The president of the European Union has urged Moldova to reform its justice system and fight corruption.
Herman van Rompuy said Wednesday that the EU will give Moldova €50 million ($70 million) to support reforms needed if the country wants closer ties with the bloc. Corruption is widespread in the former Soviet republic, where bribes are often offered to do business with public institutions.
Van Rompuy has also urged political parties to find a solution to elect a president, saying political stability is essential for implementing reforms.
A pro-European alliance won elections in November, but it doesn’t have enough votes to choose the president, and the Communists say they will block the alliance’s choice.
Van Rompuy is on a one-day visit to Moldova.
