The EU stands for the continuous implementation of the reform program in Moldova and pledges financial assistance in this matter.
This is stated in the Report on the implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova, which the European Union published on the eve of the 6th meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council, which will take place on 28 October. As reported by the EU Delegation to Moldova, the document contains a conclusion that despite Moldova's deviation from standards and reforms in the field of the rule of law in the second half of 2020, the snap parliamentary elections on July 11 provided a clear and strong mandate for reform supporters to implement the ambitious programs to combat corruption, improve the justice system and fight poverty. The document notes that, in general, reforms in the justice sector have stalled, although there has been registered some progress in the preparation of a new Justice Strategy for 2021–2024 and the recent adoption of constitutional amendments that consolidate the independence of the judiciary. Six years after the start of the 2014 banking fraud investigation, none of the main culprits went to jail, and the lost assets were never returned. In 2020-2021 the trials were repeatedly postponed, the charges against the shareholders of the affected banks were dropped, and the convicted criminals were released early from custody. The COVID-19 pandemic has served to the introduction of emergency measures, including the state of emergency. This led to a 7% drop in GDP in 2020, a decline in private consumption and deterioration in the budgetary situation. During the reporting period, Moldova was the main recipient of EU macro-financial assistance. In July 2020, 30 million euros were allocated, and in November 2020, 50 million euros were allocated to meet the urgent financial needs arising from the COVID 19 crisis. Following significant progress in the implementation of the agreed reforms, the Commission on 7 October 2021, disbursed an additional 50 million euros. The EU remained Moldova's main trading partner, accounting for 53% of its total turnover. A new Customs Code was adopted on 24 August 2021, which has paved the way for future customs cooperation and trade facilitation. On July 16, 2021, the European Commission included Moldova in the list of third countries entitled to export dairy products to the EU, subject to special risk mitigation measures. At the same time, amendments to the Law on Internal Trade, adopted and promulgated by the previous leadership, contradict Moldova's obligations under DCFTA, as well as the provisions of the World Trade Organization on national treatment of goods, and should be amended. Moldovans continued to enjoy visa-free travel to the EU and Schengen countries. The fourth report under the visa suspension mechanism, adopted on August 4, 2021, confirmed that Moldova still meets the criteria for visa liberalization. However, in the report it also noted that further efforts are needed to address the problem of unfounded asylum claims, harmonize Moldova's visa policy with the lists of third countries whose citizens need visas to enter the EU, as well as shortcomings in the field of financial fraud, combating money laundering, prevention and fight against corruption and organized crime. The full report is available at the following link: https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/swd_2021_295_f1_joint_staff_working_paper_en_v2_p1_1535649.pdf // 20.10.2021 - InfoMarket
