On Thursday, 3 October, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stressed that the EU expects all Moldovan politicians to support the government’s reform programme.
“What we wish to see is strong and continuous support across the political spectrum for this very ambitious, robust, and courageous reform path, based on commitment to the comprehensive implementation of our Association Agenda together with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area,” she emphasised during a press conference with Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu. This was Ms Mogherini’s first visit to the country in her capacity as High Representative.
The head of European diplomacy specifically highlighted the need to strengthen the independence of state institutions and the complete reform of the judiciary and the public prosecutor’s office. “An independent and accountable judiciary is key to the further successful democratisation of Moldova as well as for the country's growth and enhanced resilience”, she explained.
Ms Mogherini also reiterated that it was imperative that all those involved in the 2014 bank fraud be effectively prosecuted. For her part, Ms Sandu emphasised combatting corruption and reforming the justice system.
Recognising that reforms were complicated and difficult to implement, the high representative promised that the conditionality of financial assistance would be accompanied by technical assistance. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)