€94 million bilateral support has been allocated by the European Commission for the Republic of Moldova as part of the Annual Action Programme 2012.
 
The new funding, channelled through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), will focus on reforming the administration of justice, enhancing local and regional development, improving the system of vocational education and training, as well as preparing ground for the new bilateral agreements with the EU.
 
In the justice sector, the EU will support the government's efforts to build an independent, transparent and professional justice system able to contribute efficiently to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
 
With respect to regional development, the programme will help Moldova to reduce the economic and social disparities among regions. In education, the EU will continue to support the reform of the vocational education and training system to adapt it to the actual labour needs of a functioning market economy. Finally, a Framework Programme will provide technical assistance as necessary to help the Republic of Moldova to negotiate and implement its future agreements with the European Union and facilitate its participation in EU programmes and agencies.
 
Moldova is already an active member of the Eastern Partnership and the announcement of this new support confirms the EU's commitment to further supporting the country's reform process.
 
The Annual Action Programme 2012 for Moldova is composed of four components:
•Support for Justice Sector Reform;
•Support for vocational education and training (VET) sector;
•Pilot Regional Development Programme: to support the Republic of Moldova in advancing its economic, social and territorial cohesion.