EU foreign ministers adopted on Monday, February 15 a resolution. The Council calls on the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to ensure that the cases of fraud that affected its banking system in 2014 are made subject to a thorough, impartial investigation, also with a view to recovering the diverted funds and to bringing those responsible to justice. All appropriate legislative measures should be adopted, including alignment of the legal framework to counter money-laundering with the EU legislation, in order to mitigate the risk of further bank frauds.

The Council is concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. It underlines the importance of implementing reforms which ensure the independence, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the judiciary and of the anti-corruption institutions. The reform of the prosecution service as well as the fight against corruption within the judiciary should be addressed as priority matters, including through merit-based and transparent recruitment and promotion of judges.

Also, EU urges the Government of the Republic of Moldova to improve the national legislation in order to limit the concentration of media ownership and guarantee pluralism.

The Council reiterates the EU's readiness to assist the Republic of Moldova including through technical assistance and project support, such as peer-review missions and high level advisers. “The resumption of budget support disbursements could be envisaged once political, financial and macro-economic conditions are fulfilled, including respect for budgetary oversight and transparency principles", reads the resolution.