Moldovan PM says Moldova stays firmly determined to carry out reforms, Association Agreement with EU

Chisinau, 24 November /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova stays firmly determined in carrying out the reforms and the Moldova-European Union Association Agreement. Prime Minister Pavel Filip made statement to this effect at a plenary meeting of the fifth Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit today, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.    

The prime minister said that the Moldovan authorities, in cooperation with the European Union, were focused on identifying new sources of economic growth through stimulating the small and medium-sized business, as well as attracting investments. At the same time, on the multilateral and regional dimension, Moldova relies on initiatives such as cutting the tariffs for roaming and harmonizing digital markets, modernization of transport networks, as well as implementation of energy inter-connection projects.     

The prime minister said that the Partnership’s initiative was successful and the today’s Summit was a good opportunity to assess the results achieved and establish long-run priorities. In the context, the prime minister noted that it was essential that EaP regains the political importance and charge which was initially ascribed to it and generate new projects.   

”It is important that we bring a new breath, think strategically, have courage and set to achieve greater objectives. And it is only natural that we want that each Summit to be a step forward and visionary approaches prevail over temporary calculations,” Pavel Filip said.      

At the same time, the PM appealed to European officials to maintain the political commitment and practical involvement in the relations with the eastern neighbours. ”For us, this is a critical period, a period of difficult reforms and unpopular decisions. A visible presence of EU in our region is crucial. I believe that the eastern neighbourhood remains the most fertile ground where the European Union’s involvement, based on principles, European values and good practices can yield good fruits,” the prime minister stressed.     

In the context, Filip specified that the positive messages on behalf of the EU countries mobilize the authorities from the EaP countries to make progress in implementing reforms. “The European future of our citizens is our country project. It is important that we think in terms of European aspirations and prospects.”

At the same time, the prime minister said that Moldova regarded the situation as realistically and pragmatically as possible. “We still have to fulfill much “homework” in terms of strengthening the democracy and the rule of law state, promoting social and economic reforms. Besides these complex processes, we should put emphasis on initiatives which will bring tangible and concrete results. After all, the principal beneficiary, as well as evaluator of the transformations we carry out is the citizen,” Pavel Filip said.       

In the end of his message, the prime minister underlined: “We remain attached to the values of democracy and the rule of law state. We are determined to cover all stages of the European way.”