Brussels, 27/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 February, European Council President Donald Tusk called on Moldova to address urgent attention to the weaknesses in its financial sector.
“We agree that critical weaknesses in the financial sector need to be addressed urgently”, he said at the end of a meeting with Moldova's new prime minister, Chiril Gaburici - who was on his first official visit abroad.
Tusk also stressed the need for Moldova to adopt further measures to fight corruption, improve investment conditions and reform the justice sector. “The European Union will continue to stand by Moldova in this process, financially as well as with technical support”, he assured, adding that “Moldova is a key partner for the European Union and we look forward to continued close cooperation in the weeks, months and years ahead”.
Gaburici stated that he had given Tusk plans for implementing reforms that will cover the areas of justice and fighting corruption, as well as for building a transparent and solid banking system and sustainable economic growth. “All these reforms are crucial for reaching the objective of European integration for the Republic of Moldova”, Gaburici said, who is described as a “convinced pro-European”. “All these reforms will enable Moldova to be part of Europe”, he added.
The EU and Moldova signed an association agreement on 27 June 2014 (see EUROPE 11110) and Moldovans have enjoyed a visa-free regime for short stays since April 2014 (see EUROPE 11068). “Moldova is transforming itself into a modern European state. Implementing the [association] agreement, and pushing ahead with much-needed reforms, will speed up this process”, Tusk stated. The first EU-Moldova Association Council is due to take place on 16 March.
Tusk also reiterated the EU's support for all efforts towards a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict - a settlement based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova with a special status for the separatist region of Transnistria. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)