Moldova and the EU signed three new agreements on cooperation in customs, taxation and health care sectors.
The documents were signed following a meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council in Brussels on February 7, at which the parties agreed to further strengthen cooperation in a number of key areas in line with Moldova's obligations under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. Moldovan government and the EU permanent delegation to Moldova said Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita signed agreements on Moldova's behalf in the fields of customs, taxation and health: Fiscalis, Customs and EU4Health programs. In particular, the agreement on Moldova's accession to the EU4Health program will grant Moldova access to EU funds in the health sector. Under the agreement, the Moldovan health authorities will be able to participate in joint actions for health authorities in specific fields: mental health, European health data space, global health, non-communicable diseases and EU network of integrated cancer centers. In addition, public or private health actors will be able to apply for funding to support actions such as combating cross-border health threats, preventing chronic respiratory diseases, improving the mental health of vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, and improving health systems and health services. Moldova can receive funding on an equal basis with organizations from EU member states, as well as other associated countries: Norway, Iceland and Ukraine. The agreement will apply retroactively from January 1, 2023. In addition, new agreements were signed on closer cooperation in the fields of customs and taxation. The European Commission signed two agreements between the EU and Moldova, which enshrine Moldova's participation in the EU Customs and Tax programs. This means that Moldova will be able to participate in both programs along with EU and other member states. Moldova's participation in the Customs and Tax Programs will enable Moldovan customs and tax authorities to participate in various joint activities and to benefit from a broad training portfolio. All these new areas of cooperation are of particular importance given Moldova's status as an EU candidate country. The signing of these documents follows last year's agreement between the EU and Moldova on mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, which bring together traders who meet certain criteria and can benefit from simplified customs procedures. During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita said that participation in EU programs is an important part of Moldova's European integration process. High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi also welcomed Moldova's accession to the EU Customs and Taxation Programs, as well as to the EU4Health Program. // 08.02.2023 – InfoMarket
