EU High Representative meets Moldovan President and welcomes strong focus on reforms

On 18 January, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell met the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu in Brussels.

Josep Borrell reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthen political association and economic integration with the Republic of Moldova by working in close partnership, on the basis of the ambitious Association Agreement. He welcomed the President’s strong focus on and mandate for reforms, strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption, and assured her of the EU’s full support.

Borrel and Sandu also discussed internal developments and the need for decisive and effective steps to regain the trust of Moldovan citizens in state institutions, to build a strong and independent judiciary and ensure a stable financial and banking sector.

The High Representative also stressed the EU’s strong solidarity with the Republic of Moldova during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to €108 million mobilised to deliver protective equipment, strengthen the healthcare system and support socio-economic recovery, the Republic of Moldova has also benefitted from €50 million of emergency Macro-Financial Assistance from the EU.

Borrell underlined the EU’s commitment to help ensuring that coronavirus vaccines are accessible to all, including in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood. Furthermore, additional EU assistance, in particular through the World Health Organisation, can be used by the Moldovan authorities to be adequately prepared for the coronavirus vaccination campaign.

Borrell and Sandu also discussed the situation in the Transnistrian region. The High Representative reiterated the EU’s commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement process within the framework of the 5+2 process, and reaffirmed its steadfast support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within internationally recognised borders, in line with the OSCE Ministerial Statement from December 2020.

Maia Sandu also met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn, and European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.

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