EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner told Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev that Chisinau should concentrate on essential reforms rather than on membership in the EU. "Moldova has made quite important progress in the economic, political, and also structural-reform fields" Ferrero-Waldner said during an April 11 meeting with Tarlev. These advances have let to Moldova being included in the EU's scheme, which eases access to the European market. Ferrero-Waldner added, however, that "a lot of effort" still needed to be invested in reforms in the area of human rights, minority protection, and the rule of law.
Ursula Plassnik, foreign minister of Austria, which currently holds the EU presidency, said Moldova must "manage its expectations in a responsible way."
Ursula Plassnik, foreign minister of Austria, which currently holds the EU presidency, said Moldova must "manage its expectations in a responsible way."