MEPs confirm support for Moldova’s new reform agenda
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24. Juni 2019 In Aktuell

MEPs confirm support for Moldova’s new reform agenda

Following a visit by a European Parliament delegation to Chișinău, Moldova, on Monday 24 June, Vice-President Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, FI) stated:

“We are fully supportive of Moldova’s new government and its work on the reform agenda, in close cooperation with civil society. The priority now should be given to reforming key rule-of-law institutions such as the judiciary and the prosecutor’s office, as well as anti-corruption agencies. These priority reforms should be accompanied by a determined effort to heal the deep social divisions that we have seen in recent months, including through a commitment to genuine inter-party dialogue in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Any future election should benefit from a reformed electoral framework, in line with past international recommendations.

The European Parliament is always willing to support our closest partners in building cross-party consensus on the reform agenda, based on the implementation of the association agreement, and in strengthening their democratic institutions. I have therefore expressed readiness, on behalf of the European Parliament, to facilitate cross-party engagement in the Moldovan parliament through the Jean Monnet Dialogue. If there is interest from all sides in the parliament, the offer is there, we remain available.”

The purpose of the visit was to assess the political situation on the ground, following the recent political crisis, and to take stock of Moldova’s current relations with the EU. In addition to Ms Hautala, the Parliament’s delegation was composed of two other MEPs: Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, RO) and Claire Moody (S&D, UK).

Background

The parliamentary elections in Moldova on 24 February resulted in a hung parliament. This lasted effectively until June when, after long political uncertainty and increased tensions in the country, new Prime Minister Maia Sandu’s pro-EU political alliance ACUM was able to finally put in place a government coalition together with the pro-Russia PSRM party, effectively ousting the former rulers of the Democratic Party led by powerful businessman Vladimir Plahotniuc.