Maasikas: Estonia supports Moldova’s efforts to tie itself more closely with the European Union

Today, on 10 February, Estonian Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Matti Maasikas met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Morari, in Tallinn to discuss Moldova’s progress towards the EU and preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit taking place in November.

Matti Maasikas emphasised that Moldova has adopted a reform programme to implement the Association Agreement and the extended free trade agreement and Moldova must take the programme seriously. According to the Estonian Deputy Minister, Estonia supports Moldova’s efforts to tie themselves more closely with the European Union. “In order to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to be specific, to know what is required and what is realistic,” Maasikas said. “It is necessary to be well prepared and ambitious when negotiating with the EU, but one also has to take into account the need for a balanced approach as like other areas of the EU Common Foreign Policy, the Eastern Partnership decisions also require the Member States to reach consensus,” Maasikas noted.

According to Maasikas, it would be welcomed if the EU associated states and Eastern Partnership countries cooperated more closely and would set common goals.

Moldova is one of the key partners of Estonia’s development cooperation and the strategy for 2016-2018 is already third of its kind. Countries cooperate in health sector, strengthening democratic state structures, civil society and rural development. Attention is paid to introducing and implementing IT- and e-state solutions in all areas, both in everyday life and higher education. In 2016, Estonia allocated 950,000€ in development aid to Moldova and a similar sum is foreseen for this year.


Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157680080518466


Additional information:
Tiina Maiberg
Counsellor
Communication Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
53008703
[email protected]
www.vm.ee