Mr. Prime Minister, which are major things that citizens of the Republic of Moldova need to know after your visit to Brussels?

Pavel Filip: Following each similar meeting I have with the European officials, I confirm that Moldova is closer to Europe, that our progress, although there is still so much to do, is starting to see and feel in economy and society. In recent two years, Government and Parliament have worked very seriously to put the train of European integration on track. We are glad that it is appreciated both in Brussels and by citizens of the Republic of Moldova. I had working meetings with the European leaders discussing in detail condition of reforms, implementation of Association Agreement and subjects on which we need to work more until the end of the mandate.

Firstly, I keep political message: Association Agreement and DCFTA are both in benefit of the Republic of Moldova and EU and we must continue to work together to implement all agreed measures. The Republic of Moldova and EU are long – distance partners. It is an important political message in a year in which, once again, the option for Europe must be defended.

Secondly, it is worth noting progress officially recognised by EU partners: reforms that have led to country's economic and financial stabilisation, restoring credibility in relation to international financial institutions, adopting laws on the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) and banking sector supervision, legislative changes in audiovisual field or increase of trade, especially through export of Moldovan agricultural products to European market. We also appreciated our initiatives to constantly consult with civil society as to improve economic and social measures or adopt reforms following European energy standards. The progress in the Transnistrian issue settlement was also on agenda, alongside idea of ​​stepping up cooperation to tackle hybrid threats and improve cyber security. We presented the Priority Reform Plan for 2018, which was well received by our partners.

The European integration is not a sprint, but a marathon, and in order to keep sporting language, the Republic of Moldova has a good interim time: we have come up with themes and showed what we will do to generate faster results in some domains, such as justice and fight against corruption. Moldova has a government that seriously represents its interests in Brussels. It is only up to us to maintain similar pace.

The topic of macro – financial assistance is of great interest to both Government and citizens. When will the European money come and what does Government to do with it?

Pavel Filip: Commissioner Hahn specified that allocation of macro – financial assistance depends on full capacity of the National Integrity Agency (ANI), adoption of an additional budget for activity of anti – corruption institutions and IMF report on ongoing stand – by agreement. We have a very good relationship with IMF, while results are what we expect, so in June we expect a positive assessment in the Board of Directors of institution. As for other two measures, Government will ensure their rapid implementation, as to prove once again that anti – corruption fight has all support of Executive. In fact, our goal is that, by the end of the parliamentary session, we have all conditionality for all three phases of macro – financial assistance, not just in performance. I am optimistic that first two installments will come in 2018 from strictly administrative point of view, we are also trying third installment, but we go on idea that, for reasons of administrative processes and their move, it is possible for it to arrive only after elections. We continue to work on implementing measures and certainly the European money will come. These will be important for growth of the economy through efficient public investment and better state functioning.

Each Commissioner spoke about bank fraud, fight against corruption and electoral law. What did Government do to address concerns of European Commission?

Pavel Filip: As far as fraud is concerned, we are at point where we have rehabilitated the banking sector and ensured, throughout adopted legislation, that a similar episode can no longer take place. Moreover, foreign investments in our banking sector started, which indicates credibility. We also have a full assessment of what had happened, which has been done by a reputed international firm. We already published most important aspects of the second report of Kroll, it was sent in full form to prosecutors to hold guilty ones accountable. Alongside, we will need cooperation of European partners to recover stolen money. The progress can be faster and Government has all readiness to administer and through legislative interventions make work of prosecutors more efficient.

We have recorded significant results over the last two years in anti – corruption fight, and joint statement after the Association Council meeting includes issues such as money laundering law wider reform of institutions in justice area. We will provide administrative and financial support for new institutions to be fully operational, it is a matter that we take seriously in Government, being one of the priorities. As far as electoral law is concerned, I presented the taken measures by Government and Parliament, as well as obvious political dimension existing in such decisions. Most of the Venice Commission recommendations have been implemented, legislative framework is fair and inclusive and I hope that parties will focus on presenting political projects worthy of the citizens of this country.

In the meetings you have had evoking topic of organising elections in late 2018. Why do you insist so much on it?

Pavel Filip: The elections are a very serious issue for Government. On one hand, some of us are extremely dissatisfied with our European aspirations and worthy foreign policy that we have had over recent two years. That is why we insist on securing communication space to prevent situations where people are intoxicated with false news, currents of opinion are being created on false themes, misunderstandings about what closeness to Europe means. We have also spoken in Brussels on this subject, we want to strengthen cooperation, because in recent years Europe has taken very seriously issue of fake news. And we made a first step with changes to audiovisual legislation, but we need to be more active and act where we notice vulnerabilities. On the other hand, the Republic of Moldova is at present a polarised state, first of all at a political level, which means not only lack of objectives with wide political support but also lack of responsibility of some and willingness to blow the country if it serves their interests. Already there are messages in the media – true, fierce – about boycotting elections, about civic disobedience, about not respecting will of the citizens. We know how badly such events can happen in a country that has just returned from instability, which is growing economically, attracting foreign investors and creating jobs within private sector. We reject such challenges and want to give them an adequate response – after all, no one is more interested than Government to have free and fair elections. We have highlighted possibility for election to be monitored by as many international observers as possible in institutions with strong reputation, but we are also open to other measures by both opposition and the foreign partners. Besides, as you mentioned, subject was on my list in discussions in Brussels. The democratic consolidation starts by right choices and we want to manifest that we are a democracy which makes solid progress towards consolidation.

President Dodon will asks for your resignation because you discussed possibility for European decision – makers to get involved in forming a new pro – European majority in the context of parliamentary elections. What do you have to answer?

Pavel Filip: President Dodon wants a premier and a coalition government to become graves of the European project in the Republic of Moldova. As much as we strive to make European integration an irreversible objective, so far Socialists are proposing to close the border to Europe. This is the great project of President Dodon, which he does not even try to hide: an iron curtain between us and EU. Today he is just talking about it, because he can do more than create obstacles. But since December, if we do not mobilise and get united, it might have – and this will be tragedy of a whole country – been fulfilled. I will continue to talk about things I believe in: European integration, political accountability, reformist government and results for the citizen. As for the involvement of European partners, you know as they say, a friend in need is a friend indeed. EU support has been decisive at certain times and can be this year too. After all, the destiny of this country is at stake. I trust that those with pro – European visions in this country will find themselves around the same political project.