On Friday 31 March, Moldova's Prime Minister Pavel Filip said his government would implement a number of reforms this year.
"2017 must be the year to mark a further renewal in the area of reforms. 2016 was the year of stability, and 2017 must be that of growth, investment and delivering reforms", Filip said at a press conference after the third EU-Moldova Association Council.
He underlined the fact that his government wanted to continue these reforms –reforms which are welcome in the view of European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. Hahn called for emphasis to be put on fighting corruption and reforming the judicial system. In its statement, the Association Council highlights reforms in the areas of the media (especially its pluralism), energy and the business climate. "We addressed the electoral system. Any change should be based on a broad consensus between the political forces, the parties, and also a real consultation of civil society in line with the recommendations of relevant international partners", Hahn told press. The EU also underlined the need for comprehensive, impartial and effective investigations into the banking fraud that was uncovered in 2014.
Hahn underscored the importance of respecting the commitments under the association agreement and free trade agreement, and of continuing their implementation.
Asked about the intention of the Moldovan president to sign a memorandum of understanding on Moldova's participation in the Eurasian Union, Filip gave a reassuring answer, saying that neither his government, nor parliament would give their consent for the agreement to become effective.
The Association Council also called for Moldova's efforts to be stepped up in settling the Transnistria conflict on the basis of sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognised borders with a special status for Transnistria.
Alongside the Association Council, the EU and Moldova signed an agreement on security procedures for the exchange and protection of information classified as secret. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)