A high-level visit of EU officials takes place during 13-15 of September in the Republic of Moldova, with the participation of Ms. Katarína MATHERNOVÁ – Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, and Mr. Michael SIEBERT, Managing Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional cooperation and OSCE, at the European External Action Service. 

The EU officials met the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, and held meetings with the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, as well as key representatives of Moldovan Government, International Financial Institutions and the civil society. The aim of the visit was to discuss EU-Moldova relations and prospects for their further enhancement in the framework of the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. During the meetings, the sides spoke about the priorities of the reform agenda of the new Moldovan Government, in particular in the area of justice reform, as well as preparations for the Eastern Partnership summit at the end of the year and Transnistrian conflict settlement. The officials also touched on EU assistance in support of reforms and the Economic Recovery Plan for Moldova, which was announced in June with EU support of EUR 600 millions over the next 3 years.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Siebert said: “The outcome of the recent elections in the Republic of Moldova has opened a positive perspective for further development of EU-Moldova relations. The country is back on the much-needed reform track, most notably in the justice sector and in fighting corruption.”  He welcomed that the Government’s programme aimed at bringing Moldova closer to the EU and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthen the political association and economic integration with the Republic of Moldova. Mr Siebert looked forward to continued high-level engagement with the Moldovan Government over the next months.

Katarína Mathernová recalled that “the EU is delivering on its promises: EU’s solidarity and the role of Team Europe have been widely acknowledged during the Covid crisis, notably through the donation of vaccines. Now, the first measures under the Economic Recovery Plan will shortly materialize, with the expected disbursement of €36 million in grant money under budget support programmes to support the authorities’ efforts to fight against the consequences of the pandemic. Moldova can count on EU’s assistance on its path to reforms and to recovery, bringing tangible results to citizens”.

The officials had a dedicated meeting with Moldovan authorities to discuss the opportunities provided by upcoming EU assistance (“flagship projects”) in the country. The high-level mission also included a visit to projects in Strășeni funded by the European Union, show-casing tangible results for the citizens of the country and Team Europe approach of the European Union and its Member States.