OREANDA-NEWS. July 31, 2014. Assistance is intended to help the state institutions, citizens and the business community to take advantage of the Association Agreement and a deep and comprehensive free trade area of the Republic of Moldova with the EU.

As it was noted by the European Commissioner for enlargement and European neighborhood policy Stefan Fule, the agreement is a milestone in the policy of the Eastern partnership and the EU's relations with Moldova. New EU funding for Moldova is intended to support the modernization of key state institutions, implementation of the Agreement on a deep and comprehensive free trade area EU-Moldova, improve policies, public Finance and management, improve the competitiveness of rural business and trade in the EU, protection of minorities and vulnerable groups.

The program of assistance will contribute to further political Association and economic integration of Moldova with the EU within the framework of "Eastern partnership". This is the first package of bilateral assistance to Moldova provided within the framework of a single support program, which sets out the strategic objectives and priorities of the EU-Moldova for 2014-2017. The program was adopted on June 11, 2014, the annual package of EU assistance for Moldova for 2014 provides allocation of EUR 101 million.

Thus, using 37 million euros, the country can be able to support reforms in the area of policy in the field of public finance, assistance to the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and other structures for consolidation of good governance, effective tax policy, transparency and responsible management of public finances, improving management of public finances. At the same time, 64 million euros are allocated within the framework of the European neighborhood program for agriculture and rural development (ENPARD) for Moldova to support agriculture and rural development.

The funds will be used to stimulate rural development by improving the political dialogue with farmers, improving competitiveness in the agricultural sector. The part of the aid will be used to intensify the dialogue between Central and regional authorities, for example Gagauzia. In the message of the EU it is noted that on May 2, 2014, the European Commission has already approved the allocation to Moldova an additional assistance in the amount of 30 million euros.

This money are intended to support the competitiveness of small business development, improvement of national legislation in accordance with EU quality standards and export promotion, investment attraction, information campaigns, etc. This additional support is provided on the basis of "more for more" principle within the framework of the European neighborhood instrument.