EU and Moldovan civil society organisations assess the social impact of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement

From left to right: H.E. Ambassador Caras, Mission of Moldova to the EU, Mr Buzu and Mr Fornea, Co-chairs of the Civil Society Platform

The third meeting of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform (CSP), held on 6 March in Brussels, also discussed the planned extension of Ukrainian hydroelectric plants on the upper Dniester which might have devastating consequences on the Moldovan population and environment.

The co-chairs of the Platform, Dumitru Fornea from the EESC and Alexei Buzu from the Moldovan Partnership for Development Centre, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing joint EU and Moldovan civil society contributions to transparent and effective decision-making. "The Moldovan government deems it crucial to have an open dialogue with civil society," said Eugen Caras, the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.

"Integrity and transparency should be the main principles of relations between the EU and Moldova," emphasised Andi Cristea, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.

The EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform noted that more attention had to be paid to the social aspects of the Association Agreement, thus contributing to poverty reduction, sustainable development and overall better quality of life. The participants in the debate called for a consolidated financial stability framework and for the establishment of a fully independent judiciary and a modern civil service. The EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform welcomed the good trade results of the Association Agreement, but regretted the lack of diversification of Moldovan exports.

A joint declaration was adopted, which underlined the need for timely and effective implementation of the Association Agreement, in particular in the fields of anti-corruption and legislation. 

Background:

The Civil Society Platform complements the political bodies existing within the framework of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. It allows civil society organisations from both sides to monitor the implementation process and to prepare their recommendations to the relevant authorities in the Republic of Moldova and in the European Union.

 

 

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