on hold because of the deterioration of the rule of law in the country The recently installed government has taken important decisions, which have allowed the E.U. to determine that the conditions have been met to resume its budget support to the Republic of Moldova.

“Today’s package is a clear sign of the E.U. support to the Republic of Moldova and its citizens. It is also an appreciation of the steps already taken and an encouragement to the authorities to continue on this path, in particular when it comes to the strengthening of the rule of law and democracy, and fight against corruption. The E.U. is strongly committed to supporting and accompanying the Republic of Moldova in this reform path.” said Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.

In particular the E.U. praises the commitment of the newly formed government to fight corruption and continue the implementation of the reforms stated in the E.U.-Moldova Association Agreement.

At the same time, the E.U. notes that the Parliament has started working on a new legislative agenda. Some of its first decisions included a legislative initiative to cancel the previous mixed electoral system and implementing the Venice Commission’s recommendations. The Parliament has also set-up an investigative commission on the 2014 bank fraud and adopted decisions to help depoliticise state institutions and fight corruption.

On 10 July, the IMF also recognised the authorities’ progress in strengthening macro-economic policies and stressed the need to sustain the reform momentum and to take decisive steps to fight corruption.

On 24 July, Moldova’s Prime Minister Maia Sandu will make her second official visit to Brussels as to participate in an exchange of views with members of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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