Moldova

Over the last few years the Republic of Moldova has been steering an increasingly pro-European course, seeking rapprochement to Euro-Atlantic structures. In February 2005 the EU concluded an Action Plan with Moldova under the European Neighbourhood Policy. However, the situation in the Republic of Moldova is still dominated by the continuing conflict with the separatist region of Transnistria. The EU has also been increasingly involved in the efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Transnistria. The appointment of Ambassador Jacobovits as EU Special Representative for Moldova and the participation of the EU as observer in the negotiation process on Transnistria are an expression of the Union’s enhanced commitment. In response to a request made by Ukraine and Moldova in summer 2005, the EU moreover launched a Border Assistance Mission (BAM) on 1 December 2005 aimed at improving the situation on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. One of the main elements of this mission, which is initially planned for a period of two years, is training of the local authorities.