Brussels, 01/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - The association agreement between the EU and Moldova entered fully into force on Friday 1 July. It had been applied provisionally since 1 September 2014.
“During the provisional application of the EU-Moldova association agreement we were pleased to already see some concrete results. Moldova's exports to the EU have increased, and the EU has confirmed its position as a first trade partner of Moldova”, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn stated.
“Now, fundamental changes in political and economic governance need to take place, so Moldovans can see real change. We are looking forward to real reforms on the rule of law, justice, the independence of institutions from political pressure, and on economic development”, he added.
The EU-Moldova association agreement involves Moldova in an ambitious programme of structural reforms for democracy and the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, good governance, foreign and security policy, a market economy and sustainable development.
It also provides for enhanced cooperation on environmental protection, social development and social protection, consumer protection, education, youth and culture, industry, energy and transport.
Since provisional implementation of the agreement, Moldovan exports to the EU have increased, with a number of products thriving on EU markets - such as preserved vegetables (+455% since 2014), preserved fruits and nuts (+228%) and chestnuts (+290%).
In addition, the European Commission hails Moldova's progress on reforms, with a large number of laws adopted. However, the Commission calls for the systematic implementation of this legislation.
An association agenda which outlines the short- and medium-term reform priorities for Moldova for 2017-2020 is currently being drawn up. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry