On Monday 15 July, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, announced the transfer "in the next few days" of a tranche of aid worth €14.54 million for the Moldovan budget.
The funds cover three programmes: support for the implementation of the free trade agreement, a vocational training programme and visa liberalisation.
At a press briefing, at the end of the working lunch between Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu and his counterparts from The Twenty-Eight, the Commissioner said that a second disbursement could take place in the autumn.
In addition, subject to a positive IMF report - which appears to be on track - and the necessary conditions being met, the EU should release part of the macro-financial assistance in early autumn and perhaps a second tranche of aid by the end of the year. The total amount of aid is €100 million, in grants (€40 million) and loans (€60 million).
For his part, Mr Popescu promised that his country would continue its efforts in the fight against corruption - especially at the highest level - and against the power of the oligarchs. He added that it was important that the judicial system be independent and not be subject to political influence. These needs were also highlighted by Mr Hahn, who emphasised the importance of the fight against corruption, a transparent and effective judicial system and the strengthening of the efficiency of the Moldovan administration.
Mr Popescu noted in turn that "the only foreign policy orientation" for the government, a coalition of pro-Europeans and pro-Russians, was "integration with the European Union", via the Association Agreement and the strengthening of cooperation between his country and the European institutions and Member States.
In addition, Mr Hahn announced that Prime Minister Maia Sandu, who was in Brussels on 3 July, would return "next week", (see EUROPE 12288/17). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)