On 20 June 2017, the Moldovan Parliament adopted the law amending the Election Code and introducing the mixed-member electoral system. Consequently, Chisinau acted directly counter to the joint opinion of the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR of June 2017, which concluded, inter alia, that ‘such a fundamental change [...] is not advisable at this time'.

We appreciate the joint statement by VP/HR Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn released in response to the aforementioned voting in Chisinau, and its reference to the planned macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Moldova.

In the course of the negotiations for granting the MFA, the trilogue agreed on a precondition related to the initiatives of changing the electoral system, namely that Moldova ‘respects effective democratic mechanisms'. It was also agreed that the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) ‘shall monitor the fulfilment of this precondition [...] and will [...] pay utmost attention to the consideration by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova of the recommendations of relevant international partners (especially the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR)'.

What action will be taken by the Commission and the EEAS concerning the planned MFA for Moldova?

Can the current Moldovan authorities be considered as eligible to receive this assistance?