Foreign Affairs on April 16–30, 2011

European integration

EU-Moldova negotiations on the protection of geographical indications are over

On April 18 the European Union and the Republic of Moldova concluded negotiations on an agreement to protect the Geographical Indications (GIs) introduced in 2008 that obliges Moldova to protect more than 3 200 European GIs for food products, wines and spirits enjoying protection in the EU. The objective of this agreement is to better protect consumers in terms of not being misled on the rule of the true origin and quality of the product, as well as to promote and foster trade relations in agricultural products and foodstuffs originating in the territories of both Moldova and the European Union.

Under the agreement, Moldovan businesses in general and winemakers in particular will have to rename their products known as domestic in France, Portugal, Italy and Spain (Cahors, Champagne, Porto, Cognac, etc.), in order to be accepted for export to EU. Moldovan producers will enjoy a 5-year transition period and meanwhile Moldova will have to adjust the legislation to the agreement on the reciprocal protection of the geographical indications with the European Union.

Moldova is the second among the EU Neighbourhood Countries after Georgia to sign such an agreement with the EU. The Agreement will now be passed to Council and the European Parliament and to the legislative authorities of Moldova in order to be approved.

Sitting of governmental commission for European integration

The governmental commission for European integration convened in an ordinary sitting on April 28. The sitting focused on three topics: the first progress report concerning the EU-Moldova Action Plan on Visa Liberalization, which is to be submitted to the European Commission on May 5, 2011; the start of the negotiations on creation Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area; the celebration of the Day of Europe in Moldova.

Deputy Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, minister of foreign affairs and European integration, indicated a delay in implementing the national programme on the Action Plan on visa liberalisation, with just one out of 41 legislative acts planned to be enforced by May 2011 being adopted before the sitting. Prime Minister Vald Filat was unsatisfied with the work of authorities who delay the fulfilment of visa liberalisation commitments and ordered the advising of all legislative drafts and their emergent inclusion into agenda of his cabinet, so that the next sitting to be able to approve and deliver them to the Parliament.

Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmic informed that in March Moldova tabled to the European Commission the first progress report concerning the implementation of the EU recommendations aimed to begin negotiations on creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The second progress report is to be tabled in June 2011.

The commission approved the action plan on celebration of the Day of Europe to start on May 7.

Note by ADEPT: The emergent approval of a large number of legislative drafts without consulting citizens and interested parties could hit their quality and is almost illegal under the law on decision-making transparency, which says that “urgent draft decisions can be worked out and adopted without respecting the levels of this law in case of emergencies established by law.”

Bilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Romania

Acting President and Speaker Marian Lupu was on a formal visit to Bucharest during April 28–29, this being the first trip abroad after Moscow and Brussels in his quality of interim president and speaker. While on visit to Bucharest, Mr. Lupu had bilateral meetings with Romanian President Traian Basescu, Senate Head Mircea Geoana, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Roberta Anastase, Premier Emil Boc, and leaders of parliamentary factions. The agenda of the official visit also included meetings with Romanian businesspersons, potential investors via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania.

While meeting Traian Basecu, Marian Lupu thanked him for the 100-million-dollar assistance provided by Romania. Mr. Basescu stated that using at maximum this irredeemable financial support for feasible bilateral projects is important. As well, the Romanian president underlined the need of overcoming the political crisis in Moldova and electing a president, otherwise the acting government runs the risk to lose the interest and credit from the European Union.

Talks with Romanian Premier Emil Boc focused on fostering bilateral economic relations between the two countries. Mr. Lupu said that Moldova-Romania relations will also focus on developing economic exchanges, promoting common, trans-border and infrastructure projects, and attracting investments in Moldova. Premier Boc stated that organizing a common sitting of governments of the two countries next autumn probably would be an important step forward strengthening bilateral relations.

The Romanian consular office opened in Ungheni on April 26. Although the consulate was not formally inaugurated, it already issues small border traffic permits.

Republic of Moldova — Russia

The Russian Government has approved a draft agreement concerning the supply of fruits and vegetables from Moldova. The agreement issued for an indefinite term foresees the supply of fruits and vegetables and issuance of documents, including for the transit. The agreement covers fruits and vegetables carried by businesses and individuals for personal purposes. Thus, individuals will not need quality certificates any longer to transport small quantities of fruits and vegetables for personal consumption.

Republic of Moldova — Latvia

Latvian Foreign Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis was on a formal visit to Chisinau on April 27–28 to have bilateral meetings with his counterpart Iurie Leanca, interim President and Speaker Marian Lupu, Prime Minister Vlad Filat, and the deputy prime minister for reintegration, Eugen Carpov. Bilateral meetings focused on dynamic of the Moldova-EU visa liberalization dialogue, perspective to begin negotiations on creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, perspective to join the European Common Aviation Area, industrial and technical-scientific collaboration, cooperation in areas of the rule of law and local public administration. The Latvian foreign minister expressed Latvia’s support for the European integration of Moldova, noting that his country is ready to share experience in the area. In this respect, foreign ministers of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation in the European integration area.

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