EU-Moldova: Challenges ahead of signing the Association Agreement
European Commission
Press release
Prague, 24 April 2014
EU-Moldova: Challenges ahead of signing the Association Agreement
Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with President of the Republic of Moldova Nicolae Timofti in Prague today. They discussed the situation in the country, including the many regional challenges it is faced with, and agreed that the political stability was more than ever Moldova's invaluable asset; it offers an opportunity to focus on the necessary reforms and on concrete deliverables for the citizens.
Moldova's efforts to implement the European values make it an important partner for the EU and a front-runner in the Eastern Partnership. This is already reflected in the quick progress towards the visa-free regime with the EU, which will start to be applied in a few days - on 28 April. This outstanding result has been achieved by Moldova in record time. It proves its maturity and ability to succeed internationally. The EU will continue supporting Moldova's efforts in the future.
Commissioner Füle stated that all layers of Moldova's society should be offered objective and comprehensive information on the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and the many new opportunities it will create for Moldova's development and the well-being of its population. These opportunities are real and concrete; they will help Moldova reinforce its sovereignty and independence in the international arena. He reconfirmed EU's support for territorial integrity of Moldova and stressed that the implementation of the Association Agreement and the introduction of visa-free regime will also create conditions for finding a solution for Transdnistria while respecting the internationally recognised borders of Moldova.
Commissioner Füle underlined that the issues related to the Association Agreement will be discussed in detail during the planned meeting in May between President Barroso and Prime Minister Leanca with key Commissioners and Moldovan ministers respectively.
Contacts :
Peter Stano (+32 2 295 74 84)
Anca Paduraru (+32 2 296 64 30)
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