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Hailstorm damages crops in northern Moldova

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:15:02 +0300

More than 800 hectares of crops were damaged on Monday after a ten-minute-long hailstorm. Five northern villages have been affected by the bad weather. According to the Emergency Service, the damage costs will be estimated shortly.

The landowners say over 30% of their crops were damaged and they expect huge losses this year. Some 37 hectares of fruit gardens (apples) have also been damaged.

The Emergency Service said they could not launch anti-hail missiles because they were located too close to some towns.

Several villages reported destruction of roofs of houses and administration buildings, including a school.

EBRD loans €2 million to Moldova for energy efficiency projects

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:02 +0300

A new loan worth 2 million Euro will enter Moldova. The money will be given by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to boost energy efficiency projects in Moldova.

According to a press release of the EBRD, the loan is part of the program called the Moldovan Residential Energy Efficiency Financing Facility (MoREEFF). It provides 35 million Euro to finance energy efficiency improvements in individual households.

The money will be transferred to Mobiasbancă - Groupe Société Générale. The financing will be then on-lent to individual households, groups of residents, housing associations, condominiums and cooperatives as well as home management companies, energy saving and service companies to help them finance improvements that will make homes more energy efficient.

“I am pleased to extend this new financing to Mobiasbanca for residential energy efficiency just a month after we provided the bank with a loan for business energy efficiency,” EBRD Director for Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus, Paul-Henri Forestier, who signed the deal, said. “Housing has a huge potential for emissions savings, and this is a great opportunity for homeowners to save energy and the money that they pay in bills – a big financial burden for Moldovans.”

EBRD admits that Moldova needs an energy efficiency program, since more than 90% of the energy consumed is imported, which sums up to 30% of the import budget.

“At the same time the outmoded urban infrastructure, dilapidated communal housing and obsolete energy infrastructure lead to an enormous waste of resources at the consumer level. In some of the residential buildings thermal losses account for up to 50 % of heat consumption,” EBRD said in a press release.

The MoREEFF has been supporting 134 households to save energy and money, having committed 347,793 Euro in loans via partner banks since the fall of 2012. As a result CO2 emissions were reduced by 185 tonnes per year which would otherwise take a forest of 5ha and 7000 trees to absorb.

The EBRD is one of the largest investors in Moldova. So far it has signed 96 investment projects. They mainly cover energy, transport, agribusiness, general industry and banking sectors, for a cumulative amount of 743 million Euro.

Stefan Füle urged the politicians in Moldova to stay committed to reforms for the benefit of citizens

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:09:45 +0300

A recent visit of the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle to Moldova has sent another message to the country that its European integration perspective did not fade away once the political instability emerged and seems to have no end. But the EU official recalled that the democratic institutions do not belong to partisan interests and that politics should be made for people.

“Recent events in Moldova also make me reflect on the pitfalls political processes can face: it is essential that politics is for people; it has to be accountable and inclusive, and has to strengthen democratic institutions, not undermine them,” Stefan Füle said, referring to the recent political developments in Moldova.

He continued: “Only through politics committed to genuine reform and deep democracy, come concrete benefits to citizens. Democracy is a constant work in progress and often an uphill struggle. You all have prime responsibility in safeguarding it.”

Being in Chisinau for two days, Mr. Füle met with Moldovan President, Nicolae Timofti who updated him about the latest political developments.

“I did not come here to put my nose into Moldovan politics nor to fix anything - is ultimately up to the Moldovan politicians and people to do that,” Stefan Füle mentioned.

The EU official pointed out that the Republic of Moldova needs political stability for the reforms to continue and bring tangible benefits to the citizens.

“The Moldovan citizens deserve the benefits of reforms and the benefits of our continuing support which is not going to be limited to personalities and politics but policies of reforms strengthening the democracy and the rule of law complemented with concrete assistance where most needed,” the EU Enlargement Commissioner said.

He continued by saying that Moldova needs greater education and employment opportunities, as well as greater travel opportunities and better possibilities to people to realize their personal projects.

The official joined on Sunday the gay pride parade in Chisinau, sending a message of support to the gay community in Moldova and called on the Moldovan citizens to be more tolerant towards the minorities.

Stefan Füle said the EU will continue to support Moldova’s territorial integrity and help to further strengthen democracy.

“I have come here as a friend of Moldova and there are many friends like me in the European Union all of us committed to continued support of Moldova's path - to ensure its territorial integrity, to build deep and sustainable democracy and promote prosperity for all,” the European Commissioner said.

Timid gay pride event in Moldova seen as hallmark of democracy

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:04 +0300

The LGBT community in Moldova marched in Chisinau, the capital, on Sunday. This was the first gay pride parade in years, which was successfully protected by hundreds of police officers. The march was peaceful and no clashes between the anti-gay and homosexual persons were registered.

Although the LGBT community members were supposed to walk through the Central Square of Chisinau, the court ruled a day earlier that the route should be changed in order to avoid any clashes with the counter-protesters.

The LGBT community complied with the ruling and changed their route. They started the march at the U.S. Embassy and walked a couple hundred meters along a street. The U.S. Ambassador, William Moser joined the march together with the Swedish Ambassador, Ingrid Tersman.

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau welcomed the peaceful demonstrations, saying that the attitude of the Moldovan authorities is a “hallmark of democracy.” The diplomatic mission said in a press release that they were glad to see sufficient security guaranteed for the sexual minorities in order to demonstrate safely.

“Citizens gathering and expressing themselves peacefully is a hallmark of democracy, and security is vital to protecting these fundamental freedoms,” the statement of the U.S. Embassy said.

During the gay pride, William Moser reiterated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments that "Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights."

The Ambassador said that the United States of America has always been a staunch proponent of human rights and stands for tolerance and non-discrimination worldwide.

The U.S. and Swedish Ambassadors were not the only diplomats to join the gay pride parade in support of the sexual minorities. EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle arrived at the spot to greet the representatives of the gay community and further urge the population to tolerance.

“It is about tolerance - as one of the most essential social values of the society to stick together,” Stefan Füle said. “I think, particularly at this time difficult time which Moldova is facing, tolerance is extremely important. It is about the commitment to the European values in a sense of adopting them not only on the paper but also creating the conditions for commitments and values to be implemented each and every day.”

He pointed out that it is important that the pieces of legislation adopted this year by the Moldovan Parliament which envisage the protection of all minorities against discrimination, are translated through the real implementation in such a way that they bring the benefits to the Moldovan population.

A similar gay pride event took place on Friday in Tbilisi, Georgia, which is another former soviet republic. But the LGBT community members did not enjoy the same protection as their counterparts in Moldova did. According to Amnesty International, “thousands of people violently attacked” the pride event. As a result of the scuffle, 17 people were injured, while 12 were taken to the hospital, including three police officers and a reporter.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle speaking to the press.

Over 1,100 Moldovans settled in Germany in 2011

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:16:42 +0300

More than 1,100 Moldovan citizens settled in Germany in 2011, according to the data provided by the Federal Statistical Office to Moldova.ORG.

This is slight increase as of 2006 when only 871 Moldovans were registered as crossing the border of the Federal Republic of Germany and settling here. The biggest number of Moldovan migrants to Germany was recorded shortly after Moldova gained its independence in 1991. Therefore, over 1,270 Moldovans went to Germany in 1992, while in 1995 some 2,810 citizens moved to the Federal Republic.

The number starts to go down between 2002 and 2003 when came 2,675 and 1,936 Moldovans respectively. The lowest rate was registered in 2008 when only 796 new Moldovan citizens arrived in Germany.

Germany’s Statistical Office does not include those holding dual citizenship (mainly Romanian). The low number of Moldovan migrants coming to Germany is explained by the harsh visa- and residence permit requirements to the non-EU citizens. However, many Moldovan citizens hold Romanian citizenship, as well and they register as Romanians with the German authorities.

Federal Statistical Office said that data concerning the number of Moldovans who came to Germany in 2012 will be made public during the fall of 2013.

The German Embassy to Chisinau estimates over 12,000 Moldovans currently living in Germany.

Moldova imported more than exported in March 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:51:55 +0300

Moldovan goods exports in March 2013 valued $221.5 million. This is an increase with 11.4% in comparison with February and with 11.1% compared to the same month a year ago, the National Bureau of Statistics reported.

According to the data, during the first three months of 2013, the country’s exports summed up $582.4 million, which is an increase with 15.4% compared to the same period a year before.

Moldova’s top export destinations are: Russia, Romania, Italy, Turkey and Ukraine.

Over 20% increase was registered in imports of goods in March 2013 in comparison to February and only a 2.5% increase in comparison to March 2012. The imports valued $488.2 million in March this year.

Moldova’s imports in January-March 2013 summed up $1243.1 million, which is a 3.2% increase comparing to the same period of 2012.

The main import countries for Moldova are: Russia, Romania, Ukraine, China, Turkey and Germany. The statistics also reveal that Austria has become an important country of import for Moldova. The imports originating from Austria have increased with 81.1% in January-March 2013, comparing to the same period of 2012.

EU visa requirements for Moldovans eased as of July 1

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:05:03 +0300

Visa requirements for Moldovans willing to travel to the European Union member states will be eased as of July 1, 2013. The Council of the EU has informed the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday about the enactment of the decision from this date on. A similar amendment on the facilitation of the issuance of visas is applicable for Ukraine, as well.

The amendment envisages lower or no visa fees and requires less paperwork for some categories of applicants. Therefore, the bill refers to the drivers conducting international cargo and passenger transportation services, journalists and the technical crew accompanying them in a professional capacity and close relatives (spouse, children, parents, grandparents and grandchildren) visiting citizens of Moldova legally residing in the EU.

At the same time, visa facilities will have the participants in official EU cross-border cooperation programmes, persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programs, students and post-graduate students who regularly travel for the purposes of study or educational training, participants in international sports events and the participants in official exchange programmes organized by twin cities or other localities.

As of July 1st, the European embassies in Moldova will be able to provide information and issue visas based on the simplified visa regime with the EU.

Romanian member of the EPP, Marian-Jean Marinescu, who is group responsible for steering the changes to the Moldova agreement through Parliament, told Moldova.ORG a month ago that this move will “encourage the country to carry out reforms in the area of freedom, security and justice and create a new opportunity for EU investment and an opening for the labor market.”

EU Enlargement Chief to meet Moldovan political leaders in Chisinau

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:09:57 +0300

EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle will meet with the Moldovan political leaders in Chisinau on May 18-19. At the same, the European official is expected to participate in the Europe Day celebrations which will be marked this weekend in Moldova.

“Commissioner Füle will pay a visit to Chisinau on 18-19 May to participate in the Europe Day celebrations. On that occasion he will meet as well Moldova’s political leaders,” a spokesperson of Stefan Füle told Moldova.ORG in a statement.

According to the press service, the EU Commissioner “will stress the importance of continuity and efforts to ensure inclusiveness in conducting the country’s political processes, in order to take forward the European integration agenda for the long-term benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.”

However, Mr. Füle's entire program in Moldova is still under development. Earlier reports said that the Commissioner is going on a private trip to Moldova.

Moldova-Russia ceasefire Agreement of 1992 on Transnistria respected only on paper / VIDEO

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:20:32 +0300

After five months of war on Nistru, on July 21, 1992 the President of Moldova, Mircea Snegur and the Russian President, Boris Eltsin signed the Agreement on a peaceful settlement of the violent conflict in Transnistria. Some 20 years later, the situation in the Security Zone has become tenser, whilst the provisions of the Agreement are barely respected.

The heaviest burden is carried by the constitutional authorities’ staff based in Chisinau which works in the Security Zone. According to the Agreement, the Security Zone should be controlled by both sides.

Art. 5 of the Agreement clearly states that the two sides should not allow any hindrances in the free movement of goods, services and people. However, crossing the Security Zone today has become a real challenge. The citizens have to cross at least three checkpoints. Moreover, they are required to fill in so-called “migration papers.”

Watch a video report filmed by Moldova.ORG.

Amid upcoming gay march, tensions increase in Moldova

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:51:01 +0300

Four days ahead of a LGBT march in Moldovan capital of Chisinau, the Orthodox Church of Moldova urges the town call of the city to prohibit the organization of this action, which intends to raise awareness about the rights of the LGBT community.

The Moldovan Metropolitan, IPS Vladimir addressed a letter to the mayor of Chisinau, Dorin Chirtoaca requesting to stop this march which “comes in contradiction with the morality and good manners.”

The Church calls on the population to support an antigay demonstration on May 19, when the LGBT community will march in the capital. Bishop of Balti and Falesti, Markel called on Christians to peacefully demonstrate in a counter-protest to condemn the sexual minorities’ march. However, the pastors urge the people to refrain from hatred messages and do not support any extremist groups.

“The march of the sexual minorities through Chisinau is nothing else than a provocation with severe consequences, considering the population’s reluctance regarding the deviant behavior of homosexuals and lesbians,” stated IPS Vladimir in his address.

The Moldovans’ tolerance towards sexual minorities is extremely low. According to a survey organized in November 2010, 85% of the respondents said they wouldn’t like the homosexuals to live in Moldova, while 98% said they don’t want a family member to be gay. 96% of the people answered they don’t want to have a gay friend.

Sexual minorities in Moldova started on Tuesday the Festival "Rainbow over the Dniester." The event will be organized until May 19 and will conclude with the march of the LGBT community.

“During this march we want to underline that values like mutual respect, love and family are not foreign to the LGBT community. All the activities organized in the framework of this festival aim to highlight that human rights and human dignity belong to each of us from the moment we are born, because in the end, we are all people,” said in a press release GenderDoc-M Information Centre, the organizer of the festival.

During a gay pride parade in 2008, there was violence registered in Chisinau. Antigay demonstrators attacked the LGBT community members, the gay parade being compromised.

Friends of Moldova group: Parliament’s decisions undermine the pluralist democratic system of Moldova

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:25:58 +0300

The political crisis in the Republic of Moldova has sparked reactions oversees. Representatives of several non-governmental organizations with development programs in Moldova, as well as former U.S. government officials met last week in Washington, D.C. to discuss the recent laws adopted by the Parliament which caused concern among the European officials.

In the informal “Friends of Moldova” group, the participants have issued a joint plea, calling on all political actors in Moldova “to put aside partisan and personal interests in order to work together for Moldova's European future.”

Hosted by the Moldova Foundation, during the meeting the participants shared information about the latest developments in Moldova with regard to the political decisions taken lately by the Legislative body.

Referring to the laws adopted in haste by the Parliament, President of the Moldova Foundation, Vlad Spanu said that they were issued in disregard of European standards and the lawmakers ignored the civil society’s voice.

"To our regret, the package of laws that affect fundamental principles of the functioning of Moldova's democracy were adopted in one day, without proper consultation with citizens and in disregard of European standards on constitutional reform,” Mr. Spanu said.

Former Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, William Hill said the recent decisions taken by both Government and Parliament endanger the development of a pluralist democratic system.

“Recent actions taken by various agencies and branches of the Moldovan government, including laws adopted by the Parliament, appear to run counter to Moldova's commitments and threaten to undermine its achievements in developing a pluralist democratic system and aspirations to strengthen the rule of law,” William Hill said.

The participants agreed that the most worrisome decision is the amendment affecting the Constitutional Court which grants Parliament the power to sack judges, claiming that “the proposed provisions contradict both the constitution's principle of the separation of powers and European standards.”

Senior Director for Europe at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Rodger Potocki expressed a particular concern about the bill regarding the electoral threshold for political parties and alliance to gain representation in Parliament. The electoral threshold has been changed by the Parliament from 4% to 6%.

“The already promulgated law raising the threshold for political parties and blocs to gain representation in Parliament affects the political framework of Moldovan democracy and seriously undermines multi-party democracy,” Mr. Potocki said.

Moldova made it to the Grand Final of Eurovision

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:22:56 +0300

Moldovan entry to Eurovision has qualified for the grand final. Aliona Moon with “O Mie” (A thousand) got the support of the European countries and the jury and will participate in the last final which is due to take place on May 18 in Malmö, Sweden.

Moldova has qualified among Lithuania, Ireland, Estonia, Belarus, Denmark, Russia, Belgium and Ukraine. Another ten finalists will be chosen during the second semi-final planned for May 16.

Shevchuk: People from Transnistria do not want reintegration with Moldova

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:57:48 +0300

The leader of the breakaway region of Transnistria Yevgeny Shevchuk said in an interview that the place of Transnistria is in the Eurasian Union.

"I see the future of Transnistria only as member of the Eurasian Union... People in the Transnistrian region do not wish to reintegrate with Moldova. This shows that we need to find a common solution to solve the conflict, which would be based on the desire of the inhabitants of Transnistria", said the leader of Transnistria Yevgeny Shevchuk for eurasian.su portal.

He also added that he would like the relations between Moldova and Transnistria to improve, but local people should not be involved in various projects that they don’t like to be part of, Yevgeny Shevchuk said.

LGBT Festival “Rainbow over Nistru” starts today

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:12:28 +0300

Sexual minorities in Moldova start today the Festival "Rainbow over the Dniester". The event will be organized during six days and will conclude with a parade of the LGBT community.

The festival of the LGBT community aroused dissatisfaction of church representatives. The Bishop of Balti and Falesti Markel called on Christians and priests to participate in a counter-action.

The Moldovan Metropolitan Church condemns the events organized by the LGBT community. A press release states that all peaceful and legal means to stand against the indecent behavior will be used.

MEP: It is unlikely that Moldova will sign the Association Agreement in November

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:55:04 +0300

Moldova seems to have lost its European integration path and it is less likely to sign the Association Agreement during the Eastern Partnership Summit, said Graham Watson, the EU Parliament’s rapporteur for Moldova in a statement for Moldova.ORG.

“I fear it is now highly unlikely that Moldova will be able to sign any of the agreements foreseen with the EU at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius,” Sir Watson said.

Moldova was expected to sign three agreements with the European Union at the Vilnius Summit scheduled for November this year. The country has become lately Europe’s best ‘pupil’ in implementing important reforms. However, a political crisis in Chisinau has endangered the European integration of the Eastern European country, neighboring Romania, an EU member state.

Sir Watson pointed out that Moldova needs to put together a fully-functional government that will make sure the rule of law and democracy are respected.

“As to what Moldova needs to do, it should do what is in its best interest which is to put together a government committed to pursuing the course of reforms to guarantee democracy, the rule of law and a market economy,” Graham Watson added.

US Ambassador to Moldova: “Rights for one group are rights for everyone”

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:35:18 +0300

U.S. Ambassador to Moldova, William H. Moser said that Moldova should take advantage of the skills and talents of all its citizens and not discriminate them against. In an interview with Publika TV, the American diplomat mentioned that Moldova will be able to have solid economic growth and a better society if the diversity is guaranteed.

“Moldova needs the contribution of every person in order to become a successful society,” the Ambassador said.

Mr. Moser referred mainly to the anti-discrimination law enacted at the beginning of this year in Moldova, which sparked negative reactions in the society in 2012 while it was at draft level.

“Human rights are the essential element of all democratic societies,” the U.S. Ambassador to Chisinau said. “If you start discriminating against groups, how you decide which groups are entitled and which aren’t. You are really undermining all the principles of democracy.”

He continued, saying that in order for Moldova to become a modern, stable, prosperous and European democracy, it has to make sure that all Moldovan citizens have equal rights.

Referring to the decisions taken last year by the local authorities of Balti – Moldova’s second largest city – when any marches of the sexual minorities were prohibited by a local law, Mr. Moser suggested that such violations should be addressed to the Constitutional Court which will prove that they do not comply with the national law.

“The United States has condemned these individual jurisdictions that are against the central government’s legal framework,” the U.S. diplomat said.

He also said that the United States of America does not want “to see any groups of Moldovans being denied equal protection.”

“We feel like this is wrong. Rights for one group are rights for everyone,” William Moser added.

The Ambassador pointed out that he wants to see very soon that the Government of Moldova will put together an implementing body which should make sure that all the complains about discrimination are handled in accordance with the national law.

“You cannot have just laws without implementation,” the Ambassador concluded.

After the enactment of the Law Ensuring Equal Chances, aka Anti-discrimination law, the LGBT community in Moldova has resumed their activities hoping they will be protected under the new law.

A first rally in support of the LGBT rights took place in Chisinau at the beginning of this year without any incidents, the people marching being protected by the policemen. A similar march will be organized in Moldova’s capital on May 19.

A gay pride event, that took place in 2008, turned violent after antigay protesters attacked the LGBT community representatives marching in Central Square of Chisinau.

Moldovans abroad sent home more than 320 million dollars in the first three months of the year

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:08:53 +0300

Moldovans abroad sent home more than 320 million dollars in the first three months of the year
In the first three months of this year, Moldovans abroad sent home more than 320 million dollars. According to data published by the National Bank of Moldova, this means an increase of 10% over the same period last year.

According to the report of the National Bank, about 34% of remittances were transferred in dollars and 38% of remittances are sent in euro. However, about 27% of the money was transferred in Russian rubles.

The World Bank data shows that about 700 thousand Moldovans are working abroad. Last year, the remittances of Moldovan migrants reached about 1,494 billion dollars.

Dirk Schuebel: Changes in legislation must be consulted with European structures

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:00:19 +0300

EU representatives didn’t question the possibility of amending the legislation in Moldova, but asked that before making any changes in the legal framework, consultations with European structures should be undergone, given that Moldova is under Council of Europe monitoring.

The statement belongs to the Head of the EU mission to Moldova, Dirk Schuebel and was made today at a meeting with Communist Party leader Vladimir Voronin. The two discussed about the political situation in Moldova, including causes and measures to overcome the political crisis.

The Communist leader informed the European official about party’s position regarding the latest developments in the Parliament and the voting by the Communist party of the amendments to the electoral legislation, the dismissal of the Prosecutor General and the shift of the National Anti-corruption Center under the ferule of to the Government.

A special topic was the activity of the Constitutional Court and the amendment to the legislation on the right of the Parliament to recall Constitutional Court members.

The officials spoke about Moldova’s relationship with the European Union on the eve of the Summit in Vilnius, and the political situation of this region in Europe, bilateral relationship with the Russian Federation, ways of solving the Transnistrian conflict and other issues of mutual interest.

Despite recommendations of European officials, Moldovan President enacted four laws voted by the communists and liberal-democrats

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:30:46 +0300

Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti promulgated today, May 9, four laws which were passed in Parliament by the Liberal Democratic and the Communist Parties at the end of the week.

According to the presidential press service, the laws are: the one related to the National Anti-corruption Center, the law amending the Electoral Code, the law setting out the responsibilities of the acting Government and the law on acting Prime Minister’s attributions.

We recall that Liberal Democrat and Communist MPs passed on Friday, May 3, a number of draft laws in the Parliament. They managed to increase the threshold from 4% to 6%. The same day Corneliu Gurin was dismissed from the post of Prosecutor General of the Republic of Moldova. Similarly, the mixed electoral system was abolished and the attributions of the acting Prime Minister were extended.

Moldova.ORG mentions that this week, a number of European officials recommended the President not to promulgate laws, because they would be a real threat to democracy and state institutions could be used in private interests. At the same time, officials believe that the laws could jeopardize the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

Stefan Füle to visit Moldova

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:06:02 +0300

EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle will visit the Republic of Moldova on May 18-19. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Mr. Füle comes to Moldova to help the political parties find consensus and continue the European agenda.

Stefan Füle said the European Union has already told the leaders of the Alliance for European Integration the three main expectations:

“Firstly, please avoid the misunderstandings that have personal interests. Secondly, please avoid issuing any laws which violate your European aspirations and agenda. Thirdly, we are ready to provide assistance, no matter how much is needed,” the EU Commissioner said.

The official added that he is ready to come to Moldova and help the political parties to make the final steps and build the European agenda, which should regain trust not only in each other, but also earn the people’s trust which was hardly affected.

The European official’s trip will be undertaken amid the political crisis in Moldova. Last week, Stefan Füle and the Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in a joint statement that they express concern about the decisions of the Moldovan Parliament which were adopted in a big rush, without prior consultation with the civil society.

The statement said that the laws issued on May 3 are “touching upon fundamental issues for the functioning of Moldova's democracy.”

The European officials pointed out that all these new measures could threaten the independence of important institutions and become a hindrance to Moldova’s rule of law and democratic development.

The strong reactions of Moldova’s Western partners emerged after an informal coalition of Communist and the Liberal-Democrat lawmakers voted in the first reading a draft amendment to the Law on the Constitutional Court, which envisages the Legislative to sack judges of the Constitutional Court by a vote of 3/5 of Parliament amid “lack of trust.”

The Parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of modifying the electoral threshold from 4% to 7%. In 2010 the threshold was lowered from 5% to 4% by the vote of the Alliance for European Integration, where the Liberal-Democrats were part of.

Another decision taken by the Parliament is restoring the right of the Soviet-style passport bearers to cast their votes during elections. However, this was restricted through parliamentary a few weeks ago.

Among these, the National Anti-Corruption Center will be subordinated to the Government and not to the Parliament as it was so far. During the same session, the informal coalition increased the power of the Premier to dismiss cabinet ministers.

The European partners suggested that the President should not promulgate the law regarding the Constitutional Court and the ability of the Parliament to sack the judges.