EU Senior Official visit to the Republic of Moldova calls on the Government to rapidly conclude an agreement with the International Monetary Fund

Katarína Mathernová, the European Commission's Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, visited Chisinau on 20-21 June, to discuss progress in reforms in key areas, particularly in the banking sector.

During her visit, Ms. Mathernová held meetings with the leadership of the government, the Governor of the Central Bank and IFI partners.

In her meetings, Ms. Mathernová emphasized the need for genuine implementation of reforms included in the priority reforms roadmap. Structural reforms are needed for the benefit of the country and her citizens. Ms. Mathernová underlined EU support to the Republic of Moldova in her path in implementing reforms aimed at tangible change.

Governance in the banking sector was given particular attention in the meetings. Ms. Mathernová encouraged the authorities to conclude an agreement with the IMF rapidly, to address the remaining weaknesses in the banking and energy sectors. This agreement is necessary for the resumption of EU budget support financing.

Background:

The EU has been supporting the Republic of Moldova in its commitments to reforms and implementation of the Association Agreement (including DCFTA) through assistance totalling €221 million since its signature in 2014.

EU assistance targets key priorities, particularly public administration reform; agriculture and rural development; and, police reform and border management.

Dedicated programmes have been launched for support to DCFTA implementation and for engagement with civil society. Additional funds are made available to the Republic of Moldova through regional programmes including infrastructure projects in the transport, energy, water and SME development sectors in and around the Republic of Moldova, with over €400 million loans mobilised, through the Neighbourhood Investment Facility.

Source: www.eeas.europa.eu