Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission
6.12.2016
In 2014, the EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement[1], including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, confirming that Moldova wishes to pursue deeper relations with the EU based on shared values. The Commission is committed to supporting the political association with and economic integration of Moldova, provided that Moldova leads on implementing reforms.
The EU budget support to Moldova was suspended in July 2015, pending an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The agreement approved on 7 November 2016[2], follows lengthy negotiations and significant progress by the Moldovan authorities on the implementation of the prior actions related to macroeconomic stability. The Commission will continue to strictly apply the conditions related to public finance management and to the performance on public policies.
The Court of Auditor’s report[3] emphasised the importance of political will to improve the public administration. The Commission takes this forward in the ongoing political dialogue and supports the Moldovan reforms related to public administration and anti-corruption.
The Commission has already acted on weaknesses identified by the Court, including providing regular updates of risk analysis and taking a more results-based approach to the provision of financing. The Commission agrees with the recommendations of the Court and has begun implementing them.