Romania supports the pro-European orientation of the Republic of Moldova
Hosted by Lithuania, next months EU summit is also expected to acknowledge the European vocation of a number of ex-Soviet states, including the Republic of Moldova.
Bogdan Matei, 30.10.2013, 12:30
At least in procedural terms, Western institutions continue to advance to the East, to what was once known as Moscow’s area of influence. At the upcoming EU summit, for example, Ukraine may sign an association agreement with the European Union, while two other ex-Soviet states, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, may initial similar agreements.
Romania, through its president, government and parliament, has been a constant supporter of Moldova’s pro-European efforts. Speaking in Brussels with the leaders of the pro-western coalition in Chisinau, the European commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fule said Moldova is now in a better position to implement a future association and free trade agreement with the EU. He also deplored Russia’s attempts to thwart Chisinau’s European aspirations through critical statements and an embargo on imports of Moldovan wines:
“And while any kind of pressure on Moldova regarding its determination to have the Association Agreement with the EU is unacceptable, I emphasize that this Agreement is not at the expense of anyone — there are concrete benefits also for the neighbours of our neighbours.”
The leader of the Moldovan Liberal Democratic Party Marian Lupu said his country would soon establish an “association timetable”:
“We have no debts, no stand-by issues, no outstanding measures to implement. The path to initial this agreement in Vilnius is wide open.”
As Europe’s poorest state, battling corruption and the unresolved issue of break-away Transnistria, Moldova still has a long way to go before its European integration.
