For almost three decades now, since Chisinau proclaimed its independence from Moscow, Bucharest has been the most fervent supporter of Moldova\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Also, for more than ten years, Romania has firmly encouraged its neighbor\u2019s European aspirations. Therefore, it\u2019s no surprise that in Brussels on Monday the Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu chaired the meeting of the Group for European Action of the Republic of Moldova, held on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council.<\/p>\n
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The Group is an informal ministerial mechanism, established in January 2010, at Romania\u2019s initiative, with support from France. The Group analyzed Chisinau\u2019s European track, with focus on reforms and action priorities against the background of the implementation of the EU — the Republic of Moldova association agreement. Melescanu pleaded for a firm support from the EU member states and institutions for the Republic of Moldova\u2019s European goals. Besides progress made in various fields, the Romanian minister stressed, additional efforts are still needed. Melescanu announced that in April the European Commission would transfer funds to Moldova, aimed at ensuring the latter\u2019s macro-economic stability.<\/p>\n
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In an exclusive statement for Radio Romania, the Foreign Minister stated that this aid is a form of validation of the reforms promoted by the pro-Western government in Chisinau. He also added that one of the Council\u2019s conclusions concerned the freedom of the press in Moldova, given that Chisinau authorities are worried about the influence of the Russian language media. Teodor Melescanu:<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe recommendation made was about ensuring the freedom of the media and at the same time finding means to hold the media accountable and raising their awareness as to the importance of promoting real, not fake news. Focus was also laid on the importance of increasing state institutions\u2019 opposition against the fake news used to describe the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the EU<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n
Teodor Melescanu\u2019s statements referred to the new audio-visual law in the Republic of Moldova, the so-called \u2018anti-propaganda law\u2019, which restricts broadcasts by Russian TV channels. According to experts, the law is not a form of censorship or limitation of the freedom of expression, it\u2019s just a means of curbing the anti-western propaganda that has invaded the Chisinau media, in particular against Romanians, often imbued with slander and apocalyptic rumors. Pundits say that the stake of such media campaign is both electoral and geo-political. Because, in the run up for the legislative elections due later this year, it only serves the interests of the pro-Russian president Igor Dodon, who has been openly pleading for giving up the European path and returning to Moscow\u2019s sphere of influence. (Translated by M. Ignatescu<\/em>)<\/p>\n
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