Germany’s three governing parties have pledged continued support for Moldova’s EU candidacy in a motion tabled in parliament on Tuesday, which also calls to improve the country’s accession process.
Moldova was granted EU candidacy status in June alongside neighbouring Ukraine.
Germany’s ruling parties also called to “modernise” the accession process by offering Moldova “attractive intermediate steps” as well as “direct, earmarked budget support for overcoming short-term challenges.”
The EU accession process has been criticised in the past for not providing a clear and reliable path to EU membership based on a candidate country’s success in reaching the agreed benchmarks.
In the motion tabled in parliament, the parties pointed to Moscow’s “imperialistic” rhetoric with regard to neighbouring Ukraine and how it contributes to Moldova “seeing its security endangered.” It adds to Chisinau’s fears that it could be Moscow’s next victim and face invasion are “justified and understandable.”
Meanwhile, the three parties also argue that Moldova has moved closer to the EU since the election of President Maia Sandu, who they say is backed by a “reform-oriented, pro-European majority” in parliament.
Under Sandu, the country has “turned on a brave and ambitious reform path” and taken up citizens’ demands for reform geared towards strengthening democracy and rule of law and eradicating corruption and nepotism, they added.
(Julia Dahm | EURACTIV.de)
Source: euractiv.com
