2nd shadow report of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (Quarter I-III, 2017)

The results of the quantitative evaluation of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (NAPIAA II) show that a bit more than one third of the planed actions were fulfilled (implementation rate 34.1%) during the first three quarters of 2017. The national authorities have undertaken efforts which are half of their estimated potential. The qualitative assessment of the Report indicates that limited progress has been achieved in the implementation of the commitments under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. These are the main conclusions of the 2^nd IPRE Shadow Report, prepared by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) with the support of Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS).

The results of the quantitative evaluation show that a bit more than 1/3 of the NAPIAA II actions were fulfilled within the reference period (i.e. an implementation rate of 34.1%). Most results are noted in the implementation of measures corresponding to DCFTA provided by the Title V of the Agreement, with the implementation rate of 43.6%, followed by Title VI (Financial assistance and anti-fraud provisions) – with a rate of 34.5% and Title IV (Economic and sector cooperation) – with a rate of 33.9%. The fewest results are noted in Title III (Justice, freedom and security).

The Report also introduces an implementation effort index, which aims at measuring the level of engagement and efficiency of the authorities in implementing the NAPIAA II. According to the authors’ estimations, the national authorities have undertaken efforts which are half of the planned potential, registering an index of 53%. The biggest effort was made in accomplishing the measures provided for in Title V (DCFTA). The least effort was made to accomplish the objectives of Title II of the NAPIAA II, that refers to political dialogue and reforms.

Summing-up the qualitative assessment of the Shadow Report concludes that the national authorities have achieved a limited progress in implementing the objectives in key areas of the Association Agreement as provided in the NAPIAA II, which confirms, to a large extent the quantitative evaluations of the report. Thus, in spite of a moderate progress in the implementation of actions planned in Title V (DCFTA), a limited progress or lack thereof was achieved in the other four Titles of NAPIAA.

Authors: Iulian Groza, Iulian Rusu, Stanislav Ghilețchi, Mariana Platon, Adrian Ermurachi