The European Commission has resumed budget support assistance to the Republic of Moldova by disbursing 14.54 million euros to support the implementation of the EU-Moldova free trade agreement, to finance vocational education training and to assist the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan.
Johannes Hahn, commissioner for European neighbourhood policy and enlargement negotiations, said: “Today’s package is a clear sign of the EU support to the Republic of Moldova and its citizens. It is also an appreciation of the steps already taken and an encouragement to the authorities to continue on this path in particular when it comes to the strengthening of the rule of law and democracy, and fight against corruption. The EU is strongly committed to supporting and accompanying the Republic of Moldova in this reform path.”
The resumption of disbursements comes after a nearly two-year period during which such payments had been put on hold because of a deterioration of the rule of law in the country. The commission has said however that Moldova’s recently installed government, led by Maia Sandu, has taken important decisions, which have allowed the EU to assess that the conditions have been met to resume its budget support.
In particular, the EU recognises that the new government has strongly expressed its commitment to implement the reform agenda as enshrined in the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, and has identified the fight against corruption as the first priority of its programme.
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