Verklaring eurocommissaris Füle bij ontmoeting met premier Moldavië (en)
I met today with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Vlad Filat. I commended the Moldovans for the undisputable progress achieved by them: progress towards political stabilisation, with the election of President Timofti and the return of the Communist opposition to Parliament; progress in reforms, with the adoption of much-needed laws and strategies; progress on the Transnistria issue, including the personal investment of Prime Minister Filat and the leader of Transnitria Schevtchuk.
We agreed the priorities to sustain the very active dynamics of EU-Moldova relations. We acknowledged the good spirit prevailing in our Association Agreement negotiations and the progress made since in talks on our future deep and comprehensive free trade area, which will deepen Moldova's economic integration with the EU.
We exchanged views on Moldova's challenges ahead: the need to ensure the sustainability of reforms, the inclusiveness of political processes, the cohesion of Moldovan society; and the importance of strengthening the fight against corruption and improving the business and investment climate. In this regard, we agreed that strict respect for the rule of law was crucial. I also expressed the view that more could be done to improve dialogue between Moldova's political forces. Furthermore, I emphasized the importance of addressing with due attention the situation regarding the NIT TV station and I welcomed the re-assurances that the NIT broadcasting licence will not be auctioned off until the final decision of the Court.
I re-assured Prime Minister Filat that the EU will continue to support Moldova's European ambition, for the benefit of its citizens. In this context, I was glad to announce that the EU is confirming in deeds the application of the 'more for more' principle: in concrete terms, we decided today on an additional €28 million under the Eastern Partnership Integration and Cooperation Programme (EaPIC) to support Moldova's reforms, in particular that of the justice system; the development of rural areas; and the upgrade of the health system. This increases by 30% our 2012 bilateral grant support to Moldova, to a total of €122 million.
For more info on EaPIC: