Foreign Affairs on January 26 – February 8, 2004

European integration

Preparations

On January 27, a session of the National Commission for European Integration was convened, also attended by the President Voronin. The latter pointed that “European integration is not a goal in itself, but rather a strive to European economic, democratic and social values and standards”, and therefore the year 2004 was to become for Moldova “a year of laying the institutional and legal foundation for structural reforms in economy, politics social and humanitarian fields, as well as of connecting to European policies and bringing domestic law in accordance with European standards”. In Voronin’s view adequate institutional mechanism would be established, among others via a Council established with the Presidency, which would “co-ordinate and settle any issues related to European integration and oversee how the engagements assumed by the country are being carried out”. Another new idea voiced by the President was the adoption of a informational governmental programme of European integration of the Republic of Moldova. In a related note, members of the National Commission were briefed about the fact that on January 26 European Commission had submitted to Chisinau the draft Individual Action Plan Republic of Moldova — European Union and that the first round of negotiations was scheduled for January 29. On this occasion, the President once again pointed the importance of “strictly complying” with the previously agreed terms with EU.

First round of negotiations on the Individual Action Plan Republic of Moldova — European Union

The first round of negotiations began on January 29 in Chisinau, the next two being scheduled for mid-March 2004 so as to finalize the document. It is expected that UE General Affairs Council would be approve the document by the of May, after European Commission endorses it. Moldovan negotiations were headed by Andrei Stratan, at that time Deputy Foreign Minister, whereas EU by Hugues Mingarelli, Chief of Department in the Foreign Affairs General Directorate of the European Commission. According to the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited by Info-Prim, three roundtables were established: (1) International security, justice and internal affairs issues; (2) Economy, finance, trade, social issues, agriculture and development; and (3) Transportation, telecommunications, energetics, information society, co-operation in humanitarian field. At issue were the structure and elements of the Action Plan.

Future actions

The results of the aforesaid talks were reviewed during two sessions, one convened by Prime-Minister Tarlev and other by President Voronin. During the first one the head of the Moldovan group of negotiators reported on the process of negotiations and mentioned that “in the nearest future Moldovan side is to prioritise the actions to be taken and come up with its own vision of the document”. In this respect Prime-Minister Vasile Tarlev asked Ministries and Department to formulate by February 5 their positions on the document, which are to be co-ordinated with European Integration Department at the national level, and afterwards with European Commission.

At the initial stage, Ministry of Economy would be responsible for the economic and social issues, including environment and healthcare; Ministry of Justice would deal with political reforms and liaison with EU on justice and internal affairs; Ministry of Transportation and Communication would co-ordinate such issues as transportation, telecommunication, energetics, information society; and Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be responsible for maters related to culture, education, scientific research and civil society.

During the second session, President Voronin called on mobilising the efforts of Moldovan officials so as to prepare for the second round of negotiations on the Individual Action Plan, scheduled for February 23 at Brussels. At issue was also the co-operation with the countries members of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe as well as participation in the EU launched cross-border co-operation initiative.

Free trade agreement

As part of its engagements assumed when associating to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Liberalisation and Facilitation of Trade in South-eastern Europe, on January 28 Republic of Moldova concluded a Free Trade Agreement with Macedonia. The Agreement provides for free trade between the two countries until December 31, 2007.

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