EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE ASSURES PRESIDENT OF MOLDOVA THAT EUROPEAN UNION WILL HELP MOLDOVA WITH VACCINE AGAINST COVID-19

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, underlined the EU's commitment to help ensuring that coronavirus vaccines are accessible to all, including in the EU's immediate neighborhood. Furthermore, additional EU assistance, in particular through the World Health Organization, can be used by the Moldovan authorities to be adequately prepared for the coronavirus vaccination campaign, Josep Borrell stated during his meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Brussels on Monday.

Regarding the challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the High Representative/Vice-President recalled the EU's strong solidarity with the Republic of Moldova. In addition to €108 million mobilized to deliver protective equipment, strengthen the healthcare system and support socio-economic recovery, the Republic of Moldova has already also benefitted from €50 million of emergency Macro-Financial Assistance from the EU.

Josep Borrell reaffirmed the commitment of the EU to strengthen political association and economic integration with the Republic of Moldova by working in close partnership, on the basis of the ambitious Association Agreement. He welcomed the President's strong focus on and mandate for reforms, strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption.

They also discussed internal developments and the need for decisive and effective steps to regain the trust of Moldovan citizens in state institutions, to build a strong and independent judiciary and ensure a stable financial and banking sector.

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and President Sandu also discussed the situation in the Transnistrian region. The High Representative reiterated the EU's commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement process within the framework of the 5+2 process and reaffirmed its steadfast support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within internationally recognized borders, in line with the OSCE Ministerial Statement from December 2020.