We recall that the European Union initiated the Eastern Partnership three years ago in an attempt to step up collaboration with six former Soviet countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Moldova’s progress in the integration process is first and foremost the outcome of pro-European policies fostered by a political coalition that has been trying to banish the ghost of the communist rule in the 2000-2008 period.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has recently said that the Republic of Moldova plays a key role within the Eastern Partnership. On that occasion, Merkel hailed the recent progress in the field of reforms and the negotiations on the association and free trade agreement and visa liberalization.

Romania continues to play an important role in clearing the path for Moldova’s EU accession. Bucharest authorities have discussed with their EU partners to assist the Republic of Moldova in meeting all accession goals. Romania has provided expertise in Moldova’s negotiations with the EU with respect to the liberalization of trade and the visa regime. Moreover, Romania has been Moldova’s foremost advocate in supporting that country’s EU aspirations. In October, our country drafted a letter subsequently signed by the Foreign Ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, calling on the EU Foreign Affairs Council to kick off the evaluation process of requirements stipulated in the second phase of the Action Plan on the Liberalization of Visas for Moldovan citizens. The document highlighted that the Republic of Moldova had consolidated its position as key candidate within the Eastern Partnership.

The signatories to the letter pointed to the willingness and capacity displayed by Chisinau authorities in stepping up progress in key fields and in adopting sensitive legislative regulations. The document also praised Moldova’s successful negotiation of the future association agreement with the EU and of the extended Free Trade Area.