Swedish Government adopts new reform cooperation strategy with Moldova

The Swedish Government adopted the next Cooperation Strategy that will guide Swedish-Moldovan reform cooperation during 2011-2014. The strategy’s overarching objective is that Moldova will become well integrated with the European Union and its values, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau. “The Moldovan Government’s strategic objective is integration with the European Union and significant progress regarding reform has been achieved during the last few years. Sweden can, through our considerable support channeled through our Embassy in Chisinau, contribute to the fulfillment of these reform commitments,” Swedish Minister for Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson said in Stockholm. The Swedish support will comprise three sectors: Democracy, Human Rights and Gender; Sustainable Infrastructure, and Market Development. The support will strengthen continued harmonization of legislation and regulations to that of the EU with particular focus on gender equality and respect for human rights. Investments in energy infrastructure will complement support to institutional reforms to contribute to more sustainable development in line with international commitments. Increased trade will be spurred through harmonization to EU regulations and efforts to lower cost of doing business in Moldova. ”The Swedish support will continue strengthening Moldovan institutions and their capability to deliver good services to the citizens. With support to market development and smaller companies we expect to contribute to economic growth and the well-being for Moldovan citizens, not the least to women whose increased participation in decision-making and economic life in Moldova will make a strong contribution to ensuring prosperity for all,” said Swedish Ambassador to Moldova Ingrid Tersman. The Swedish support will amount to approximately €12 million per year, with a possibility for an increase toward the end of the four-year period. Sweden is one of the largest bilateral donors in Moldova and the strategy confirms Sweden’s commitment to support further steps in Moldovan-EU-relations within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.