EU-Moldova: Strong fundaments for European construction
Chişinău (1 September) - Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle participated at the informal ministerial meeting of the Group for European Action of the Republic of Moldova in Chişinău on Sunday and Monday. On the margins of this event that was taking place in Moldova for the first time, he also met in separate meetings with the Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, leaders of the coalition parties and representatives of the Civil Society.
This is what he said after the main meeting of the Group of Friends at the press conference:
"Let me make three points:
1) On 1st September 75 years ago, the Second World War started. The EU was founded on the ashes of that conflict so that war never happens again. And almost precisely 46 years ago my country (Czechoslovakia) was invaded by Soviet tanks and soldiers. And I would say at the beginning of the 21st century, we finally have to learn from the mistakes and crimes of the past for them not to be repeated.
2) On 1st September 2014 we want to build a better picture, a better experience, a better Europe and also a better Moldova. Today we start the provisional application of the Association Agreement. Today the European Commission adopted a proposal for the Member States to increase the quota for fresh apples, plums and table grapes to turn the word "solidarity" into action in light of the illegitimate pressure from a big country to the East. This year we have provided the citizens of Moldova with visa-free access to the EU and we have been able to further increase our assistance to help Moldova with reforms.
3) Why are we doing all this? Because we have only one goal: to build an independent, prosperous, united and strong partner of the EU which will get closer and closer to all of us. I will continue to do that by helping modernise your country, strengthening the rule of law, helping create business and investment opportunities and working very actively with Civil Society, awakening the potential I know is there.
Let me also use this opportunity, since the term of office of the current European Commission is coming to an end, to say what a pleasure it has been to work with your country, with your people and with you."