Moldova – best performer among Eastern Partnership States
The Republic of Moldova is the best performer when it comes to Linkage, Approximation and Management, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Index of 2012 shows. The Linkage refers to growing political, economic and social ties between each of the six EaP countries and the EU; the Approximation is related to the structures and institutions in the EaP countries converging towards EU stanadards and in line with EU requirements, while the Management is concerned with evolving management structures and policies for European integration in EaP countries.
In this study, Moldova is followed by Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. According to the report, the results are similar to those of 2011. The research proves that the margin between Moldova and Georgia is very slim, suggesting that both countries perform at about the same level.
“Moldova has continued to be the most willing reformer, remaining the frontrunner on many indicators in the Index, most notably where democratization is concerned,” the index shows.
According to the study, Moldova ranked the highest Freedom House’s score in the region in 2011. The Bertelsmann Transformation Index of March 2012 also shows Moldova as the best performer in the former Soviet Union.
"Moldova can well be called the "most willing reformer" in the Eastern Partnership, due to the progress it has achieved in most areas covered by this Index. Over the last year, Moldova advanced key reforms related to European integration despite a three-year political deadlock over electing a president - which was finally resolved recently. At the same time, Moldova has achieved progress in negotiating an Association Agreement with the EU, implementing the Visa Liberalization Action Plan and other sectorial reforms have been in the government's focus. Moldova also signed the European Common Aviation Area", European experts said, quoted by Infotag news agency.
According to the Index, Moldova was also appraised for political dialogue, participation of civil society, and management of EU assistance.
“Moldova emerges as the best performing democracy, as was the case in 2011 Index, followed by three countries that are at nearly the same level: Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine,” the report said.
Talking about elections, the study has found the Moldova has the most competitive elections.
“Only Moldova has reasonably fair and accepted electoral norms. Ukraine’s electoral management is less effective and its legitimacy more contested than in Moldova,” the study has revealed.
“Over the last year, Moldova advanced key reforms related to European integration despite a three-year political deadlock over electing a president—which was finally resolved recently,” the same source informs.
The report states that there is work needed in fighting against corruption and organized crime.
“Despite the fact that the legal framework for combating corruption and organized crime is in place, the actual process of fighting corruption and organized crime is running into serious challenges. So-called “raider” attacks on state companies and banks have become frequent, while progress in combating corruption among public officials has been quite modest. In addition, the regulation of party finances needs improvement,” the study revealed.
The Eastern Partnership involves six former Soviet countries: Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
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