The Council of the EU recognizes and insists Moldova's reforms. Moreover, our country's contribution to the Eastern Partnership Summit last year is appreciated in Brussels. Foreign Ministers of the European Union, meeting in the Foreign Affairs Council, praised Moldova's progress and encouraged the authorities to step up the overall reform process.

According to the conclusions publicized today, the Council reaffirms its commitment to strengthening political association and economic integration between EU - Moldova by close partnership based on the Association Agreement that entered into force in July 2016. 

The European Union remains committed to supporting progress in reforms which are needed to reap the benefits of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova

Heads of European diplomacy stressed that, the Chisinau authorities adopted several legislative initiatives related to the priority reform areas identified in the Council Conclusions. The Council highlights that it is crucial that the reforms started in 2016 are implemented. The Council recalls that EU assistance to the Republic of Moldova is based on strict conditionality, and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms

The European Union will continue to strengthen coordination and monitoring of support to the reform process in the Republic of Moldova.

Moldova's constructive contribution to the Eastern Partnership Summit of 24 November 2017 is appreciated and the Council encourages our country to continue contributing to the achievement of the 20 deliverables for 2020.

The Council regrets that the new electoral law did not address some of the key recommendations of the Joint Opinion of the Council of Europe Venice Commission and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Moreover, The Council welcomed recent appointments to the anti-corruption institutions and the adoption of the law on the prevention and combating of money laundering. In addition, reforms aimed at ensuring macroeconomic and financial stability and restoring credibility to international donors have been appreciated. 

Against this background, the Council draws attention to the importance of ensuring that law enforcement and the judiciary system function impartially, and expresses concern for cases of prosecution against some lawyers, judges and political opponents. The Council recalls that a selective use of law enforcement and selective justice undermine the rule of law and the public's respect and faith in the judicial system.

In the context, the publication of the summary of the second Kroll report in December last year was positively appreciated. Another positive aspect was the effective implementation of the visa-free regime in the short term.

 For a democratic society is media freedom and pluralism, Moldova is urged to pursue the long overdue comprehensive reform of the audiovisual code that would enhance transparency and competition in the sector, with a view to addressing the concentration of media ownership, guaranteeing media freedom and pluralism, creating a business environment conducive for the activity of independent media outlets and offering high quality information to its citizens

The encouraging progress in the 5 + 2 process to solve the Transnistrian conflict was also appreciated. EU foreign ministers note that new efforts are needed to fight a more decisive fight against corruption. EU officials also recall the importance of meeting all the recommendations of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission and the OSCE.

In addition, the country's authorities are encouraged to continue reforms to improve the business environment and boost economic growth. The Council urges our country Moldova to complete energy sector reform and accelerate the implementation of interconnection projects.

The Council expects the Republic of Moldova to step up its reform efforts related to the implementation and enforcement of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, including by strengthening the operational capacity and independence of the relevant institutions

On the other hand, the Council welcomes the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding, Loan Facility Agreement and Grant Agreement on the Macro Financial Assistance in November 2017 and their ratification by the Moldovan Parliament in December 2017

The Council reaffirms its commitment to strengthening political association and economic integration between the EU and Moldova, and recalls that European assistance is based on strict conditionality and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms.

The European institution welcomes the Moldova's interest to advance on cooperation with the EU in the security and defence field as well as its participation in the EU-led CSDP missions and cooperation under action 18 of the Joint Communication "Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats"

Read more the Council conclusions on the Republic of Moldova