Brussels, 24/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 23 January, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the development of relations between the EU and Moldova, reiterating that these relations “are developing at full speed” and that in 2013 the EU and Moldova initialled an association agreement, lifted the quota for Moldovan wine, and started the process to remove visa requirements. “Now it is important to sustain this dynamic and use the promising potential for the benefit” of the Moldovans, he added, emphasising effective completion and implementation of reforms. He also underlined the importance of fully restoring and guaranteeing the integrity and independence of state institutions, as well as the importance of constitutional reform, deep judicial reform, the fight against corruption and improvement of the business climate. While Fule has “seen encouraging progress” over the last months, “much remains to be done”, he said.
Reiterating that the EU remains committed to the signature of the association agreement - a signature which is planned before August 2014 - Füle welcomed the fact that the text has been published in Romanian and Russian so that all citizens, including in Transnistria, can see what this is all about. He encouraged them “to have a look at the text to see the benefits and opportunities this agreement and closer cooperation with the EU offer to everyone here but also in the neighbourhood”. (CG/transl.fl)