Debate: Taking stock of Moldova's path to the EU
Date: TUESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Janez Lenarčič
Language: EN

During the past year, Moldova has made good progress on its European path. Moldova also took important steps to increase its energy resilience and become independent from Russian gas. The country is now an important corridor for Ukrainian grains, an essential part of the solidarity lanes. Moldova achieved this progress while dealing with substantial refugee flows from Ukraine, soaring inflation, uncertain energy supplies and the loss of key export markets. Moldova is facing hybrid threats and attacks on its democracy, disinformation is rife and Russia’s proxies are using illegal funds to influence political life. In June, Commissioner Várhelyi gave to the Council an oral update on progress made by Moldova on the nine steps outlined in the Commission opinion on Moldova’s application for EU membership. We concluded that Moldova had completed three of the nine steps. We commend the Government’s continued commitment to Moldova’s EU path. This has by now translated into further progress in key areas such as judicial reform, fighting corruption, organised crime and money laundering, and pursuing important reforms. Let me give you some examples of recent progress. Moldova has changed the legislation governing the justice sector in cooperation with the Venice Commission. Moldova is pursuing its vetting process to make the justice system more accountable and independent. The Supreme Council of Magistrates was renewed and the Supreme Court of Justice is being reformed. Moldova has reformed its anti-corruption institution and is reforming its approach to de-oligarchisation. It has adopted legislation which facilitated asset freezing of oligarchs. It is pursuing corrupt high officials and convicted in absentia its most known oligarch, Ilan Shor. Later in the autumn, the Commission will present the annual enlargement package. For the first time, it will comprise an assessment of Moldova’s overall progress as a candidate country, including the implementation of the nine reform steps. On that basis, EU Member States will be able to take informed decisions on further steps on Moldova’s EU path. Let me now elaborate on how the EU assists Moldova, both on its EU track, as well as in addressing the various challenges. A lot of support has been offered to Moldova through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including, for instance, over 160 generators to support the energy sector. On 31 May, President von der Leyen announced a new package to support Moldova with concrete initiatives. The reduction of roaming prices, one element of the five priorities of the support package, was already delivered on 1 June. Telecom operators signed a political agreement to lower data and voice roaming charges starting from next year. This is the first step of improving connectivity that will benefit people and businesses. Another priority pillar of the package is support for the energy sector. In the short term, we are providing EUR 105 million to help vulnerable people and households and, of course, to prepare for next winter. On energy and all other areas of engagement, the Economic and Investment Plan is a vital tool. We are also working to leverage funds of up to EUR 1.6 billion with the Economic and Investment Plan in public and private investments for the benefit of Moldova’s economy and people. As a result of EU commitments, a total of already EUR 920 million worth of expected investments have been identified and are being rolled out. These will have major benefits for Moldova and its citizens in key sectors such as supporting SMEs, energy efficiency in public buildings and residential housing, as well as investments in solidarity lanes. In the long term, we need to increase Moldova’s energy resilience. We need to invest in renewable energy, which is crucial to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. We also need to develop Moldova’s capacity to generate electricity. The support package also prioritises Moldova’s security and resilience. Support through the European Peace Facility is doubling Moldova’s defence budget. Regarding internal security, the country cooperates with international partners and EU agencies through the EU support hub. By increasing its own security, Moldova also contributes to the security of the EU. Moreover, the Commission will shortly disburse the second instalment of the macro-financial assistance for Moldova. EUR 145 million in loans and grants will support Moldova’s macroeconomic and financial stabilisation. We are also stepping up our assistance to increase Moldova’s resilience against Russia’s hybrid threats and disinformation. Honourable Members, to further support the implementation of the support package, the Commission has proposed redeployments within NDICI to increase support to Moldova in the revision to the multiannual financial framework. The Commission counts on Parliament’s support for this proposal. Last but not least, the next meeting of the Moldova Support Platform will take place on 17 October in Chișinău. The platform brings together a wide range of partners from the EU and outside, with the aim to mobilise further assistance for Moldova’s economic development.