EUROPEAN INTEGRATION IS NUMBER-ONE PRIORITY FOR MOLDOVAN EXTERNAL AND DOMESTIC POLICY - PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

Speaker of the Parliament Andrian Candu is participating in the 5th annual forum of debates on Moldova's European Integration on Thursday.

He said that the discussion of Moldova's development by the European vector has a paramount importance today in the context of the recent Eastern Partnership Summit and the next stage of negotiations on Transnistrian settlement in the 5+2 format.

"Of course, the way to European integration is quite twisting - there were successes, as well as disappointments. The great expectations citizens had in connection with this vector of country development in 2009 was seriously darkened by the 2014-2015 economic crisis. Thus, today the authorities' main goal is to regain the trust of population and European partners", Candu said.

"For this Moldova has all the necessary instruments: the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, in particular the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), roadmaps on development in all key spheres, Moldova has done many successful steps - today the European Union is Moldova's basic partner, over 65% Moldovan exports go to EU countries", the Speaker said.

According to him, this is not just figures, it is backed by the creation of a new vision on development of business and the banking sector, energy and public administration, media and civil society.

"Over 50% of Moldovan citizens trust in European values and EU integration. The authorities now have to work and take decisions only for the good of the country and its people", Parliament chairman said that he would also like that at these debates the stakeholders to discuss the possibility of fixing in the Moldovan Constitution of the European vector of development.