Parliament speaker says opening of new cluster of negotiation chapters confirms EU’s confidence in Moldova

The opening of a new cluster of negotiation chapters with the European Union represents a confirmation of the confidence of European partners in Moldova and in the country’s ability to continue the reforms it has undertaken in the accession process. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has made statements to this effect at a   programme on the public television channel Moldova 1.

The speaker noted that, despite recent public scandals related to remuneration and employment in the public sector, the relationship with the European Union and the confidence of European partners in the European path of Moldova stay strong.

“The European Union’s confidence in the European path of Moldova is firm. I can confirm this from the discussions I have with our partners. Of course, these scandals and incidents are regrettable, but the European Union evaluates the country, first and foremost, through the authorities’ ability to react to these situations,” said Igor Grosu.

According to the parliament speaker, the European Union monitors how state institutions manage the problems that arise, including their capacity to acknowledge shortcomings and to take measures to correct them.

“What matters is the ability of state authorities to react, to sanction where sanctions are needed, to correct and to move forward. That is what we are doing,” the speaker said.

Igor Grosu emphasized that progress in the European integration process was assessed not only by the adoption of the necessary legislation, but also by the effective implementation of reforms.

“European partners look at results, at how decisions are enforced and at the changes taking place in society. Laws are important, but the most important thing is that they work and deliver concrete results for citizens,” said parliament speaker.

In the context, Igor Grosu noted that the opening of a new cluster of negotiation chapters with the European Union proves that Moldova continues to benefit from the support and confidence of the member states.

“The fact that we have advanced in the negotiation process and that we have received this recognition from our European partners shows that Moldova is on the right track and that our efforts are being acknowledged,” he said.

Referring to the recent scandals regarding remuneration in the public sector, the parliament speaker said that such situations must be addressed from the perspective of institutional responsibility. He specified that those who had abused must be sanctioned and those who had benefited from certain resources must return them.

As for the situation involving Anastasia Taburceanu and the state-owned enterprise MoldATSA, Grosu said that she had returned all financial resources received from the institution.

“From the information I have up to date, she has returned to MoldATSA’s account all resources she received from this institution,” said Igor Grosu.

The parliament speaker reiterated that Moldova must continue its reforms and integrate into the EU by 2030.