Moldova has only one plan – integration into EU, and this is the basic objective of our country. The statement was made today by Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, after a meeting with European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Cretu, in Chisinau.

“Every meeting and visit of European officials in our country talks about the fact that relations between Moldova and EU are becoming more and more complex. We need an open and constructive dialogue to carry out successfully the reforms for benefit of citizens. I have thanked the European Commissioner for appreciation and encouragement, but also the way EU representatives chose to dialogue with us, sincerely and constructively,” said Filip.

The official reiterated Government’s firm commitment to implement the initiated reforms. “We are realistic, we know where we have progress and where we have arrears. I also discussed with the Commissioner about the regional projects. We talked about political and foreign dimensions and reiterated that main objective of Moldova is integration into EU too. At the core of the governance programme, it is the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement and we are determined to continue reforms which have been initiated. The European path is irreversible, it was and is basic objective of my mandate,” said Pavel Filip.

At her turn, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Cretu, stressed that actions of Moldova on road of reforms and modernisation of the country are recognised in Brussels.

“We are here to help and work together to focus on implementing reforms in key sectors such as: economic development, job creation, improving business environment, energy, justice and creation of rule of law. We want to remain a strong partner for development of the country, including in terms of regional development. We discussed development gap between Chisinau and other regions of the country. We know that half of Moldova’s GDP and half of its active population are concentrated and come from Chisinau. Thus, an effective regional policy can help reduce these differences and promote balanced development across the country. The regional policy can help create conditions and opportunities for jobs for all citizens of Moldova,” said the official.

“Actually, Moldova is implementing more significant programmes, including cross – border programme with Romania, by EU financial support of over €80 million, co – financed from regional financing account and European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI). These are Cahul and Ungheni districts for which EU accompanies local authorities to develop a long – term development strategy, as young people stay in the country and have a good future here. We have several projects of common interest on both sides of the border such as education, research, cultural heritage, accessibility, and security of citizens. At the same time, we estimate that they will create over 20 thousand jobs in Moldova,” said Corina Cretu.

European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Cretu, pays an official visit to Moldova on 17 – 19 May, at invitation of Prime Minister, Pavel Filip.

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