New deal purportedly brings Moldova a step closer to association agreement with EU
CHISINAU. Nov 6 (Interfax) - Moldova and the European Union on Thursday signed deals marking one more step toward a planned association agreement between them.
The Memorandum of Understanding on the Single Support Framework for EU Support to the Republic of Moldova for the period of 2014-2017 and the financing agreement to support the implementation of a "deep and comprehensive free trade area with Moldova" were signed in Chisinau by the new European commissioner for neighbourhood policy and enlargement negotiations, Johannes Hahn, during his first mission to Moldova in his new capacity and Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, the EU Delegation to Moldova said in a statement.
"The Single Support Framework aims at providing the necessary assistance for the implementation of the commitments and policy objectives defined in the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement and Agenda. It sets out the strategic further assistance for Moldova in 2014-2017 in support of the implementation of the Association Agenda. The three priority areas are public administration reform, agriculture and rural development, police reform and border management," the delegation said.
"A support programme on the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) signed also today will help public institutions, citizens and the business community to seize the benefits and opportunities of the Association Agreements with the EU, including the possibility of increased access to the EU market," it said.
Thirty-million-euro DCFTA support to Moldova "targets competitiveness of small business, development of national legislation in line with EU quality standards and promotion of export and investment opportunities, communication and information campaigns on the Association Agreement with the EU," the delegation said.
