Ursula von der Leyen: Moldova has taken decisive steps towards Europe
The head of the European Commission explained to MEPs, meeting in Brussels, why she recommended granting the EU candidate state to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
“Moldova has taken decisive steps towards Europe. With a clear mandate from its citizens, “said Ursula von der Leyen, in a debate in the European Parliament in preparation for the EU summit on Thursday and Friday.
Moldova is on a real pro-reform path, fighting corruption and on a European path “for the first time since gaining independence”, said the head of the Commission.
Therefore, she explained, the Republic of Moldova deserves a European perspective and the status of a candidate state, even with the recognition that the country still has a number of important reforms to complete before the start of negotiations.
“In particular, the economy and its public administration require major efforts. But if the country’s leaders maintain the current course, and I believe they will maintain it, the country has the potential to live up to the demands, “said von der Leyen.
Last week, the European Commission recommended granting EU candidate status to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, subject to further reforms. Georgia, which has also applied to join the EU, will have to make some reforms before gaining candidate status.
“It is now up to the European Council to take a decision and live up to our historic responsibility,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
“Ukraine has proven to be on the right track before the war. In recent years, it has carried out more reforms in a short period of time than in recent decades. Thanks to the 2016 association agreement, it has already implemented about 70% of EU rules, regulations and standards, ”said the head of the Commission.