Brussels hosted first meeting of Moldova – EU Association Council

The first meeting of the Moldova – European Union Association Council was held in Brussels in the evening of March 16, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.



The agenda included the examination of the progress made in implementing the Association Agreement and the setting of tasks for the immediate period. The reformation of justice, corruption combating and ensuring of stability in the banking sector remain the Moldovan administration’s key objectives within the European course. The European partners noted the progress made by Moldova so far. Moldova’s exports to the EU in 2014 rose by about 10%, while imports by 4%. Progress was made in adjusting the national legislation to the European standards and in promoting projects to ensure energy security.



Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici said the country’s modernization in accordance with the highest European standards and the improvement of people’s lives are the top priorities of the Moldovan Government. He underlined that only this way can progress be ensured on the path of European integration, including within the Eastern Partnership dimension.



The dialogue partners agreed the priorities for the immediate period, including the areas that necessitate concerted effort for doing reforms in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014, which envisions the provision of €410 million in financial assistance over the next three years. The European officials reiterated their readiness to continue to offer the necessary assistance and counseling.



The meeting was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Moldova’s Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici.



The meeting also involved the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, who represented the rotating presidency of the EU. Moldova’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Stephane Bride, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Victor Osipov, Minister of Finance Anatol Arapu, and Minister of Justice Vladimir Grosu.