Brussels, 07/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 November, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Moldova's Prime Minister Iurie Leanca signed the memorandum of understanding for the EU's support to the Republic of Moldova over the 2014-2017 period. The framework includes an indicative bilateral allocation up to €410 million. This single support framework aims to provide the necessary assistance to the implementation of commitments and political objectives defined in the agenda and in the association agreement between the EU and Moldova. It sets out the strategic assistance to help implement the association agenda. The three priority areas, determined in collaboration with the Moldovan government, are reform of the public administration, agriculture and rural development, and reform of the police and border management. “All these sectors touch upon key elements of social and economic development, as well as rule of law and security”, the Commission states in its press release.
Hahn and Leanca also signed a support programme for implementing the deep and comprehensive free trade area, which is allocated €30 million. This programme targets the competitiveness of small businesses, the development of national legislation in line with the EU's quality standards, the promotion of opportunities for export and investment, and communication and information campaigns on the association agreement with the EU. The funding was granted under the “more for more” mechanism, which rewards progress in democratic reforms with additional financial allocations.
Moldova and the EU signed their association agreement, which contains a deep and comprehensive free trade area, on 27 June (see EUROPE 11110). (CG)