In a draft resolution adopted by 31 votes in favour, 6 against and one abstention on Thursday 4 May, the European Parliament's international trade committee backed the Commission's proposal of granting EU macro-financial assistance to Moldova, but it nevertheless called for the suspension of payments if conditions are not met.
In their amendments to the Commission's proposal of a combination of grants and loans worth €100 million to support the external financial needs of Moldova, which is currently recovering from economic and political turmoil (see EUROPE 11703), MEPs suggest that the macro-financial assistance should be subject to Moldovan authorities' commitment to sound public finance management, the fight against corruption and money laundering, the de-politicisation of public administration, an independent judiciary, and free media.
The MEPs call for these conditions to be linked to the payment of each instalment and for the Commission to temporarily suspend or cancel any payments, if conditions and are not met.
"The Republic of Moldova needs EU support to address the macro-economic difficulties it is currently facing. The EU has been and should remain a reliable partner of the country as it transforms itself into a fair society that is governed effectively and transparently", rapporteur Sorin Moisa (S&D, Romania) said.
The international trade committee decided to enter inter-institutional negotiations with the Council based on this mandate – negotiations that can take place if the Parliament confirms this mandate at its plenary session in May.
The Council reached an agreement, at ambassadors' (Coreper) level on 12 April, on its negotiation position on the macro-financial assistance to Moldova (see EUROPE 11767).
This assistance, which could go up to €100 million (including €60 million in loans and €40 million in subsidies), is aimed at supporting the Moldovan programme for economic stabilisation and structural reform, helping the country cover its external financing needs over the next two years. It would be added to the resources of the IMF and other multilateral institutions. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)