The countries from Eastern Europe must have a European perspective, especially because they are favored by the geographical factor, said the chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Association with Moldova, MEP Andi Cristea.
“Morocco wanted to join the EU and could not owing to its geographical position. Moldova is yet in Europe. I will be a correct advocate and commit myself to obtaining results, but it is essential for the Moldovan political class, which is replaced, wins power and loses it, to be responsible because the ball is on its field, and we support the political leaders so that all the necessary things are done,” the MEP said in a meeting with Moldovan journalists in Brussels, IPN reports.
According to Andi Cristea, the European neighborhood policy needs to be reviewed and the progress made by each state apart and the separate level of ambitions should be taken into account here. The last revision was performed in 2010 and covered mainly the southern component, following the Arab Spring.
“In the East, we have the Eastern Partnership. Moldova is ahead because it signed the Association Agreement with the EU and implemented the liberalized visa regime and the progress made was much more important,” said the MEP, adding that Moldova can gain benefits from the DCFTA, which should be implemented all over the country, including Transnistria. “The ‘more for more’ principle promoted by the previous administration of the European Commission suggests that the reforms should be very consistent.”
Andi Cristea said the European neighborhood policy will be reviewed because the states have a different level of ambition, with Russia being involved in a very sophisticated game aimed at influencing and promoting false ideas and myths about what Moldova and its coming closer to the EU mean. The EU’s duty is to transmit the messages that are correct and not affected by lies and should do more.
