​EUROPEAN UNION ASSISTS MOLDOVA IN ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

The European Commission (EC) reported that the EU will provide Moldova with assistance in the Association Agreement implementation.

The European Commission has announced a new annual support package for the Republic of Moldova to help public institutions, citizens and the business community to seize the benefits and opportunities of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU (AA/DCFTA).

Stefan Fule, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, stated that “The Association Agreement is a milestone in our Eastern Partnership policy and in our relationship with the Republic of Moldova. It is based on shared fundamental values and will open new possibilities for closer political relations and stronger economic ties. Moldova has our full support in this significant and historical process”.

The fresh EU funding for the Republic of Moldova is designed to support the modernisation of key public institutions implementing the AA/DCFTA, improvement of public finance policy and management, competitiveness of rural business and trade opportunities with the EU and protection of minorities and vulnerable groups.

The programme will contribute to further political association and economic integration with the EU under the Eastern Partnership initiative. It is a first package of bilateral assistance granted to the Republic of Moldova under the Single Support Framework, which sets out strategic objectives and priorities for future EU-Moldova cooperation in 2014-2017. The EU annual support package (Annual Action Programme 2014) provides €101 million of bilateral allocation to Moldova.

Support to Public Finance Policy Reforms in Moldova (€37 million): to assist the Ministry of Finance, the Parliament and the Supreme Audit Institution of Moldova in the process of enhancing good governance, effective fiscal policy, transparent and accountable public finance policy and strengthened public financial management systems.

European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) Moldova – Support to Agriculture and Rural Development (€64 million): to enhance rural development through improved policy dialogue, governance and service delivery meeting the needs of private farmers while increasing the competitiveness of the agriculture sector. Part of the second action will be dedicated to further intensify the dialogue between central and regional authorities (such as Gagauzia).