European Commission proposes extending Moldova autonomous trade measures

BRUSSELS. May 2 (Interfax) - The European Commission has proposed prolonging the suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the European Union for another year.

"The Commission has proposed today to renew and expand the suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the European Union - known as autonomous trade measures - for another year," the European Commission said in a communique published in Brussels on Tuesday.

According to the document, the proposal "renews the current suspension of import duties on Moldovan exports to the EU for another year and extend this suspension to all remaining tariffs and tariff rate quotas on Moldovan imports."

"This is a clear signal of EU's full support for Moldova's economy and helps further alleviate the difficult situation," it said.

The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union "with a view to ensuring the seamless transition from the current regime of autonomous trade measures to the new one," the European Commission said.

The European Commission believes that the autonomous trade measures, in force since July 25, 2022, have had a positive effect on Moldova's trade to the EU. Over the past year, these measures have helped Moldova reorient exports via the EU. Overall, exports from Moldova to the EU increased from 1.8 billion euros in 2021 to 2.6 billion euros in 2022, the commission said.