Debate: Report on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova
Date: MONDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2020
Speaker: Josep Borrell Fontelles
Language: EN

But as you have been emphasising, only tangible significant progress on the Moldovan side, with the full implementation of necessary reforms, will enable progress in addressing long-term challenges with which you are very familiar. These challenges are weak state institutions, persistently high levels of corruption and oligarch structures, a deficient judiciary, an aging population and economic challenges faced by young people, leading to poverty and brain drain through immigration. As an associated country, Moldova remains an important partner within the Eastern Partnership Framework. The presidential elections on 1 November will be a crucial juncture in our partnership, and as the report highlights, these elections will be a test for democracy and the rule of law in the country, thus practices contravening international standards must be absolutely avoided. In previous elections, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observed vote-buying, misuse of state resources and pressuring voters, among others. That’s quite a lot – vote-buying, misuse of state resources, pressuring voters, among others. In the current COVID-19 context, it is even more important to ensure that all Moldovans are given a free and fair opportunity to vote, following a transparent, inclusive and credible election process, which we will be closely monitoring. We also expect the Moldovan authorities to address the recent actions that risk the hard-won independence of the National Bank of Moldova and the stability of the global banking sector. I agree with your report that the lack of results of the prosecution are unexplainable – not to use another word. Multiple postponements of the ongoing trials of the 2014 one-billion-dollar banking fraud, which means 15% of Moldova’s GDP, are deeply problematic. Clear delivery on that issue is a litmus test for Moldova’s fight against corruption. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on Moldova. Our solidarity and assistance in response to the pandemic has been strong and the European Union remains the biggest provider of aid. We have mobilised over EUR 100 million in bilateral grant support, focusing on the immediate need for protective equipment, strengthening the healthcare system and supporting socio-economic recovery.  Looking ahead, we will be updating our association agenda. This offers a further opportunity to focus on reform priorities across all sectors, supporting civil society and, in particular, engaging with local actors and strengthening independent media will remain key. We shall also continue the full implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, supporting small and medium enterprises and advancing the ambitious process of regulatory approximation. Our future assistance will continue to be linked to clear delivery and reforms. The European Union’s strict and smart conditionality phase out as it pushes the necessary reform to improve lives and strengthen Moldova’s resilience. This is the purpose of our association agreement, and I am very happy to participate in this presentation of your report. I fully agree with the need to continue working with Moldova and to fully engage on the fight against coronavirus and these challenges that I have been mentioning which show that this country really needs and deserves our support.