Moldova to benefit from EU additional funds to promote reforms under way - European ambassador

Chisinau, 12 May /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova will benefit from additional funds on behalf of the European Union, despite the financial crisis faced by the European community, in order to continue and reconfirm its commitments of promoting the reforms under way, Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau, Ambassador Dirk Schuebel today said at the inauguration of the festivities dedicated to Europe's Day, marked in Moldova for the third year in a row.

Dirk Schuebel voiced hope that, in the near time, Moldova will integrate in the common aviation area, that will provide cheaper travels to the EU. At the same time, due to talks initiated by the Moldovan government on the signing of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Moldova and the EU, Moldovan goods will be able to reach the European market. The EU backs the same European aspirations of Moldova in other areas as well, such as transport, energy, education, other key sectors, as well as in the rapprochement between the citizens from both banks of the Dniestre river, in the political and economic dialogue and confidence-building measures, the European official added.

Attending the event, President Nicolae Timofti said it is necessary that the citizens and politicians mobilize, in order to manage implementing the ambitious European integration project. Timofti emphasized that the political class is obliged to continue the reforms that would lead to the society's democratization. He expressed hope that, in a predicable future, Moldova will mark Europe's Day as an EU member state.

"In these historical moments, in which the past comes to consolidate the political will of the Europe of our present for continuing the project of the fully reunified and integrated Europe, I re-affirm Moldova's commitment to the values that lay the foundations of the European spiritual community, and fuel its uniqueness and viability in time and space," Prime Minister Vlad Filat said.

The central moment of the holiday was the "European Village", placed on the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) in central Chisinau. Here, representatives of diplomatic missions and EU member states unveiled their traditions, national culture and dishes. Also, public discussions with EU ambassadors and Moldovan officials were held there, within which the sides tackled political aspects of the EU-Moldova cooperation.

At the same time, the event hosted linguistic corners, where visitors were able to learn words and expressions, as well listen to lessons taught in EU's official languages. Also, children had possibility to paint different EU symbols on asphalt and their bodies. In the evening, the "European Village" activities will culminate with a concert given by Moldovan and foreign singers.

In 2012, the Europe's Day holiday is marked on 12-19 May. The same activities will be also organized in Comrat (administrative centre of the southern Gagauzian autonomy) within the "European Village," held on the town's central square on 19 May. Europe's Day has been marked in Moldova since 2010.