A4-0274/95

Resolution on the economic and trade aspects of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolution of 9 July 1992 on economic cooperation between the European Community and the Commonwealth of Independent States ((OJ C 241, 21.9.1992, p. 161.)),

- having regard to its resolution of 12 March 1993 on future agreements between the European Community and the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union ((OJ C 115, 26.4.1993, p. 248.)),

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement negotiated between the EU and the Republic of Moldova,

- having regard to its assent of 30 November 1995 to the Conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part (95/0249(AVC)) ((Item 1(e) of these Minutes.)),

- having regard to Rule 148 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on External Economic Relations (A4-0274/95),

A. whereas Moldova has undertaken a deep reform of its economic system, in particular in the areas of trade, monetary and budget policies and privatization,

B. whereas successful reform of the economy and a balanced increase in prosperity are important factors in the (political) stability of parliamentary democracy and the peaceful coexistence of the various minority groups in Moldova,

C. whereas assistance from the EU and other international donors and access to Western markets will be essential in the future in order for Moldova to complete successfully the transition towards a market economy,

D. whereas Moldova's external economic relations have badly suffered from the economic crisis in certain neighbouring countries, as well as the collapse of traditional trade relations,

E. whereas, therefore, it is important for the EU to encourage regional cooperation between Moldova and the other Independent States, notably Russia and the Ukraine,

F. whereas the EU and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, on the other part, signed, on 28 November 1994, a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement; whereas the objectives of this partnership are:

- to provide an appropriate framework for the political dialogue between the parties allowing the development of political relations,

- to promote trade and investment and harmonious economic relations between the parties and so foster their sustainable economic development,

- to provide a basis for legislative, economic, social, financial, and cultural cooperation,

- to support efforts of the Republic of Moldova to consolidate its democracy, develop its economy and complete the transition to a market economy,

1. Welcomes the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova;

2. Stresses that, on the basis of Article 2 of the agreement, 'respect for democracy, principles of international law, and human rights as defined in particular in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, as well as the principles of market economy, including those enunciated in the documents of the CSCE Bonn Conference, underpin the internal and external policies of the Parties and constitute an essential element of partnership and of this Agreement¨;

3. Stresses the link existing between a negotiated solution to problems arising with respect to minority rights in Moldova and the normal functioning of the agreement;

4. Expresses in this connection its appreciation of the constitutional solution, achieved with the assistance of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, to the problem of the minority in the Gagauz region and hopes that a solution can ultimately be found to the problems in Transdniestria;

Specific aspects

Trade in goods

5. Agrees with the general principle of bilateral trade liberalization on MFN basis, with a view to examining in 1998 the possibility of the establishment of a free trade area;

6. Notes however that trade in textile products is covered by a separate agreement, while trade in ECSC products is not subject to MFN conditions and trade in nuclear products shall be dealt with, 'if necessary¨, by a specific agreement;

7. Supports the Moldovan unilateral declaration on the advisability of a bilateral agreement on trade in wine;

8. Considers that the EU should examine, in the context of future free trade agreement negotiations, a more generous access for Moldovan agricultural exports given the importance of this sector for the Moldovan economy;

9. Approves of the possibility given Moldova, until 31 December 1998, to grant more favourable treatment to the other independent States of the former Soviet Union;

Provisions affecting business and investment

10. Agrees with the general objectives of the measures regarding labour conditions, right of establishment and operation of companies, and cross- border supply of services;

11. Notes that Article 25 might entail discrimination between nationals of the Member States with regard to labour conditions in Moldova;

12. Notes the Moldovan reservations concerning national treatment with regard to banking services (minimum capital requirements);

Other aspects

13. Acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Moldova with regard to current payments and capital movements, competition, intellectual, industrial and commercial property protection and legislative cooperation;

14. Approves of the exhaustive list of subjects proposed for economic cooperation; stresses in particular the importance of cooperation in the fields of education and training, the fight against crime, energy, environment protection, transports and social affairs;

15. With regard to financial cooperation, welcomes the results of the TACIS programme for Moldova; asks the Commission to take account of the high priority attributed by the Moldovan authorities to training programmes in the fields of management and administration;

16. Regrets the delays in the disbursement of the macro-financial assistance adopted by the Union on 13 June 1994;

17. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the governments of the Member States and of the Republic of Moldova.