New measures to counter unfair Russian trade practices in Moldova

“The EPP Group continues to be one of the most active supporters of Moldova's European option”, said Iuliu Winkler MEP, Vice-Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, on Wednesday in Strasbourg, after the adoption of the European Parliament’s proposal concerning the granting of additional trade preferences to the country. The proposal was adopted with 551 votes in favour, 67 against and 23 abstentions.

"The EPP Group welcomes Moldova's European option, recently reconfirmed by the election won by the pro-European forces, and encourages the continuation of all necessary reform processes that would bring the country closer to the EU. The adoption of the Parliament’s proposal on additional trade preferences for the Republic of Moldova once again shows the EU's commitment to supporting the European course of this state", stressed Winkler who is also the EPP Group Shadow Rapporteur on the proposal for a Regulation introducing autonomous trade preferences for Moldova.

Winkler outlined the importance of the decision adopted by the European Parliament: "This Report introduces new measures to tackle unfair commercial practices of the Russian Federation and mitigates the Russian embargo on imports of agricultural and food products in Moldova. Last year, I was Rapporteur for Moldova when the EU proposed the full liberalisation of imports of Moldovan wine for the Community market after Russia banned their import. Today’s decision to supplement trade preferences for Moldovan agricultural products complements last year’s measure for opening an EU market for Moldovan wine", concluded Winkler.