EU reaffirms course toward Moldova's European integration

CHISINAU. Feb 8 (Interfax) - The European Union - Moldova Association Council reaffirmed its commitment to Moldova's European development perspective at a meeting in Brussels on February 7.

"The future of Moldova and its citizens lies within the European Union," the Council said in a joint statement circulated by the EU Delegation to Moldova on Wednesday.

"The EU welcomed Moldova's considerable efforts to continue with its reform agenda and fulfil the nine steps identified in the commission's opinion in order to advance towards future EU membership. Moldova underlined its determination to meet the necessary requirements in order to start accession negotiations as soon as possible," it said.

"The EU reiterated its commitment to support Moldova's macroeconomic and financial stabilization efforts in step with Moldova's key reforms through the ongoing 150 million euros macro-financial assistance program. The EU reassured of its readiness to further support Moldova in line with its financing needs, including through a proposal to increase the ongoing macro-financial assistance by up to 145 million euros," it said.

"The EU welcomed steps taken by Moldova in the fight against corruption, and reiterated its expectation that Moldova steps up efforts in this area, at all levels by taking decisive steps towards proactive and efficient investigations, and a credible track-record of prosecutions and convictions as a matter of highest priority. The EU welcomed the commitment of Moldova to step up efforts of de-oligarchization by eliminating the excessive influence of vested interests in economic, political and public life," it said.