Moldova’s new Prime Minister assumed office in mid-February: at the time, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said “we look forward to working with Prime Minister Gaburici and to seeing quick action on necessary reforms for the benefit of the Moldovan people, including the implementation of the EU Association Agreement as Moldova continues on its path of European integration.”
Indeed, Prime Minister Gaburici has vowed to make European integration a top priority for his government, and to make the necessary changes so as to ensure that Moldova will qualify to apply for European Union membership by 2018.
If the Moldovan government follows up this vow with actions, and works to align Moldova with European Union standards, Prime Minister Gaburici and the people of Moldova will have the very strong support of the United States, said Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during his recent visit to Chisinau, Moldova’s capital.
“The relationship between our countries has never been stronger and I came today with a simple message which is to express our continued support and our continued commitment to Moldova and also to reiterate our support for quick and concrete actions on necessary reforms as Moldova continues on the path of European integration.”
Adopting the reforms that the Moldovan government has proposed will be tough, but worth the effort. And beyond bringing the country in line with European Union standards, the reforms will bring their own rewards. Cracking down on corruption and strengthening the rule of law will attract foreign investment; energy diversification will guarantee less likelihood of energy insufficiency; and access to the EU market—the largest single market in the world—means that Moldovan producers will never again have to worry about the politically motivated whims of a single-buyer monopoly.
“These are challenging times and Moldova lives in a challenging environment. It will need to act quickly and decisively on the reform agenda, the promise to its citizens,” said Deputy Secretary Blinken. “And quite simply, as Moldova moves forward, the United States will be there with you, moving forward, moving forward hand in hand, supporting the government, supporting the people, supporting your progress.”
