This publication was prepared with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the implementing agency of the project and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union.
For more information about the European Union, please visit: Webpage of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/moldova_ro?s=223
Facebook page of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova: https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationMoldova
EU Delegation to Moldova X page: @EUinMoldova
Address of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova: Str. Strada Mitropolit Petru Movila 10, MD-2004, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
FOREWORD
Dear journalists,
It is my pleasure to present to you the newly developed guide for journalists, aimed at enhancing the knowledge about the EU and its institutions represented in the Republic of Moldova.
We recognize the crucial role that journalists play in shaping public opinion and facilitating informed dialogue within society. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you have access to reliable information.
This comprehensive guide has been carefully crafted to provide you with practical tools and guidelines to navigate the EU decision-making process. It covers a wide range of topics, including responsibilities within the EU Delegation in Chișinău or other institutions in Brussels.
We believe that a well-informed society is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. Therefore, we invite you, esteemed journalists, to make the most of this guide and utilize its resources to enhance your knowledge on the European Union.
The European Union remains committed to supporting the freedom of the press, pluralism, the fight against disinformation and the development of a vibrant media sector in Moldova. My colleagues and I stand ready to provide you with further guidance on the bilateral relations between the EU and the Republic of Moldova.
I take this chance to thank you for your dedication and commitment to upholding the principles and professionalism of journalism. Together, let us work towards a future where the media in Moldova plays a pivotal role in strengthening our democracy and promoting the well-being of our citizens.
Sincerely,
Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova
CHAPTER I EU-REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA RELATIONS
EUROPEAN PATH, CANDIDATE COUNTRY STATUS AND FORMS OF BILATERAL COOPERATION
Relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union were formally launched with the signing on 28 November 1994 of the Cooperation and Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1 July 1998.
Since 2014, bilateral relations have been based on the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which provides the foundations for stronger political association and economic integration between the EU and Moldova.
EU-Moldova relations have entered a new strategic phase: on 3 March 2022, Moldova submitted its application for EU membership. On 17 June 2022, the European Commission presented its Opinion on Moldova’s application, following which, on 23 June 2022, the European Council recognised Moldova’s European perspective and granted it EU candidate country status, once the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinion on the membership application were fulfilled. On 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova and invited the Council to adopt the negotiation framework once the relevant steps set out in the Commission’s report were taken.
The EU’s assistance and support for democratic reforms have delivered tangible benefits to Moldovan citizens over the years, such as growing trade and visa free travel to the Schengen area since 2014.
Due to its geographical proximity to Ukraine, Moldova has been strongly affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The EU continues to stand in solidarity with Moldova, having mobilised over EUR 1.2 billion in support since October 2021, including grants and loans, and is committed to continue strengthening Moldova’s resilience. The EU’s focus lies on strengthening Moldova’s resilience, including energy security, enhancing cooperation on security and defence and supporting its reform path.
On 24 April 2023 at the request of the Republic of Moldova’s government, the EU formally established the EU Partnership Mission, which aims to contribute to enhancing the resilience of the security sector of the Republic of Moldova.
Updates and information on political relations can be found on EU Delegation’s website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/moldova/european-union-and-republic-moldova_en
EU SOLIDARITY WITH MOLDOVA
The EU is by far the largest donor in Moldova, supporting political and socio-economic reforms, and providing development assistance. The EU continues to stand in solidarity with Moldova and is committed to continue strengthening Moldova’s resilience.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has particularly affected Moldova with over 750,000 refugees entering the country. According to the Border Police, on February 22nd, 2023, there were still 104,011 Ukrainians on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, of which 48,417 were minors, 38,614 women and 16,980 men. Relative to its population of just over 2.5 million, Moldova is the country with the most refugees per capita among Ukraine’s neighbours. During these times of heightened vulnerability, the EU continued to stand firmly with Moldova and provided humanitarian assistance.
Since October 2021 until October 2023, the EU has mobilised more than 1.2 billion EUR in support to Moldova, including grants and loans.
Updates and information on EU solidarity with Moldova can be found on EU Delegation’s website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/moldova/european-union-and-republic-moldova_en
ECONOMIC RELATIONS, TRADE AND INVESTMENTS
The European Union is Moldova’s biggest trading partner, accounting for more than 50% of total trade.
EU-Moldova trade relations are determined by the free trade area set up by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and part of the Association Agreement.
The DCFTA sets up a free-trade area between the EU and Moldova in line with the principles of the World Trade Organisation.
The DCFTA allows:
• The removal of import duties for most goods traded between the EU and Moldova.
• Provides for broad mutual access to trade in services for both partners.
• Both EU and Moldovan companies can create a subsidiary or a branch office on a non-discriminatory basis. This means they receive the same treatment as domestic companies in the partner’s market when setting up a business.
• This preferential trade system has permitted Moldova to benefit from reduced or eliminated tariffs for its goods, an increased services market and better investment conditions.
• Autonomous trade preferences provide duty-free and quota-free access for almost all Moldovan goods to the EU market.
An important part of the DCFTA is aligning Moldovan trade-related laws to selected EU legislative acts. The aim of Moldova’s adoption of EU approaches to policy-making is to improve governance, strengthen the rule of law and provide more economic opportunities by widening the EU market to Moldovan goods and services.
The trade relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union in the last years demonstrated a positive trajectory. The National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova reports that exports of goods to the European Union countries in 2023 totalled 2646.8 million US dollars (with 4.3% more, compared to 2022), holding a share of 65.4% in total exports, with 6.8 percentage points more, compared to 2022.
Imports of goods from EU countries in 2023 amounted to 4188.0 million USD (4.1% less than in 2022), holding a 48.3% share in total imports, increasing by 1.0 percentage points compared to 2022.
Updates and information on economic relations, trade and investments can be found on EU Delegation’s website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/moldova/european-union-and-republic-moldova_en
To inform the public of the development of the EU and to explain and defend individual EU policies.
Participation in the implementation of the European Union’s external assistance programmes (the most basic being TACIS, PSA, ENPI), which focuses on supporting democratic development and good governance, providing support for regulatory reform and administrative capacity building, as well as poverty reduction and economic growth.
Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, which is the communication centre for Moldovan structures and institutions with the European Union.
Overall, the Delegation performs three main functions.
• Coordination. The Delegation shall cooperate closely with the embassies and consulates of the Member States on matters relating to the European Union and its relations with the Republic of Moldova.
• Representation of the EU. The Delegation is authorised to represent the European Union in all events and contacts with Moldovan officials and structures.
• Statement on the EU position. The EU Delegation is the sole spokesperson of the European Union in the Republic of Moldova. Is authorised to express its position on certain issues, in particular as regards relations with the Republic of Moldova. This, among other things, simplifies the work of government officials and the press. In the person of the EU Delegation, the media shall have a permanent and official source of information and may receive comments from the EU Delegation on all matters relating to the EU or its relations with the Republic of Moldova.
Delegation staff consists of various departments of the European External Action Service and the European Commission, local staff, as well as diplomats and experts from EU Member States.
The EU Delegation’s office is located in central Chișinău, hosting four sections:
• Political, Press and Information section.
• Cooperation section.
• Finance, Contracts and Audit section.
• Administrative section.
Each section has a Head of Section. The head of the EU Delegation is the EU Ambassador, who oversees the work of all sections.
Like all structures of the European Union, the Delegation and its authorised staff are open to communication with journalists. Within the Delegation, there are persons responsible for communication and relations with journalists.
In general, there are three communication formats between the EU diplomatic mission and the press:
1) if a diplomat or press secretary has not warned that he provides off-the-record information, this means that it is treated as “on-the-record”;
2) communication with diplomats in off-the-record mode is often required, which does not entitle the journalist to name the source of the information received. Such a method of cooperation between EU officials and the media, based on mutual trust, is generally accepted;
3) the third format is on the background. In this case, the journalist cannot even make any allusions to the source of the information, for example, indicating the position of the interlocutor.
Press and information officers can also provide information, references, and analytical information related to the relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EU or suggest where they can be found and help organize meetings of journalists with EU Commissioners and other officials in Brussels. Such meetings should be arranged in advance, preferably by a few months.
II.II COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
Website of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/moldova
The webpage of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova is available in three language versions: Romanian, Russian and English, and a useful tool containing various materials with reference to bilateral relations between the EU and Moldova. Here you can find a variety of information about specific policies and projects implemented in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the European Union.
The webpage proposes the following sections to the user:
• About us – the section contains information on the work of the Delegation, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, contacts, as well as the possibility to access the European External Action Service page.
• Relations with the EU – section provides information on relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EU in the political sphere, mobility and people-to-people contacts, financial assistance, EU support in the fight against COVID-19, economic relations, trade, investment.
• Practical information – here you will find useful information on travel and studies, as well as consular assistance.
• Projects – information on projects and programs implemented by the European Union in the Republic of Moldova in various fields.
• Opportunities – in this section you will find vacancy notices, grants and tenders, as well as calls for tenders.
• Press and Resources Room – includes useful material for journalists such as press releases and articles, factsheets, audio and video galleries, documents, editorials and other useful information for the press.
You can also subscribe to the European External Action Service newsletters from the Delegation’s website and find links to the Delegation’s pages on social networks, the Delegation’s online library and other web pages that are useful sources of information.
EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova - Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationMoldova
The Facebook page of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova entitled “European Union in the Republic of Moldova” is an important tool for informing both the work of the Delegation and EU-Moldova relations. The Delegation’s press officers are careful to publish daily news and up-to-date information on:
• projects in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the EU and active programs;
• announcements and infographics;
• photographic and video publications, live-streaming and recordings of various events organized by the Delegation and/or EU institutions;
• articles on EU-RM bilateral relations ;
• statements, reactions on a wide range of issues and others.
Journalists are encouraged to subscribe to this page to follow closely the latest news related to the EU Delegation, EU-RM bilateral relations and other aspects of EU foreign policy.
EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova – X page https://twitter.com/EUinMoldova
Short posts and key information about the work of the Delegation and EU foreign policy can be found on the EU Delegation’s X page. Relevant posts from EU institutions and officials are also distributed on the page. On X you can also follow the page of the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks: @JanisMazeiks.
EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova - Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/euinmoldova/
The Delegation’s Instagram page is another opportunity to keep you informed of the institution’s activities. It includes short photos and videos on various topics, projects in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the EU, but also statements by EU officials and others.
Online Library of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova
https://medium.com/euinmoldova
The online library of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova was launched in May 2022. It aims to provide public access to relevant articles illustrating the EU’s engagement / assistance / policy towards the Republic of Moldova.
The profile of the platform is made up of several parts that focus on:
• EU-RM relations and ongoing projects;
• projects developed at the regional level;
• publications on the exposures of the EU Ambassador;
• news and resources.
The articles published concern the practical aspects of the implementation of the EU-RM Association Agreement, the DCFTA and include useful material related to the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, on this page you will find success stories, the EU Delegation’s newsletter to the Republic of Moldova, announcements about EU assistance, events and others. Published material can be read, heard and used by the media.
ATTENTION!
The EU Delegation recommends requesting comments and additional information in advance, as it may take several days to prepare such information!
• Requests from the media can be addressed to: Delegation-Moldova-Press@eeas.europa.eu
• For visibility questions and EU assistance projects, please contact: delegation-moldova-operations@eeas.europa.eu
CHAPTER III EU INSTITUTIONS, PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
III.I EU INSTITUTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
1. Mission of the High Level Advisers of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova
The project “Support to the Implementation of the Mission of the High Level Advisers of the European Union” is funded by the European Union with a two-year implementation period, from January 2023 until January 2025. Its overall objective is to support the Moldovan authorities in the implementation of the reform agenda and in particular, in developing the capacities required for the implementation of the Association Agreement (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), as well as assist towards the EU Accession negotiation process.
Specifically, the project aims at:
• strengthening policymaking at sector level, including both the strategic planning/policy design and the policy management capacities of the line Ministries and State Agencies operating in the sectors that have been selected to be assisted;
• enhancing the stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of the European Union’s policies, legislation and regulations;
• capacity building in the central level public institutions of the Republic of Moldova
• providing specific advice to ensure the political, institutional and financial feasibility of the reforms in order to ensure their effective implementation.
The project supports the deployment and work of the EU High Level Advisers (HLAs) designated by the EU Delegation in Moldova s is different sectors
The beneficiary institutions include: Prime Minister’s Office, State Chancellery, Presidential Administration, Customs Service, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Office for Prevention and Fight against Money Laundering, Criminal Asset Recovery Agency under the National Anticorruption Centre.
3. European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM)
The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) was launched in 2005. The legal basis for EUBAM is the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the European Commission and the Governments of Moldova and Ukraine on 7 October 2005. It is funded by the European Union within the context of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, and with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) acting as implementing partner. The current Mission’s mandate is valid until 30 November 2025.
The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) works in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to:
• promote European Union border management standards and procedures for a quicker crossing of people and goods;
• enhance the professional capacities of the Moldovan and Ukrainian Customs and Border Authorities;
• assist Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities in combating cross-border crime more efficiently;
• act as a catalyst and bring together key stakeholders to strengthen cross-border cooperation between the border authorities and law enforcement agencies;
• contribute to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.
The Mission is headquartered in Odesa, Ukraine and in addition, has two country offices (Chișinău, Moldova and Odesa, Ukraine) and key working locations on the border. Altogether there are 83 people working with the Mission, with experts from 9 different member states.
Detailed information on the work of the Mission can be found on its website: www.eubam.org
Address
EUBAM Office in Moldova
Str. Mitropolit Petru Movila 10, MD-2004, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Contact (s)
Telephone: + 37322 80 22 02
E-mail: press@eubam.org
4. FRONTEX presence in the Republic of Moldova
Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, supports EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries in the management of the EU’s external borders and the fight against cross-border crime.
With the standing corps, the European Union’s first uniformed law enforcement service, Frontex has transformed into an operational arm of the EU.
In Moldova, Frontex is present to support local authorities with border surveillance, border checks and gathering information on cross-border crime, both at the border with Ukraine and Romania. After the Status Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova was signed on 17 March 2022, Frontex has deployed around 90 EU border guards, with executive powers, and currently they perform including first line checks, which is a first in a non-EU country.
https://www.frontex.europa.eu
Contact (s)
E-mail: frontex@frontex.europa.eu
5. The European Investment Bank (EIB)
The European Investment Bank is the lending arm of the European Union and represents the world’s largest multilateral financial institution and one of the largest providers of climate finance. The Bank’s activities in the region shall support the objectives set by the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy. The Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries share common objectives and challenges. To support its partners, the Bank finances projects that promote prosperity and increased regional integration, as well as intra-regional partnerships and stability of these countries.
The EIB has been working with Moldova since 2008. The Bank has been operating in Moldova in accordance with the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Eastern Partnership (EaP) and other EU bilateral agreements. The Bank provides financing in key sectors, including small businesses, transport and water and energy management. The EIB helped Moldova to diversify its energy sources by supporting projects such as the interconnection of the Ungheni- Chișinău gas transmission network. In 2019, the Bank granted a loan of EUR 25 million to finance projects that are part of the country’s Waste Management Strategy.
The EIB is working with Moldova to expand and modernise the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Improved connections between Eastern Partnership countries with the EU will contribute to the EU’s climate change objectives and safer travel.
Climate action is an essential part of EIB financing and energy efficiency is a high priority. In partnership with Moldova and the European Commission, the EIB is supporting thermal renovation of public and residential buildings.
EIB projects promote the local and regional economy as well as the development of the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The EIB supports Moldovan SMEs and medium-sized enterprises through a number of private-sector banks. It also works with the government in the agro-industry sector, in particular in the fruit and wine value chain, helping Moldovan companies to succeed internationally.
More information on the Bank’s activity in the Republic of Moldova can be found at: https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/eastern-neighbours/moldova/index.htm
Office address in Chișinău
EU Delegation to Moldova
Str. Mitropolit Petru Movila 10, MD-2004, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Contact (s)
Telephone: + 373 22807277
E-mail: chisinau@eib.org
Website: www.eib.org/press
Requests from the media
EIB Press Office
Telephone: + 352 4379-21000
E-mail: press@eib.org
6. EU Information Centres and Euroclubs in the Republic of Moldova
The European Union’s Euroclubs and Information Centres are an extensive network of multipliers of information on the European Union’s contribution to the development of the Republic of Moldova, the improvement of citizens’ quality of life, the tangible results of EU support and opportunities that can benefit the members of the communities in which they operate. Euroclubs and European Union Information Centres shall contribute to the collection and dissemination of information on EU-related topics relating to: policies, institutions, community programmes, neighbourhood relations, etc. At the same time, they stimulate citizens’ interest in cooperation between the EU and Moldova.
As promoters of European values, members of Euroclubs and Information Centres commit themselves to ensuring open access to information and communication with their peers on actions initiated and EU-funded projects implemented across the country. Young people, students and professionals in various fields can access, through the EU Information Centres, the resources of the Publications Office of the European Union, as well as other specialised and general information relating to the European Union. The EU Information Centres are hosted by the largest universities in Moldova, municipal and rural libraries, as well as an NGO. Euroclubs are composed of groups of young people who through their actions actively promote the values of Europe and EU Member States. In addition to secondary schools and gymnasiums, Euroclubs operate in colleges and universities.
The work of Euroclubs and Information Centres is supported by the European Union. The Republic of Moldova currently operates 20 EU Information Centres and nine Euroclubs in the country’s municipalities and district centres, one of which operates in rural areas.
EU Information Centres and Euroclubs can be found in Edineț, Soroca, Rîșcanyyi, Bălți, Fălești, Rezina, Telyan, Orhei, Ungheni, Straisheni, Chișinău (including the Durlești suburbia), Ialoveni, Hîncești, Leova, Comrat, Cahul, Vulcănești.
More details about the EU Information Centres and Euroclubs can be found at: https://eu4moldova.eu/eu-centres/.
The main European Union Information Centre in Chișinău “Europe Café” was conceived as a communication and information hub, where all interested parties can learn more about the European Union and its Member States, their culture and history, and their assistance to the citizens of Moldova, through programmes and projects implemented with the support of the EU and other EU Member States, which together act as Team Europe.
Europe Café is an ideal place for meetings and discussions. Where you can find out about Europe yesterday, today and tomorrow; where the values of European unity combine equally well with tradition and progress, and historical memories can be a start for future projects.
Europe Café provides an attractive space for cultural events with a European theme, information activities, press conferences, workshops, debate clubs and individual development activities and film screenings. The Member States of the European Union and their diplomatic missions will join these efforts by showcasing their culture, history and traditions to the Moldovan public.
Europe Café is a unique public place in a historic building and, at the same time, modern thanks to the innovative design and various technologies used.
More information on the Centre’s work can be found at https://eu4moldova.eu/europe-cafe/.
7. Young European Ambassadors
The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative is a non-political, voluntary, vibrant communication network connecting and building bridges of friendship among young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The aim of the network is to raise awareness about the EU’s cooperation with its Eastern partner countries, showcase the tangible results of this cooperation, contribute to policy dialogue on various topics, help increase civic activism and work together for a better future. The YEAs initiative was established in June 2016 as part of the “EU NEIGHBOURS east” project and has involved more than 1,700 young people from over 30 different countries to date.
The YEAs organize different campaigns and activities such as: social media campaigns and public diplomacy activities, workshops, quizzes, meetings, school visits, fairs, Europe Days or Instagram live debates, vlogs and much more. The YEAs have the chance to represent their countries at meetings with high-level EU officials, contribute to policy discussions by participating in a variety of EU events, including European youth forums and Eastern Partnership conferences. The YEAs initiative offers volunteering, career building and young leadership opportunities to its network members.
More information about the YEAs initiative is available on https://euneighbourseast.eu/young-european-ambassadors/
8. Erasmus+ National Office in Moldova
The Erasmus+ Moldova National Office is the organisation that assists the European Commission, the Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) and the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme.
The Erasmus+ National Office is the focal point for higher education and vocational training stakeholders participating in the Erasmus+ programme.
The Office shall contribute to improving the awareness, visibility, relevance, effectiveness and impact of the international dimension of Erasmus+.
The Erasmus+ National Office is responsible for:
• Providing information on Erasmus+ activities that are open to the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the higher education and vocational training dimension;
• Advising and assisting potential applicants in Erasmus+ projects;
• Monitoring the implementation of Erasmus+ projects in the Republic of Moldova;
• Coordination of the local team of Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs);
• Contributing to studies and events;
• Providing support for political dialogue;
• Maintaining contacts with national authorities and the Delegation of the European Union;
• Follow the policy developments in the field of higher education and vocational training in the Republic of Moldova.
More information on the organisation’s work can be found at www.erasmusplus.md
Office address in Chișinău
Str. Maria Cebotari 37, Office 304 (Annex to Hotel Jolly Alon behind Parliament), MD-2012, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Olga GHILCA, Communication Officer olga.ghilca@erasmusplus.md; Tel: (+ 373) 22 88 16 28
9. Info Centre in Moldova for Erasmus+ Youth & European Solidarity Corps
The Info Centre in Moldova for Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps is an information centre managed by the Millenium Development Training Institute with the support of SALTO EECA, aimed at informing young people and youth organisations about the opportunities of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, as well as supporting organisations in the qualitative implementation of Erasmus+ projects: Youth in Action and European Solidarity Corps in the Republic of Moldova.
The European Union carries out projects and campaigns in all key areas in the Republic of Moldova. Currently, more than 80 projects are being implemented in various areas: agriculture, anti-corruption, business, civil protection, civil society, healthcare (including fight against COVID-19), cross-border cooperation, culture, dialogue, digital, Eastern Partnership, education, energy, environment, good governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, employment, justice, local development, media, migration and mobility, political relations, research and innovation, security, skills, transport, women, youth, communication. Specific details such as implementation status, duration, description, budgets and others can be found on the platform www.eu4moldova.eu
CHAPTER IV OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
IV.I MAIN EU INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
The European Union is made up of 27 Member States that have decided to unite their skills, resources and destinations. Over 50 years of territorial enlargement, they have built together an area of stability, democracy and sustainable development, while preserving cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing achievements and values with countries beyond its borders.
The functioning of the EU is based on a complex bureaucratic system and well-defined control mechanisms for each institution.
The main institutions within the EU are:
1. the European Parliament
2. the European Council
3. the Council of the European Union
4. the European Commission
The full list of EU institutions and bodies can be accessed here: https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies/types-institutions-and-bodies_en
1. European Parliament
Web page: www.europarl.europa.eu
• The only EU institution directly elected by the European elections in the 27 member countries and composed of 705 Members;
• Term of office – 5 years (2019-2024);
• Within Parliament, there are 18 standing committees covering a range of social and economic areas, justice, environment, security, foreign policy, agriculture, etc.;
• In the current parliamentary term (2019-2024) there are 7 political groups represented in Parliament. The most important are popular-Europeans (179 Members), Social-Democrats (146 Members), Renew Europe (98 Members);
• Parliament acts as co-legislator alongside the Council as part of the co-decision process and also plays a key role in the election of the President of the European Commission;
• One of the main prerogatives of the European Parliament is to approve the EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework), but also to scrutinise its implementation;
• Parliament may vote a motion of censure on the resignation of the European Commission or reject the budget by a double majority: 2/3 of the votes cast and an absolute majority of the EP votes.
• The approval of amendments to legislative acts submitted by the Commission requires an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament.
Ordinary legislative procedure:
The co-decision procedure was first introduced in 1992 and its use extended in 1999. With the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, co-decision was renamed the ordinary legislative procedure, and it became the main decision-making procedure used for adopting EU legislation. It applies to around 85 policy areas.
Detailed information can be found on the following pages:
The President of the Parliament is Roberta Metsola (elected in January 2022).
European Parliament political groups:
Detailed information can be found on: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/ro/headlines/eu-affairs/20190612STO54311/ cele-sapte-grupuri-politice-de-la-parlamentul-european
The resolutions of the European Parliament do not reflect the official position of the European Union as a whole on the relevant issue. At the same time, they are very important for other EU institutions, as they reflect the position of democratically elected representatives of EU citizens.
There are a number of committees in the European Parliament, and its members are potential sources of lively and long comments and interesting interviews. Comments may also be obtained from members of the European Parliament’s standing delegations. It is also worth recalling that for each issue discussed in the plenary session of the European Parliament, there are rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs who are experts in this field.
Comments from Members of Parliament, members of its committees and representatives of European Parliament delegations cannot be considered as an official position of the European Union on relevant issues.
They can express themselves only on behalf of their party, group, committee, or European Parliament. The only ones able to speak on behalf of the EU are PEC, HRVP and EU Member State holding the rotating presidency.
Do not get confused. The European Parliament is the parliamentary body of the European Union while the Parliamentary Assembly is the deliberative body of the Council of Europe.
Plenary sessions:
For the preparation of parliamentary plenary sessions, MEPs are divided into 20 standing parliamentary committees. A committee shall consist of 25 to 81 members and an equivalent number of deputy members. Parliamentary committees meet in Brussels and hold public debates. The committees draw up, amend and approve legislative proposals and reports, as well as take into account the proposals of the European Commission and the Council of the EU. The European Parliament may also set up subcommittees and ad hoc committees to address specific issues. Meetings of the European Parliament take place in Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Monthly plenary sessions for all Members of the European Parliament take place in Strasbourg, France. Additional committee meetings and plenary sessions take place in Brussels, Belgium and Luxembourg is the based on the administrative offices and the Secretariat-General.
Both plenary and commission sittings are open to the press. All plenary sessions and some committee meetings can be viewed on the European Parliament’s website: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming
There are many people authorised to communicate with the press. Firstly, there are specialised press coordinators who are responsible for certain parliamentary committees and information can be obtained through them. The same applies to the organisation of interviews with committee management and other Members. There are also many political group spokespersons in the European Parliament: they explain the group’s position on a particular issue and help to reach out to MEPs. Although it is easy to search for contacts with parliamentarians without intermediaries: each MEP has its own page on the European Parliament’s website with email addresses and other contact details.
Calendar of sessions
Each year, the European Parliament adopts the working calendar for one year, on the basis of proposals from the Conference of Presidents. The calendar for the years can be found on the website of the European Parliament in the Plenary section. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/meetings-search.html
In order to enter and carry out journalistic work in the European Parliament, journalists and photographers must apply for accreditation:
E-mail: media.accreditation@ep.europa.eu
Telephone: (+ 32) 22842555 (BXL)
Telephone: (+ 33) 388172555 (STR)
Telephone: (+ 32) 498 98 35 44
More detailed information on media accreditation can be found at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/accreditation
Political groups of the European Parliament
The current European Parliament is composed of seven political groups and a group of independent Members. Each political group has its own press office.
2. The European Council
Web page: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council/
• The highest level of political cooperation between EU countries;
• Defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union;
• It consists of the Heads of State and Government of the EU countries, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission;
• Brings together EU leaders to set the Union’s political agenda through summits (usually quarterly), chaired by a permanent president;
• The European Council takes a majority of decisions by consensus;
• In certain cases, referred to in the EU Treaties, decisions are taken unanimously or by qualified majority;
• On 2 July 2019, EU leaders elected Charles Michel as President of the European Council.
• The European Council appoints the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for five years (he also holds the post of Vice-President of the European Commission and chairs the Foreign Affairs Council meeting); on 6 August 2019, the European Council formally appointed Josep Borrell Fontelles as High Representative. As Vice-President of the Commission, he was put to a vote of consent by the European Parliament;
• The European Council appointed the President of the ECB on 18 October 2019, the European Council appointed Christine Lagarde as President of the European Central Bank for a non-renewable term of 8 years.
European Council grants candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, 23 June 2022
Special accreditation is needed to participate in a European Council summit. Media representatives can apply for such accreditation via the website of the European Council in the Press section – Media Accreditation.
ATTENTION!
Contact (s):
Press Service
Central Secretariat
Telephone: + 32 2 281 63 19
Accreditation must be requested in advance. For details, please visit the website of the European Council.
E-mail: press@consilium.europa.eu
The President of the European Council
Telephone: + 32 2 281 51 50
E-mail: press.president@consilium.europa.eu
Press centre
Telephone: + 32 2 281 90 00
Fax: + 32 2 281 85 41
E-mail: press.centre@consilium.europa.eu
Other contacts of the Press Service: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/contacts/
ATTENTION!
Do not get confused. The Council of Europe is not an institution of the European Union. It is an international organisation, based in Strasbourg, which comprises 46 countries of Europe.
3. Council of the European Union
Web page: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/
• The institution representing the governments of the Member States and the key EU decision maker;
• It is formed by the relevant ministers from the 27 Member States, who regularly call for the approval of decisions on behalf of the EU countries;
• Decisions in the Council of the EU are approved either by qualified majority (55 % of countries and 65 % of the territory) or by unanimity;
• The Council has the right to vote on all legislative acts, usually adopted through the co-decision mechanism with the European Parliament, on a proposal from the European Commission;
• The presidency of the Council of the EU is rotating and is held every 6 months by a new Member State. The relevant Minister whose State holds the Presidency shall chair the meetings of the Council;
• Is responsible for coordinating Member States’ policies in specific areas, such as:
– economic and fiscal policies of the Member States with a view to strengthening economic governance in the EU, monitoring their fiscal policies and strengthening the EU fiscal framework, and also dealing with the legal and practical aspects of the euro, financial markets and capital flows;
– education, culture, youth and sport: adopt EU policy frameworks and work plans in these areas, which set out priorities for cooperation between Member States and the Commission;
– employment policy: draws up annually, on the basis of the conclusions of the European Council, guidelines and recommendations for Member States on the employment situation in the EU.
• Defines and implements the EU’s foreign and security policy on the basis of guidelines established by the European Council;
• Concludes international agreements;
• Adopts the EU budget together with the Parliament.
• The Foreign Affairs Council is chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission. This position is occupied by Josep Borrell.
• The High Representative is elected for a term of 5 years. During this period, he/she is the permanent chair of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
4. European Commission
Web page: https://ec.europa.eu/
• The EU executive body, composed of 27 Commissioners (one from each Member State), responsible for individual portfolios;
• In addition to the College of Commissioners, the Commission’s functionality is carried out by the Directorates-General (DGs), under which an area of activity is located;
• The President of the European Commission shall be appointed on a proposal from the European Council by a simple majority of the Members of the European Parliament;
• Commissioners are nominated by the member countries and appointed on a proposal from the President of the European Commission;
• The Commission has the executive control and regulatory function, being able to propose the annual EU expenditure estimate, oversee the implementation of the EU budget, propose regulations and directives to Parliament and the Council for vote, and verify that EU countries comply with existing commitments; has the right of legislative initiative and monitors compliance with European legislation;
• The President of the Commission holds the prerogative of external representation of the EU, alongside the President of the European Council, but also of negotiating EU agreements at international level.
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union, which has the right of legislative initiative. The Commission is responsible for implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. There is some ambiguity in the name “European Commission” – this name can be applied both to the institution itself and to the College of Commissioners of this institution, which is the governing body of the European Commission.
The Commission monitors compliance with EU law by EU countries and European companies. It may apply appropriate procedures to offenders, up to and including bringing before the European Court of Justice and imposing sanctions. The Commission performs foreign policy functions and participates in the development and implementation of EU policy towards a particular country or region.
This is the largest daily flow of information from the European Commission. Journalists can obtain some information there at any time. This applies both to internal processes and events in the EU and to its relations with non-EU countries.
College of Commissioners of the European Union
The European Commission’s governing body consists of a college of 27 Commissioners – one from each EU country. The President of the Commission determines which sector a particular Commissioner will be responsible for. A new Commission is appointed every 5 years, six months after the election of a new Parliament. As the last such elections took place in May 2019, the mandate of this Commission expires on 31 October 2024.
College of Commissioners of the European Union
Ursula von der Leyen
Margrethe Vestager
Valdis Dombrovskis
Maroš Šefčovič
Josep Borrell Fontelles
PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
A Europe Fit for the Digital Age
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
An Economy that Works for People
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
European Green Deal
Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
HIGH REPRESENTATIVE/VICE PRESIDENT
A stronger Europe in the world
Note: Josep Borrell’s current position is part of two institutions: The European Commission (supranational body) and the Council of the EU (intergovernmental body). He is also the Head of the European External Action Service.
VICE-PRESIDENT
Věra Jourová
Values and Transparency
Dubravka Šuica
VICE-PRESIDENT Democracy and Demography
Margaritis Schinas VICE-PRESIDENT Promoting our European Way of Life
Johannes Hahn COMMISSIONER Budget and Administration
Nicolas Schmit COMMISSIONER Jobs and Social Rights
Paolo Gentiloni COMMISSIONER Economy
Janusz Wojciechowski COMMISSIONER Agriculture
Thierry Breton COMMISSIONER Internal Market
Elisa Ferreira COMMISSIONER Cohesion and Reforms
Stella Kyriakides COMMISSIONER Health and Food Safety
Didier Reynders COMMISSIONER Justice
Helena Dalli COMMISSIONER Equality
Ylva Johansson COMMISSIONER Home Affairs
Janez Lenarčič COMMISSIONER Crisis Management
Adina Vălean COMMISSIONER Transport
Olivér Várhelyi COMMISSIONER Neighbourhood and Enlargement
Jutta Urpilainen COMMISSIONER International Partnerships
Kadri Simson COMMISSIONER Energy
Virginijus Sinkevičius COMMISSIONER Environment, Oceans and Fisheries
Mairead McGuinness
Iliana Ivanova
Wopke Hoekstra
COMMISSIONER
Financial services, financial stability and Capital Markets Union
COMMISSIONER
Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
COMMISSIONER
Climate Action
Commission’s spokesperson’s service
The Spokesperson’s Service (SPP) is the official voice of the European Commission vis-à-vis the media. It organises press conferences, briefings and is the main point of contact for media organisations.
Full list of Spokespersons and Press Officers, including contact details, can be accessed here: https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact/press-services/press-contacts/commissions-spokespersons-service_en
5. The European External Action Service (EEAS)
Web page: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/_en
The work of the High Representative is supported by the European External Action Service. It represents the EU’s diplomatic service and assists the EU High Representative in carrying out the EU’s foreign policy.
The service is based in Brussels, but also pursues its policies through more than 130 EU diplomatic missions around the world. The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova is part of the European External Action Service.
On the institution’s website, you can find information about the EU’s role in the world, its foreign policy and its relations with key partners.
In the “News and Resources” section you can find a variety of information – publications, documents, photos, videos, newsletters and many more.
The European External Action Service has a special department for communication with the press. The team, contacts and functions of staff employed in the press office of the European External Action Service can be found on the link:
Contact (s): Peter Stano, Senior Coordinator for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Mobile phone: + 32 (0) 460 75 45 53
Email: peter.stano@ec.europa.eu
Nabila Massrali, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Telephone: + 32 (0) 2 29 88093
Mobile phone: + 32 (0)460 79 52 44
Email: Nabila.massrali@ec.europa.eu
The service also has a Russian webpage that can help those who do not speak English. The website provides the most important information about the European Union’s foreign policy: https:// eeas.europa.eu/topics/eu-information-russian_ru
The structure of the Service includes also the East Stratcom Task Force which manages the EUvsDisinfo website: https://euvsdisinfo.eu/.
Its objective is to increase public awareness and understanding of the Kremlin’s disinformation operations. EUvsDisinfo identifies, compiles, and exposes disinformation cases coming from pro-Kremlin media that are spread across the EU and Eastern Partnership countries. These cases (and their responses) are collected in the EUvsDisinfo database – the only searchable, opensource repository of its kind – which currently comprises over 16,000 samples of pro-Kremlin disinformation. EuvsDisinfo regularly publishes articles and analyses in several languages, including Russian and Romanian about new developments in disinformation methods and practice. Among them is a weekly review of most prevalent disinformation attacks and narratives - you can subscribe to this newsletter. The website also has a learning section dedicated to the tools to understand and respond to disinformation.
The Task Force also has a Facebook page: facebook.com/EUvsDisinfo and on X: @EUvs-Disinfo.
CHAPTER V MATERIALS FOR EU MEDIA AND AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES
NEWSROOM WEBPAGE
http://europa.eu/newsroom/home_en
The webpage provides useful information on EU history, principles and countries, institutions, legislation and budgets, life, work and studies, news and events, contacts. It also archives all press releases and statements of all EU institutions in the last 30 days since the publication, videos, photos and visuals, and you can also find here the calendar of future events of all EU institutions, which can be accessed via the link: http://europa.eu/newsroom/events/week_en
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The press office of the Council of the EU offers a wide range of audiovisual services. In particular, journalists may book a TV or radio studio to record an interview. To do so, find the press sections – TV and Radio studios on the website of the Council of the EU. You can also follow the meetings of the Council of the EU live on a dedicated website: http://video.consilium. europa.eu/
The Council of the EU also offers many opportunities for the media. For example, it has a special audiovisual service where you can find the photos and videos you need – for example, since the EU Summit, European politicians or EU-Republic of Moldova events. Website address: https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/. In addition, the Council of the EU has a dedicated press page: www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/, where you can also find a lot of useful information and services.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The European Commission is the only institution that organises briefings on a daily basis (the so-called “EC Midday press briefing”), where journalists can ask any questions. Media staff may participate in virtual briefings under the relevant accreditation.
To find out more about the types and conditions of licences and credentials, please visit: https:// ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-commission/contact/press-services/media-accreditation_ en
Daily briefings can be tracked in three ways:
1) on the Europe by Satellite channels (EbS and EbS +; find below for details);
2) on the webpage: http://europa.eu/newsroom/index_en.htm.
The press office website contains all current press releases and additional information about all events in the EU institutions;
3) by regularly receiving audio and video material about events in the EU institutions through the subscription to sending the desired material free of charge to the Press Facilities section of the European Commission’s website: http://europa.eu/newsroom/press-facilities/mailing -rss/index_en.htm
EUROPEAN COMMISSION AUDIOVISUAL SERVICE
Web page: www.ec.europa.eu/avservices/
The European Commission has set up a separate audiovisual service for the Directorate-General for Communication to provide the full range of information journalists need. The key audiovisual service of the EU structures is the Europe satellite channel. It offers great opportunities to download photos, audio and video free of charge. ATTENTION! The use of the material is free of charge. However, when you use them, the source must be indicated. Some materials cannot be edited; you should be displayed in full or contact the Central Audiovisual Library for permission to edit the file. See the Copyright section for more information.
The Audiovisual Service website contains the following sections:
• Headline News – a section where text, video and audio material are grouped into events/news, presented as a list, from the latest to the oldest;
• Europe via satellite (www.ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/welcome_en.cfm)– is part of the audiovisual services provided by the European Commission.
EBS and EbS + are European Union satellite news channels designed to provide free news related to EU activities.
EbS channels offer:
– cover the activities of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, The Council of the EU, the European Central Bank, etc.;
– live broadcasting of press conferences, briefings of the institutions, plenary sessions of the Parliament and meetings of the European Council;
– raw videos, info clips and press releases in video format of the European Commission’s Audiovisual Service and other institutions. There are also videos of EU officials visiting Moldova that can be used by Moldovan TV channels;
– online broadcasting of current programmes within seven days of the date of broadcast;
– possibility to download quality video files (MPEG2) and audio files (MP3) from the site.
The Satellite Europe section offers:
– timetables of the EbS and EbS + channel programmes, from which you can directly access the materials themselves;
– the EbS programme – programme planning of the EbS channel;
– EBS live – online dissemination of the EbS channel;
– the EbS + programme planning of the EbS + channel;
– EBS + live – online dissemination of the EbS + channel;
– technical information – detailed information on the channels with a description of the opportunities they offer, their satellite and internet transmission, a list of the languages in which the dissemination takes place and other technical information.
• Video – a section containing video reports, video news releases, awareness-raising materials and archival videos;
• Photo – a section containing photo reports, photo press releases as well as thematic collections of photos, including photographs of current Members of the Commission, Directors-General, spokespersons and key figures of the EU institutions;
• The history of the EU – a selection of texts, photos and videos about the history of European integration;
• Copyright – the rules for using the material posted on the site.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PUBLICATIONS FOR THE MEDIA
The European Parliament publishes a number of informative publications that may be useful to journalists. These publications can be obtained by email by contacting the press office or visiting the News section of the European Parliament’s website. All materials are divided into the following sections:
• Titles – latest news, priorities, press releases, videos, infographics on EU issues (EU affairs), the world, economy, society and security;
• Press room – press releases of meetings of the European Parliament, its committees, etc.;
• Accreditation – journalists, photographers and other audiovisual workers must apply for accreditation and/or a special permit to work in the European Parliament;
• Election Press Toolkit – information for the media about the upcoming European Parliament elections;
• Contacts – the European Parliament’s press office consists of a team of staff informing the media about the work and decisions of the parliamentary committees and the whole Parliament. Media representatives can also ask questions;
• Agenda – agendas for meetings of the European Parliament, its committees, delegations, etc.;
• Milestones – main issues to be addressed next week;
• Weekly agenda;
• Briefing;
• Frequently asked questions – how MEPs work, how the political groups work together – answers to these and other questions on the work and funding of the European Parliament can be found in the FAQ;
• EuropeansAgainstCovid19 – Agenda, latest news, Coronavirus related changes in the European Union.
In addition, the European Parliament’s press office offers a wide range of audiovisual services (video, audio, photo, etc.).
You can find them via the link: http://audiovisual.europarl.europa.eu/
This publication has been produced by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
