Moldova one step closer to the European Union

An overwhelming majority of the European Parliament today voiced its consent to ratify the Association Agreement between the European Union and Moldova, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). MEPs wanted to send a strong signal of European support and encourage other Member States to ratify the Association Agreement as soon as possible.

The Chairman of the EPP Group, Manfred Weber MEP, stressed the importance of continuing the reform process for the benefit of Moldovan citizens: “Today’s vote brings Moldova yet another step closer to the European Union. Visa-free travel to the EU has already been a reality since April this year. Due to the determination of its government, the country has made significant progress in reforms and strengthening relations with the EU. This is necessary in order to put the country on the right track where people’s aspirations for a free society, fair justice system and prospect for development should be at the basis of any political agenda. As I said in Chisinau this summer, in a situation where Russia closes its borders and creates economic problems, Europe opens its frontiers. Today, we voted to give a helping hand to the citizens of Moldova and to show our solidarity in times of external pressure against the country.”

The EPP Group Spokesman for Security and Defence and Shadow Rapporteur of the European Parliament’s initiative Report accompanying the Agreement, Michael Gahler MEP, underlined the benefits of the Association Agreement: “The EU sees Moldova as a close partner. The Association Agreement brings Moldova substantially closer to the EU and comprehensively strengthens our relations. The EU offers a form of relationship that is based on negotiations, partnership, and solidarity, not on threats and violence. Our Union is designed to ensure reconciliation and to make war impossible. We support Moldova’s efforts to improve democratic structures and good governance. The Single Market is our tool for innovation and the creation of jobs, wealth and social progress. This is what we have to offer Moldova. The implementation of the Association Agreement Agenda is crucial for improving the daily lives of Moldovan citizens.”

The EPP Group will send a Fact-Finding Mission to Moldova this week to express its strong support for the pro-European approach in Moldova in view of the upcoming elections on 30 November 2014, where the EP will also be present by dispatching a 7-Member delegation to observe these elections which are crucial for the country’s future.