European Parliament Vice-President: “Moldova must speed up EU accession negotiations”
The Republic of Moldova is prepared to begin a new round of cluster negotiations with the European Union by the end of the year. In an interview with Moldova 1 TV, Victor Negrescu, the Vice President of the European Parliament responsible for relations with Moldova, emphasized the importance of accelerating the negotiation process. He noted that the Economic Growth Package, valued at 1.9 billion euros, will serve as a significant test for the government in Chișinău.
Technical negotiations with the EU, before the political decision
"I was the author of that paragraph in the European Parliament Resolution by which we ask the European Council to start negotiations on chapters, on clusters. And, at the same time, I am also the initiator of that letter, signed by dozens of MEPs from 19 member states, by which I asked Mr. President António Costa to put this topic on the agenda of the European Council. I also discussed it with Mr. Costa, who assured me of his support. And I believe that together we managed to identify a solution so that, beyond the opposition towards Ukraine, coming from several member states, the Republic of Moldova can continue this negotiation process", Victor Negrescu declared to Moldova 1 TV.
The European official insisted on a strategic approach and on initiating technical discussions by the end of this year, before the formal political decision.
"In the next few months, things should evolve technically. The Republic of Moldova, from the information I have, is ready for this new stage of cluster negotiations. I wish and hope that this will be achieved, with negotiations at the technical level beginning on all files in parallel. It is not simple, but it would be useful," explained Victor Negrescu.
The Economic Growth Package – the test for Chisinau
Regarding the Economic Growth Package, worth 1.9 billion euros, the Vice President of the European Parliament stressed that public transparency could unlock additional funds.
"The Growth Facility is a test that the authorities in Chisinau must pass, especially on the transparency component and the effective implementation component, tangible results. Because there will be much more money from now on, if this mechanism is efficient and one that leads to the desired results. We are also negotiating the European Union budget for next year. We have supported in the perspective the increase in funds for the Eastern Partnership area - an increase of 25 million of this European program", the MEP specified.
According to Victor Negrescu, European opportunities are means for reducing dependence on external financing.
"I understand that this is the priority of the new Government: economic development. In this sense, these European financial resources must be used practically and pragmatically in this direction", the Vice President of the European Parliament said.
Romania - strategic partner and leading investor
Addressing public and private investments, Victor Negrescu highlighted Romania's role as the primary partner.
"And I say it in advance, I am one of the main advocates for Romania to create a mechanism for Romanian investments in the Republic of Moldova and I expect this mechanism to be outlined quite quickly. Romania is the main investor and we will continue to be present here. The goal is to develop things together with the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and to have joint, performing companies", the MEP emphasized.
The Republic of Moldova's location near a conflict zone makes it less attractive to investors. The pressures from the Russian Federation and foreign interference - all of these things reduce investment appetite in the Republic of Moldova, Victor Negrescu also said, noting that a national development strategy is needed, based on analyses of geopolitical risks.
