EU freezes funding for Moldova. Moldova’s new PM to continue pro-European course

Pirrka Tapiola, the head of the European Union delegation to Moldova, announced on 7 July 2015 that the EU would freeze financial aid until the country formed a new government.

The EU was not the first international donor to censure Moldova. Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank had made the same decision earlier in 2015, following Moldova’s banking scandal, which erupted at the end of 2014.

On 30 July 2015, Valeriu Strelet managed to secure a slim majority support from the Moldovan parliament, thus becoming the new prime minister - seven weeks after the resignation of Chiril Gaburici.

Mr Strelet vowed to fight corruption, ensure rule of law, and improve the state of Moldova's economy. He stated such would only be possible if the country pursued its path towards EU integration.

• Primary Source

EEAS: Press Release, 08.07.15: EU Budget Support for the Republic of Moldova – pending the fulfilment of several condition http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/moldova/documents/press_corner/press_release_eu_budget_support_2015_07_08_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: Moldovan Prime Minister Gaburici resigns http://www.europeansources.info/record/moldovan-prime-minister-gaburici-resigns/

EUObserver, 31.07.15: Moldova's new PM to continue pro-European course https://euobserver.com/foreign/129810

EEAS: Statement, 30.07.15: Statement by the Spokesperson on the confirmation of the new government in Moldova http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150730_01_en.htm

United States: Department of State: Press Statement, 30.07.15: Formation of a New Government in Moldova http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/07/245526.htm

Sputnik International, 30.07.15: Moldova President Approves Strelet as New Prime Minister sputniknews.com/politics/20150730/1025219743.html

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