Parliament of Moldova, European Parliament sign renewed Memorandum of Understanding

The parliament of Moldova and the European Parliament signed the renewed Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels today. The document was signed by the Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding, which enters into force today, aims to bring the parliament of Moldova closer to European Union standards. It provides for the strengthening of institutional capacities and the support of reform efforts, contributing to more efficient legislative and administrative activity.

The parliamentary support activities set out in the document will continue to assist Moldova on its path toward accession to the European Union. Thus, every autumn, the two institutions will jointly draw up and agree on an activity plan for the following year. The support activities will include study visits and exchanges of best practices between parliamentarians, training and professional development programmes for parliamentary staff, facilitation of dialogue between parliamentary factions, as well as strengthening the capacities of parliamentary commissions. At the same time, initiatives will be promoted to reinforce the role of young MPs and women parliamentarians in the decision-making process, alongside the organization of parliamentary conferences, seminars and round tables, both in Moldova and at one of the headquarters of the European Parliament.

“We have taken another important step on our European path. The new memorandum, which enters into force today, will bring the parliament of Moldova even closer to European Union standards, by strengthening institutional capacity and supporting our reform efforts. It is a partnership that helps us become better, more efficient and more prepared for the status of member state. We have reliable partners by our side and, together, we are building, step by step, Moldova’s European future,” said Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.

The previous Memorandum of Understanding on a Joint Framework for Supporting Parliamentary Democracy was signed by the former European Parliament President David Sassoli and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu on November 29, 2021. The document expired upon the conclusion of the previous legislature of Moldova’s parliament.