After the seventh meeting of the European Union (E.U.)- Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee co-chaired by the Romanian Member of the European Parliament, Siegfried Mureșan, the E.U. issued several recommendations for Moldova’s authorities related to climate change, freedom of the media, fighting corruption and stopping money laundering. The co-chair of the meeting stressed that the new government has to earn the trust of its foreign partners, including the E.U. Mureșan, explained that, in order for the E.U. to continue the macro-financial assistance, real progress is needed from Moldova’s Government on the reforms provided in the Association Agreement.

Between December 18-19, in Strasbourg, the seventh meeting of the E.U.-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee (PAC) co-chaired by Siegfried Mureșan, on behalf of the European Parliament, and Mihail
Popșoi, on behalf of Moldova’s Parliament, took place.

During the meeting, Mureșan mentioned that the E.U. supports Moldova’s European path, but the new government must win the trust of the international partners, such as the E.U., adding that until that happens the E.U. will remain vigilant.  

Mureșan stressed the need for results regarding the investigation into bank fraud.

“We want to see clear results in the fight against corruption and money laundering, in strengthening the rule of law. We want to see that the investigation into bank fraud is progressing. Only then will we be able to move on to further unlocking macro-financial assistance from the European Union.” The Romanian MEP added.

European MEP Siegfried Mureșan became President of the European Parliament Delegation to the European Union-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee on September 26, 2019. After the voting results, Mureșan gave a speech saying that Moldova’s security and safety is important for the European Union’s security.

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As a result of the meeting on December 19, the European Union adopted several recommendations for Moldova, related to climate change, energy security, fighting corruption and bringing light over the billion case.

According to the statement in Moldova, the concentration of media ownership and monopolization of the advertising market remains problematic, hence measures should be taken in this sense by the new government. 

Also, the E.U. expects the new Government to build up on the recent steps taken by the previous Government with regards to fighting corruption and unraveling criminal and money-laundering schemes, such as steps taken towards aligning legislation regarding Duty Free Shops operations with EU standards, as well as investigating contentious privatization cases. 

The full list of the recommendations can be read here.

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Diana Severin,