Since the change of government in June 2019, Moldova has moved resolutely towards the implementation of key reforms addressing the deterioration of democratic standards and the rule of law. This was stated in a press release published by the European Commission. The implementation of these reforms aims to allow citizens to fully benefit from the E.U.-Moldova Association Agreement.

The press release, published on September 12, states that the report will feed into the annual E.U.-Moldova Association Council, taking place in Brussels on 30 September 2019, which will serve as the basis for the review of the Association Agenda. 

The report was prepared by the European External Action Service and the European Commission services and published on September 11. 

Officials from the European Union also commented on Moldova’s recent progress towards implementing the Association Agreement. 

“The new Moldovan government has started an important reform plan to reinforce democracy and the rule of law in the country. We expect the authorities to deliver on the commitments made and to implement the ambitious E.U.-Moldova Agreement. We are ready to continue to accompany and support this work because we value a lot the friendship between E.U. and Moldova,” said Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini.

“In July 2019 we already resumed budget support payments; we also signed with the Government financing agreements on sustainable local development and rule of law that will allow for the implementation of programs bringing tangible results to the people of Moldova. We are ready to further step up our financial support and advice in response to the Government’s robust reform agenda. All these are clear signs of our appreciation of the steps already taken and an encouragement to the authorities to continue on their ambitious reform path,” added Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.

The report shows that while reforms in the economic and banking sector advanced during 2018, the fundamental structural reforms of the judicial system, the fight against corruption, the prosecution of the 2014 banking fraud and ensuring media plurality are lagging behind.

Following the non-transparent invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chișinău in June 2018, the E.U. and other international actors noted a backsliding in the rule of law and democracy situation, which are key values and principles at the core of the ambitious E.U.- Moldova Association Agreement. In light of these developments, the E.U. decided in 2018 to put a hold on budget support payments and macro-financial assistance, as well as recalibrating and reducing further financial support.

The new Government that came to power in June 2019 committed to a strengthened and consistent implementation of the Association Agreement with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area in full respect of its core principles. 

The Government adopted a number of programs focused on the most urgent reforms and took significant steps in the electoral framework, fight against corruption and state de-politicizing state institutions. In response, the Commission resumed budget support assistance and signed three crucial financing agreements, with a total worth close to 55 million euros. 

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