European Commissioner for Economy: We expect quick actions from Moldovan authorities

Chisinau, July 6. /MOLDPRES/- Moldova has made important reforms on European integration and has successfully managed several overlapping crises in recent years, but it still has a lot to do. The EU will further support our country and expects quick actions from the Chisinau authorities to enable the unlocking of a new installment of the previously agreed macro-financial assistance. European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni made the statements today at a press conference held alongside Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

Paolo Gentiloni said that some of the EU recommendations have already been fulfilled by our country, and others still require additional commitment. Under these conditions, the EU expects swift action to honor policy commitments and, specifically, macro-financial assistance.

"We had a good conversation on the economic situation, the next steps in relation to EU support and relations between the EU and the Republic of Moldova. We know that Moldova has faced a huge challenge in recent years: the pandemic, the energy crisis, the impact of war and hybrid threats. I want to acknowledge that these efforts have taken place in parallel with ambitious reforms. The conditions we agreed upon together will further strengthen the energy security of the country, improve the business environment, support the fight against corruption. The actions discussed regarding macro-financial assistance represent an important aspect of the preparation process for the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU. They correspond to the nine recommendations that were submitted by the European Commission. Some of these recommendations have already been met, others still require additional commitment. We expect swift action to honor these policy commitments and specifically macro-financial assistance. I am sure that this will happen, which will allow us to disburse the second installment of 145 million euros, which was to be allocated in two desirable installments by the end of this year. The European Commission will continue to support you," said Paolo Gentiloni.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean said he discussed with the European official about the macro-financial assistance granted to Moldova and about the progress achieved by our country in fulfilling the conditionality established in the relationship with the EU. "Three of these have already been completed, we still have work to do on the others. We discussed the macro-financial assistance, I thanked for the additional budget allocated for the Republic of Moldova this year. We discussed various recommendations so that macro-financial assistance can be used even more effectively, so that we can adjust to European regulations, and support the economy. We examined various issues related to trade and exports in the EU. We appreciated that we have an opening for the further liberalization of trade with the EU, which creates opportunities for foreign investments and for increasing the volume of exports of Moldovan products. We want to diversify the list of products exported to the EU. We expressed to the Commissioner the interest in being included in the economic reform programs. This is necessary for us to strengthen our capacities to stimulate the economy", said Recean.

Paolo Gentiloni is on a visit  to Chisinau on July 6-7. He has scheduled meetings with several officials, including President Maia Sandu and Speaker Igor Grosu.

Photo: Government