Foreign Affairs on February 23 – March 14, 2004

European integration

VI reunion of the Republic of Moldova — EU Co-operation Council

The VI reunion of the Republic of Moldova — EU Co-operation Council, a mechanism institutionalised via the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement signed by Moldova and EU in 1998, and entered in force in 1998 was held in Brussels on February 24. Topping the agenda was the settlement of the Transdnistrian conflict. In this respect, Prime Minister Tarlev who headed Moldovan delegation asked EU officials to establish a monitoring mission over the Transdnistrian border with Ukraine without involving the parties to the conflict. As it was the case of previous reunions, European Union’s foreign policy and security chief Javier Solana once again reiterated EU’s commitment to work along OSCE and international mediators towards identifying long-term political solutions to Transdnistrian conflict. EU officials briefed Moldovan counterparts on the extension for another year of the restrictions on the travel of 17 Tiraspol leaders.

European officials were also committed to give their full support to the elaboration of a new Moldovan Constitution, take an active part in the post-conflict reconstruction and be part of the multinational peacemaking forces. In addition, the two parties reiterated the importance of boosting co-operation on issues of migration, justice, internal affairs and customs that would be subject to European assistance by means of the TACIS Programme.

The recommendations provided by the European officials referred to: consolidation of the co-operation between the two countries, bringing domestic legislation in accordance with European standards, improving business climate, as well as special programs on fighting corruption and money laundering.

Throughout 2004–2006 EU will allocate 500 million Euro for Russia and New Independent States, funds to be distributed based on the country performance and areas of need as identified by domestic governments.

EU-Republic of Moldova Action Plan

Moldovan delegation headed by Tarlev participated in Brussels at the second round of the EU-Moldova Joint Action Plan talks. At the negotiation table Moldova side voiced its own vision over the document and insisted on including a separate chapter on Transdnistria. Other propositions Moldovan side came up with included country involvement in various European programs and communication networks; extension of European Investment Bank mandate; preferential visa regime as well as an asymmetric trade agreement.

As for the latter, there are growing signs that Brussels is willing to sign such an agreement and open up European market to Moldovan goods and services. Negotiations of the agreement are due to start in March. Until then Moldovan side is to come up with an efficient mechanism of confirming the origin of exported goods.

Back from Brussels, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Stratan stated “we managed to prove of being able to achieve all the targets set for the Republic of Moldova”, which ideologically were not that much different from those set for accession countries, just in another wrapping, i.e. Joint Action Plan.

Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

International conference “Republic of Moldova within the Stability Pact — Achievements and Perspectives”

Chisinau hosted on March 1 an international conference entitled “The Republic Of Moldova In The Stability Pact — Achievements and Perspectives”. A delegation of Stability Pact headed by its Special Coordinator Erhard Busek flew to Chisinau for the event. President Vladimir Voronin awarded him the Order of Honour “as a sign of deep gratitude for the efforts undertaken in view of Republic of Moldova integration in the European structures and significant contribution towards promoting a favourable image of the country on the international arena”.

In his speech President Voronin reiterated Moldova’s interest to join European Union and the country’s interest in taking part in the Stability Pact projects. He also called on developing and implementing joint projects with partners in South-Eastern Europe and assured that Moldova wouldn’t fall short of propositions in this respect.

In his turn Erhard Busek recommended Moldovan authorities to continue the path of reforms and learn the experience of Stability Pact member states which would soon join the European Union and thus avoid unnecessary efforts. According to Busek to approach the E.U. Moldova should ensure a sound investment climate, fight more actively organised crime, diversify energy sources and gradually join various initiatives within the Pact and other organisations.

Free Trade Agreement with Croatia

Republic of Moldova and Republic of Croatia signed a free trade agreement on February 27 in line with the provisions of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe. The document developed in accordance with the WTO standards provides for gradual removal of customs barriers between the two countries until January 1, 2006.

Free Trade Agreement with Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the only country member of the Stability Pact that Moldova didn’t conclude a free trade agreement with. However, such an agreement might be concluded at the end of March or beginning of April as the two countries already completed the negotiations on the document.

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