'Moldavië voorbeeld van succes Europees nabuurschapsprogamma' (en)

The European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy needs success stories, and cooperation with Moldova can be regarded as one, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zsolt Németh pointed out after the EU-Moldova Cooperation Council’s meeting on 6 May, in Brussels. According to the Minister of State, the last negotiation chapter necessary for concluding the association agreement with Moldova may be opened soon.

On behalf of the Hungarian Presidency, Zsolt Németh substituted for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton i at the meeting; which was also attended by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle i and Prime Minister of Moldova Vladimir Filat. Speaking at the follow-up press conference, Mr Németh expressed hopes that the association agreement between the EU and Moldova, will be concluded, the conditions of free trade will be met and visa liberalisation will be performed. According to the Minister of State, a token of good cooperation is the common aviation agreement, which may result in cheap air tickets from Moldova to the EU.

Zsolt Németh stressed that during its term of Presidency Hungary is trying to play an active and supportive role, in the field of the EU’s foreign relations, and is especially active regarding Moldova. For instance, the EU Visa Centre in Chisinau is operated by Hungary.

Further consolidation needed in Moldova

Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle welcomed Moldova’s results achieved so far, but did not conceal that the Commission still sees further consolidation necessary, in the East European country. Mr Füle found it vital that Moldova should keep up the combat against corruption, improve its business environment and make progress in the filed of jurisdiction, “for the sake of its future and citizens.” Nevertheless, the Commissioner emphasised that “Moldova does not stand alone; we are ready to lend our support and assistance.”

5+2 negotiations re-launched

At the press conference in Brussels, Zsolt Németh stressed that “The EU’s support to Moldova’s territorial integrity, is a matter of principle.” Both Mr Németh and Vladimir Filat expressed hopes that the 5+2 format international settlement negotiations, on the Trans-Dniestria issue, which was abandoned in 2005, can be re-launched in June.

Inhabited mainly by Russians and Ukrainians, the area is the eastern borderland of Moldova, which unilaterally proclaimed its independence in 1992, largely got out of Moldoa’s control and has Russian troops stationing in its territory. The 5+2 format means that, in addition to the representatives of Moldova and Trans-Dniester, negotiations are also attended by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Russia and Ukraine, and the EU and the US as observers.