After a long political stalemate, the Moldovan parliament yesterday adopted an ambitious declaration on stability and modernisation and adopted a first implementing package of laws, in line with the commitments of the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA) with the EU.

Gianni Pittella, president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, stated:

"We are encouraged by this declaration advocating political stability and concrete reform efforts for the country. This is exactly what Moldova needs in this critical moment, coupled with a coherent and sustainable reform process to boost socio-economic development for the benefit of all Moldovan citizens."

S&D vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru added:

"I am particularly satisfied with the final adoption of the laws concerning the office of the general prosecutor, the integrity package, and the financial and banking system in the first reading. In this context, I welcome the decision of the general prosecutor to present his resignation in order to facilitate the implementation of reforms and a new, transparent selection process. This is the first necessary step for achieving progress in meeting the EU and IMF conditionality. Constructive dialogue among major political players is a prerequisite in this process."

S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, Knut Fleckenstein, continued:

"We are now expecting concrete measures without further delay. The political declaration needs to be followed by an action plan detailing the reforms to be prioritised and implemented in the next three years. The fight against corruption and the reform of the judiciary system need to be fulfilled in line with the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and the Venice Commission."