CHISINAU, Moldova — A top EU official says the bloc would scrap visas for Moldovans if their government tackles corruption, respects democratic standards and reforms its justice system.
Jose Manuel Barroso, European
Commission president, Friday comment will be a boost to the pro-European
government that has been in power since 2009 after taking over from
pro-Moscow Communists.
Prime Minister Vlad Filat said the former Soviet republic’s “European option is irreversible.”
Moldova
is Europe’s poorest country with an average monthly salary of just
under $300 (€232). Corruption is widespread and the justice system is
plagued by political influence.
