Victoria Boian, FPA project coordinator, told a press club on Thursday that European integration was one of the priorities of the Moldovan Government in 2010. On January 12, negotiations were started on an association agreement with the European Union. Four rounds of talks have been held until present, with a fifth to follow in January 2011. Another important step, in Victoria Boian's opinion, was the launch on June 15 of negotiations on a liberalized visa regime for the Moldovan citizens.
“We can observe that the European Union has demonstrated unprecedented openness towards the Republic of Moldova and this can be seen also in the creation of a so-called Friends of Moldova Group. Another important step forward was the signing, by the European Commission on May 15, of a comprehensive memorandum on strengthening Moldova's institutional capacity, which is a €41 million project”, remarked the expert.
Talking about Moldova's relations with the neighboring countries, FPA program director Eugen Revenco remarked that the Filat Government's efforts were concentrated on developing good neighborhood relations and on building strategic partners in an European spirit. Moldova managed to improve the relationship with Romania, which resulted in over 20 different agreements being signed, with Romania becoming a donor for Moldova. One of the most sensible issues on the bilateral agenda was the border regime. With the Border Regime Treaty signed, Chisinau settled an issue which had been greatly exaggerated by critics.
“With Ukraine things were simpler, but the relationship with this country has traditionally seen ups and downs. Over the last year Moldova had very good starts, but also very unexpected setbacks. And this can be attributed to preterm elections in both countries”, said the expert.
Concerning the relationship with the United States, FPA director Victor Chirila stated this country has demonstrated that it has been a reliable partner with respect to the advancement on Moldova's European integration agenda. For next year, apart from the country's democratization, the Moldovan government should also think about a strategic partnership, which would include additional elements, like the component of regional security and the component of economic growth, said Victor Chirila.
The FPA expressed these opinions and comments in a year-end review of Moldova's foreign policy at the 7th press club organized with the support of Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
