BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Award ID: 00048461 Project ID: 00058633
Project Progress Report: 1 January 2012 - 31 March 2015
Prepared by Traian Turcanu, Project Manager
Project funded by:
Government of Sweden Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Austrian Development Cooperation Open Society Institute Romanian Government
1
Background
The “Building Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration” Project was initiated in 2008 to respond to the needs of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) in implementing institutional reforms, as well as to assist it in the process of regional cooperation and European integration. In 2010, the Project has been expanded in order to provide capacity-building assistance to the Moldovan institutions involved in negotiating the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. The new phase of the project for 2012-2015 had the overall Goal of supporting the Government of the Republic of Moldova (MFAEI and other actors) to prepare for, negotiate and implement an Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU), including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), and support the Visa Liberalization dialogue. The Goal was to be achieved through two main directions of action: The first component has the objective to strengthen the institutional capacity of the MFAEI, so that it can exercise its functions in a more efficient manner, operate transparently and ensure the fulfillment of Moldova’s European integration commitments. The second component’s objective was to contribute to the development of the capacities of other public institutions in key areas that need support for a successful negotiation of the AA and DCFTA and for the effective implementation of related commitments. On this component, the Project brought in high quality short-term international expertise to respond to urgent needs and to complement other assistance interventions, such as the long-term policy support provided by the EU High-Level Policy Advisory Mission and other Donors’ assistance. As EU’s Comprehensive Institution Building facility has not become fully operational at the time of this report being developed, the Project’s inputs had been vital to the reform progress in specific key areas. Several major events have taken during the implementation of the project, including ones of a historical importance for the country: the Visa Liberalization (visa free regime) for Moldovan citizens with biometric passports granted on 28 April and the signature, on 27 June 2014, and subsequent ratification by the Moldovan Parliament, on 2 July 2014, of the most ambitious agreement negotiated so far between the EU and RM: the EU-RM AA including DCFTA. While the visa free regime provides for a substantial enhancement of mobility and people-to-people contacts1, the AA strongly impacts RM’s political cooperation with the EU and the economic integration into the EU internal market. DCFTA is one of the most significant mutual benefits of the AA, bearing undisputable importance for trade and economic growth, jobs creation, prosperity and stability in the country. AA/DCFTA provides a roadmap for the further modernization and democratization of the country offering Moldova more direct access to the largest single market in the world. With that, RM will create new opportunities for development and growth benefiting Moldovan businesses and citizens directly. This brings RM a step closer to its goal of eventually becoming a full member of the EU. The European Parliament gave its consent to the EU-RM AA on 13 November 2014. In his statement before the European Parliament Plenary, Commissioner Hahn said that “Republic of Moldova is often called the "frontrunner" of the Eastern Partnership, for it has achieved so much in a short period of time in its bilateral relations with the EU. We have negotiated in record speed the all-encompassing AA including its highly complex DCFTA. The Republic of Moldova is the first country of the Eastern Partnership that has a visa-free regime”. While rapporteur Auštrevičius further underlined that “The ratification of the EU-RM AA is a clear acknowledgment of the success of Moldova’s political and economic reform process, which establishes its European prospects and bears witness to its determination eventually to join the EU”, the Parliament Resolution reads that “…in the last few years, thanks to the political determination of its government, the Republic of Moldova has made significant progress in reforms and in strengthening relations with the EU” and that the AA represents “…a strong sign of recognition of the reform efforts and ambitions of the Moldovan people and authorities and of the substantial progress achieved in the latest period”. The Agreement has been put in provisional application as of September 1, 2014, by the end of the year being already registered first progress in its implementation. Thus, the efforts made by the Moldovan authorities have paid off and the developments attested that the EU and the RM are committed to mutually deliver on their commitments. “This Agreement, as you know, is the product of thorough and intense negotiations - and I take this opportunity to thank all those who, for four years, worked for the day of June 27, 2014 to become reality - colleagues in the ministries, local and central public authorities, civil society, journalists who have consistently reflected this process and, of course, external partners” said Moldovan Prime Minister Leanca2.
1 More than 360,000 Moldovans with biometric passports have travelled to the EU from April 2014 to January 2015. Travel to the EU has offered to many of them the possibility to interact with European citizens get acquainted with EU realities and standards of living 2 http://www.gov.md/print.php?l=ro&idc=436&id=7866 2
In order to achieve a steady progress in the implementation of the AA the Government of Moldova has negotiated and endorsed with the EU the Association Agenda and approved on June 25, the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the AA - documents which detail into concrete actions the provisions of the Association Agreement for the years 2014-2016. The results produced during the Project implementation process have impacted, through direct and indirect contributions, on the successful conclusion of negotiations and, consequently, signing and ratification of the AA. Noteworthy is the fact that the signature and ratification of the EU-RM AA progressed ahead of the initial plans, and the project had to show flexibility to adjust its plans and activities to the often changing needs of the beneficiaries. As a result, the Project’s contribution materialized in timely, commonly urgent, focused on emerging gaps, and tailored assistance to the MFAEI and other key Line Ministries in meeting specific pre-conditions for the finalization of the negotiation process in a record time.
Executive Summary
In March 2015, the “Building Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration” Project concluded its multi-year cycle as an intervention providing technical support to help Moldova promote its foreign policy priorities and, primarily, its EU integration agenda. Two important developments marked the Project in 2012 and, subsequently, in 2014. First is the movement of the Ministry towards larger responsibility and ownership of project results on the first project component, engaging in the direct implementation of a number of the activities through the national procurement and financial systems, while UNDP has been overseeing this gradual transfer, performing quality control, monitoring and evaluation. Second is the independent Mid-Term Evaluation that provided important observations, conclusions and recommendations aiming at further strengthening of the project results. The recommendations had been discussed among partners in detail, and subsequently a plan of actions had been developed for their implementation with the suggested measures being closely monitored.
COMPONENT 1.
Throughout the project implementation, Moldovan national capacities to reach out for and rally foreign support, as well as carry out negotiations and prepare for the implementation of the Association Agreement with EU have been strengthened as diplomats and public servants were able to more intensively participate in multilateral and bilateral meetings, consultations and negotiations, to exhibit proactiveness and promote Moldovan foreign policy goals in visits on high-priority issues, to expand knowledge and skills in numerous study tours, to network with European top-level decision-makers. The finalization of the negotiations on the AA had intensified the exchanges between EU and Moldovan officials and civil servants requiring even greater mobility for Moldovan diplomats and civil servants. With the project support, over 150 persons received a possibility to participate in EU integration related events abroad, and over 30 MFAEI and other ministries’ employees have enlarged the knowledge and developed skills necessary for the effective performance of their functions through participation in study visits and in training activities abroad. Project supported these exchanges thus contributing to speeding up the final signature of the AA/DCFTA, as well as to further developing the capacities needed for the subsequent implementation of commitments under the treaty. Project provided support for a significant intensification of contacts with the EU Member States in order to speed up the process of the ratification of the AA by their respective Parliaments and to meet the Government of Moldova’s objective to have all EU Member States ratified the treaty in 2015. At the time of this report being drafted, the Association Agreement has been ratified by the Parliaments of 21 EU Member states3. Moldovan Government’s capacities to monitor and improve its compliance under international Human Rights treaties consolidated as a result of supported by the project participation in the activities of the UN Human Rights Council and other important human rights events as well as the assistance offered through a local consultant who provided support and coaching to the staff of the Multilateral Cooperation and International Law Departments. The project assisted the MFAEI in contributing to the implementation of the Government EU Communication Plan aiming at raising population’s awareness about the intricacies of the EU integration process. The Ministry’s Communication capacities have been boosted through development of an up- to-date Communication Strategy to address the new challenges and relations with state institutions and external stakeholders. Hundreds of thousands newspaper supplements and numerous video spots have been produced and largely distributed, journalists had been mobilized to reflect on the costs and benefits of the EU integration based on the experience of newer EU MSs, public speech skills of deputy ministers and spokespersons’ from key state institutions have been refined, journalists of national and regional levels have expanded their understanding of the EU integration Agenda through tailored training.
3 Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Poland, United Kingdom, 3
Human Resources management system at the MFAEI had been strengthened through aligning HR Regulations with the new Law on Diplomatic Service and EU best practices in the area. An innovative software application has been developed to streamline MFAEI’s recruitment process by considerably increasing efficiency and transparency and preventing external interference. As a part of the Government EU Communication Plan the Association Agreement and the National Action Plan for its implementation for 2014-2016 have been translated into Romanian, Russian and English and made available for better informing stakeholders and the general public about the provisions of the documents. The project has also supported the organization of a series of public consultations where these documents have been thoroughly scrutinized by over 300 public employees and representatives of civil society and, consequently, have been improved qualitatively for a greater coordination of implementation. The Ministry’s ability to timely provide consular information to Moldovan and foreign citizens increased as a result of the project-supported MFAEI Call Centre’s activity at the Department of Consular Affairs. During the reported period, the Call Centre provided its services to over 30,000 citizens, both Moldovan and foreign, in the country and abroad. Call Center operators have built an extended database with up-to-date consular information and answers to most frequent inquiries. Its work has been highly praised by the European Commission and foreign states representatives as outreach has extended via Skype, e-mail and Facebook. The Project team worked to further improve and streamline the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) system applying innovative tools for safer, faster and cheaper communication with missions abroad which brought about unprecedented savings to MFAEI budget – 15% from telephone communication costs. The Ministry has successfully overtaken the contractual obligations relating to mobile telephone communication and had ensured a replacement of the project consultants performing the duties of the operators at the Call Centre by the Ministry’s contracted staff and contracted ICT Services being offered by the project from its own budget, thus ensuring sustainability of the Project’s assistance. Last but not least, the renovation works of the Ministry’s Conference Hall have been finalized. Numerous high level events have been hosted in the Hall including visits of Heads of States and Governments, Foreign Ministers and EU Commissioners.
COMPONENT 2.
The assistance provided under this component consisted of targeted and tailored expertise covering key areas, as identified by the Moldovan authorities, with a due consideration of the support that the beneficiaries received from other sources, in order to avoid potential overlap. The expertise aimed at supporting the implementation of the AA through the gradual approximation of national legislation to EU norms, standards and best practices. Based on the findings and recommendations of international experts, tailored training has been provided to the staff of the relevant state institutions, including the Centre for Legal Harmonization. Eight key sectors – Agriculture, Food Safety, Transport, Environment, Finance, Legal Approximation, Internal Affairs and Social Protection areas have received support from 54 international short-term experts contracted to offer the necessary expertise to assist Moldovan authorities in progressing on the transposition of relevant EU norms and standards, in compliance with the requirements set forth in the AA and DCFTA. With this support, the Moldovan Government managed to move forward in problematic or composite areas and to align its legislation, standards and practices with the complex requirements of the Association Agreement and DCFTA. As a result of the experts’ support over 70 EU Directives and Regulations have been transposed in draft Moldovan legislation and over 1,000 public employees from public institutions of the central and local levels have considerably developed capacities, enhanced their understanding and clarified expectations about the implementation of EU law by means of numerous workshops on issues related to legal approximation, on-the job training and guided practical application of undertaken commitments.
Key Results: Component 1 – Strengthened capacities of the MFAEI to lead on the European integration process
The Project’s Component 1 was focused on building capacity of the MFAEI to be able to better perform, as an institution, in promoting Moldova’s foreign affairs interests, and primarily, its European integration agenda. As decided by the Steering Committee Meeting in June 2012, Project activities that were not related to international contracting have mostly been transferred under the direct implementation by the Ministry using Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) modality, based on Direct Cash Transfers (DCT) using the national financial and procurement systems. The Ministry’s implementation team, consisting of representatives of the European Integration General Division, Finance and Budget Division, and the Management and Logistics Division worked to elaborate terms of reference, sign and renew contracts with companies by observing public procurement norms and procedures. Also, since 2012, MFAEI has been implementing activities related to Ministry (and other key 4
public institutions) officials’ travel abroad with relation to the EU-Moldova dialogue, promotion of Moldovan foreign policy interests, and study the experience of other countries on the EU integration path, using the project funds. The Ministry’s staff gradually developed related planning, procurement and reporting skills for the direct implementation, with support and guidance from UNDP. This contributed to the implementation of a recommendation contained in the European Parliament’s Resolution on AA, emphasizing “the need to improve absorption capacity in the Republic of Moldova in order to ensure the efficient implementation of projects and use of financing; outlines the importance of strengthening a mechanism for management, transparency and accountability in order to monitor the absorption and use of EU funds”4. Application of HACT has helped in further developing the Ministry’s capacities to absorb funds and implement external assistance projects, primarily in terms of planning and reporting, and consequently deliver concrete results.
STRENGTHENED CAPACITIES OF THE MFAEI TO LEAD ON THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS
Indicator 1.1.1 Number of events attended; Number of participants
Baseline Low financial capacity of the national authorities to ensure proper participation of designated staff in the EU integration- related events
Target Maximum use of the relevant events abroad for strengthening the international support to Moldova’s EU integration aspiration.
Project supported Moldova representatives’ participation in the AA/DCFTA negotiations, in short missions abroad for promotion of Moldova’s interests in the EU Member States and helped Moldovan officials to play a proactive role in international forums. More than 150 public employees had received a possibility to participate in over 40 EU integration-related events (Annex 1). Noteworthy is the first meeting of the Moldovan-Croatian Intergovernmental Commission for European Integration that took place in Zagreb, on 8-9 July. The meeting was co-chaired by the Moldovan Deputy Foreign and European Integration Minister Groza and his Croatian counterpart Marušić. Moldova’s delegation was made up of coordinators from ministries and other national authorities competent in the European integration area. The officials shared the experience gained during the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement by Croatia, in pre-accession talks and lessons learnt in the first year as EU Member State. The parties put together plans for future inter-ministerial cooperation and Croatian assistance for Moldova’s European integration process in areas of economy, legal approximation, communication, agriculture, internal affairs, environment protection and fighting corruption. As the first follow-up activity, a mission by an anti-corruption expert from the Centre of Excellence at the Croatian MFA had been carried out in early 2015 with an objective to provide advice on the ways to enhance the Government of Moldova’s anticorruption efforts leading to practical results on the invitation of the MFAEI in February 2015. Apart from events and trainings for the staff of the MFAEI covering such issues as European Security Policy, Regional Cooperation, Human Rights, Implementation of Twinning Projects, Migration and Asylum, Public Procurement, Human Resources, and Diplomacy, staffers from other state institutions, such as the National Anti-Corruption Centre, Ministries of Internal Affairs, Justice, Agriculture, Economy, Finance, Environment, and also National Food Safety Agency, Academy of Science, and Centre for Public Health have benefited from the opportunities to participate in the study visits and meetings/training abroad and have gain knowledge about Anti-Corruption Policies and Practice, Money Laundering, Anti-fraud, Integrity Testing, Crisis Management, EU Peace Keeping Missions, Food Safety and other critically important topics. External awareness on Moldovan foreign policy priorities has been kept up to date, and experience on the EU integration matters has been successfully shared with multiple partners through an effective communication between MFAEI leadership and EU institutions representatives, as well as high level representatives of the most influent EU member states.
Indicator (1.1.2) To support Moldova’s participation in international Human Rights events, as a part of the EU-Moldova Human Rights Dialogue within the Association Agenda
Baseline
4 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P8-TA-2014-0049&language=EN
5
Low level of participation in the international Human Rights events/ meetings due to insufficient resources
Target Capacity of MFAEI staff in human rights developed to achieve further progress in the Human Rights Dialogue with the EU through participation in at least 5 events
With the project support Moldova was able to send stronger delegations to the 25th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) that co-authored 16 Resolutions (of which 11 Resolutions initiated by the EU). MFAEI representatives ensured country’s visibility by participating in high level debates. As co-author of the resolutions on the human rights situation in Iran, Moldova ensured the development and promotion, along with Sweden and the USA, of the current text of the Resolution. Participation of the Moldovan delegation at the subsequent 26th session of the HRC provided visibility to RM priorities and progress on human rights related issues. The Moldovan delegation initiated and promoted, along with France, Switzerland, Belgium and other states, the Resolution on the Death Penalty, which scored the matter in the long-term agenda of the HRC. Following a consultation process, the Resolution was adopted on June 26, and upheld by more than 60 countries from different regions of the world. Moldova’s commitment to achieve tangible improvements in the protection of human rights has been reinforced during the EU-RM Dialogue on Human Rights. The exchange of views on the situation the freedom of the media, the fight against impunity and ill-treatment has provided opportunities to make further plans on supporting Moldovan Government’s efforts in consolidating its system of human rights and fundamental freedoms protection. MFAEI staff participated at the session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which was also important in the context of the EU-Moldova Human Rights Dialogue within the Association Agenda. Five members of the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination of RM participated in a study visit to learn the best practices accumulated by a peer institution in Lithuania, partially supported by the project, as the activity of the Council is important in the context of the implementation by the Republic of Moldova of the international human rights commitments and for the progress on the EU integration Agenda.
Indicator (1.1.3) AA Agenda implemented as agreed between the EU and the Republic of Moldova
Baseline Underdeveloped system of inter-agency coordination for the implementation and monitoring of the AA
Target Regular inter-agency AA implementation coordination meetings in place
The project supported a series of initiatives that have strengthened the inter-agency coordination for the implementation and monitoring of the AA under MFAEI’s stronger lead. In a two-day Professional Development Workshop aimed at strengthening the capacities for implementing the EU integration agenda on the eve of the 2013 Summit in Vilnius, 48 EU Coordinators from central public authorities reviewed the European integration processes (AA, DCFTA, VLAP), shared intelligence and lessons learnt, and have developed a plan for joint actions on EU/RM information and communication. Team building and capacity building activities helped the participants get to know each other better and build bridges and better cooperation between the institutions they represented. The inter-agency coordination platform had been enhanced through the organization of a series of extended public consultations on the draft National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the AA5. The consultations have been attended by 207 persons, including representatives from key central public institutions and civil society. The event has contributed significantly to the consolidation of the final text, the clarification of details relating to coordination and division of responsibilities in the implementation phase, as well as to sharing the information about the latest developments on sectorial dimensions of RM- EU dialogue. Professional development trainings held in 2014 and 2015 have gathered together European integration coordinators from central institutions, including autonomous agencies and departments within ministries with responsibilities relating to the National Action Plan for the implementation of Moldova-EU Association Agreement. The events stimulated improvement of professional skills and networking of participants, thus contributing to strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in the context of the need to increase coordination work for the efficient implementation of the Association Agreement. They took place outside
5 The NAP includes key priorities for cooperation with the EU and will serve as the main instrument for monitoring of European integration processes in the next three years, action requirements from key institutions under each article of the AA providing, at the same time concrete timeframe and resources needs. 6
Chisinau to create a favorable environment for open communication and exchange of ideas, and to generate a sense of teamwork towards achieving common objectives. The agendas included discussions about European integration - updates and lessons learned, contained elements to consolidate and streamline the coordination and communication processes, sharing practical knowledge and skills useful in the daily work related to the implementation of the AA. The sessions were conducive to establishing new contacts between people and strengthening team spirit. The events’ special guests - Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Arcadie Barbarosie, President of the Institute for Public Policies, Daniels Pavļuts, European High Level Advisor to the Ministry of Economy, former Minister of Economy in Latvia, and Veronica Cretu, President of the Institute for Open Government, have been successful in stimulating debates on topics such as medium and long term priorities of Moldova, European integration management process and the role of civil servants in ensuring transparency for government decision-making. Over 150 participants have received induction into the PlanPro software that will be used as an electronic platform for reporting and monitoring of the implementation of NAP on AA. A diversified program of teambuilding elaborated around notions of coordination, teamwork, efficiency, creativity and a shared vision has been implemented during interactive activities stimulating knowledge about the European Union facts, figures, realities and myths. During another seminar carried out with project support - "The mechanism of conclusion of international treaties – legal consolidation of Moldova's European integration", representatives of various state institutions responsible for concluding treaties have received valuable insights into how to prepare files and to follow specific procedures in the process of concluding an international treaty, with due respect to the principle of uniform application of the law. So far Moldova has signed over 1,700 bilateral treaties and over 1200 multilateral treaties. The numbers constantly increase due to the Republic of Moldova’s support from international organizations and partner countries’ openness to closer cooperation.
Indicators (1.1.4) Rate of population supporting EU integration
Baseline Decreasing rate of supporters of the EU integration process – 51% support, while 30% are against and the others have no position, as per the Public Opinion Barometer from April 2013
Target Increased population’s support to the EU integration agenda through at least 5 targeted events and largely disseminated information
Successful EU integration can be achieved provided that the entire process enjoys a significant degree of popular understanding and support. Project contributed to the implementation of the Government EU Communication Plan, in a close coordination with other actors, and has facilitated achieving more transparency and accessibility of the information on the EU integration process; to wide dissemination of the facts and figures on the progress in the AA ratification process to the general public and significantly contributed to the elimination of wrong perceptions and ungrounded stereotypes. At the same time, the Communication activities aimed at emphasizing the responsibilities and obligations which accompany the benefits of EU association to reduce unrealistic expectations. While the rate of those firmly staying for the European vector of Moldova is in decrease, as a result of the joint communication efforts, the rate of those acknowledging good relations between Moldova and EU increased by 8% from May 2013 to April 20156.
Public Opinion Barometer
May 2012 Apr 2013 Nov 2013 Apr 2014 Nov 2014 Apr 2015
What direction is the country moving towards? Right 24% 10% 24% 26% 34% 17% Wrong 69% 84% 69% 68% 61% 75%
How do you assess the current relationship with EU
6 http://ipp.md/public/files/Barometru/BOP_04.2015_anexa.pdf 7
Good/very good 65% 61% 70% 77% 82% 73,4%
If next a referendum takes place on Moldova's accession to the European Union, would you ... Vote for 52% 50% 48% 44% 44% 39,5%
Vote against 30% 30% 34% 37% 35% 41,8%
A qualitative survey performed by the Central European Policy Institute reads that “…Despite a decline in support for the European Union (EU) registered in our previous poll, the qualitative survey shows that EU narratives are making inroads into Moldova`s public attitudes. Although public opinion about immediate economic benefits, preferences and market accessibility of the EU and the Eurasian Customs Union (ECU) may be divided, there was no doubt amongst respondents that cooperation with the EU offered a more stable outlook into the future. The European direction is now decisively regarded as part of Moldova’s national interest and strongly associated with “living better and facing the future with more confidence“. Moreover, Transnistria is no longer seen as an obstacle to Moldova’s European integration”.7
Yet another most relevant survey were the results of the Parliamentary elections held in November, which demonstrated that the population supports the European model of modernization. An excellent platform for defining roles and responsibilities in dismantling misconceptions and managing expectations as well as a new network of persons that can professionally communicate on EU and AA/DCFTA related topics has been created by means of a three-day training "Informing the public about the Association Agreement, DCFTA and other EU-related issues". The event, organized in partnership with the Moldovan Foreign Policy Association and officially opened by the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, H.E. Tapiola, brought together public sector communicators and media to build mutual understanding on how to approach EU integration issues. Highly qualified international communications professionals have shared invaluable knowledge and skills with over 40 Moldovan representatives responsible for EU-related communication - heads of communication units, press spokespersons, government communicators, press officers, media representatives from the main national and regional outlets of Moldova, journalists representing main broadcasters, radios, newspapers and online portals. All participants improved their understanding over the needs and means to communicate and inform the public about AA/DCFTA issues, possibilities to develop key messages and deal with misconceptions, the experience and good practice of other EaP countries, ways to find and use appropriate sources for EU information. As a part of the Government EU Communication Plan the Association Agreement and the National Action Plan for its implementation for 2014-2016 with the project support have been translated into Romanian, Russian8 and English and made available for better informing stakeholders and the general public about the provisions of the documents. Association Agreement has been published in hard copy and distributed among key stakeholders. The physical representation of this symbolic, historical treaty has thus joined the shelves of numerous public employees that work with its provisions on a day by day basis. Immediate access to its articles and complex Annexes easies reference and opens the possibility to directly interact with the text by active reading. The translated documents will also contribute to more transparency in the implementation process and will offer donors and international partners a roadmap for potential contributions and investments to support Moldova’s reforms, democratic institutions and economy. Thousands of pages of relevant Moldovan legislation in the context of Moldova’s preparation of the Progress Reports to the EU such as, e.g. on Visa Liberalization have been translated with the project support. This helped to the authorities to prepare better for the EU Monitoring Mission on VLAP and to achieve the positive mission’s conclusions on the progress in the implementation of the Plan. Awareness on Moldovan foreign policy priorities has been raised, and experience on the EU integration matters has been successfully shared with multiple partners through an effective communication between MFAEI leadership and EU institutions representatives, also supported with project funds.
7 http://www.cepolicy.org/publications/qualitative-survey-make-moldova-home 8 Full text Romanian: http://www.gov.md/libview.php?l=ro&idc=451&id=7189 Russian: http://gov.md/libview.php?l=ru&idc=451&id=7189 8
“…It is good that the text of the Association Agreement was translated into the Romanian and Russian languages, so that all the citizens, including those from the Transnistrian region, take knowledge of this text. I encourage you everybody to read the Agreement, to see its benefits and the opportunities of a closer cooperation with the EU” EU Commissioner for Enlargement Fule9.
To reach out to as many citizens as possible while communicating on EU integration process, the production and distribution of newspaper supplements focusing on Visa Liberalization and Association Agreement has been contracted by the project. The Association for Independent Press10 has officially launched the Romanian and Russian issues of the supplement on 9 May 2014, when Europe Day was marked throughout the country. Its purpose was to present, in plain language, to all Moldovan citizens information about the country’s EU integration process, with focus on the liberalization of the visa regime, the AA and DCFTA. The supplement included interviews with top level officials, synthesis and analysis of Republic of Moldova’s progress in its effort to embrace European values, articles and cartoons dismantling myths about the AA as well as reflections over the benefits of Moldova getting closer to the EU. The supplement has been published and widely distributed every month. In total, 6 editions with 350,000 copies of the supplement have been distributed by means of four national11 and twelve regional newspapers12 which have attached the supplement to their publications. The success of the supplement has prompted the US Embassy in Moldova to take over and continue the project with the Association for Independent Press for the following months. To mobilize journalists to write and publish more on EU integration issues, the Ministry has announced a competition13 where the best concepts for journalistic materials have been selected. Four journalists have been awarded with opportunities to travel to countries that recently joined the EU with a view to making necessary investigations and produce materials related to their integration processes and experience. The winners, one TV, one radio, one written Romanian and one written Russian journalist ensured a balanced representation and a fair coverage and distribution of materials collected in the period from 8 to 12 June in Bulgaria, Latvia, Poland and Croatia. The journalists developed and shared with the wider public14 detailed accounts about the process and the implications of EU integration in these countries. The produced materials reflected opinions of the state officials, members of the business community, farmers, ambassadors and representatives of the Moldovan diaspora in the visited countries. As the majority of population of Moldova, according to public opinion polls, receives the information predominantly from TV, a part of the Communication campaign on EU integration supported by the project has been implemented using this means of communication. The Centre for Independent Journalism has been contracted to produce and broadcast three EU integration related video spots. The spots have been broadcasted from July to November, free of charge, on TV Moldova 1 and many other TV stations and online publications such as Jurnal TV, Pro TV, Prime TV, Canal 3, Publika TV, Reality TV, and N415. The materials are made artistically, with the participation of famous Moldovan actors. The main goal of the video spots is to dismantle myths about the AA in a very simplified and accessible manner. The capacity of high level officials to communicate with the population on EU issues via public media had been strengthened through providing training on public speech to sixteen Deputy Ministers and other top level Government representatives16. The audience gained substantive knowledge about how to develop a framework for positive dialogue; casual discussions before entering public discourse with serious implications; rules of ineffective speech; learning from mistakes: the importance of first
9 http://www.gov.md/libview.php?l=en&idc=436&id=7229 10 http://www.api.md/ 11 Jurnal de Chişinău, Ziarul Naţional, Adevărul Moldova, Ziarul de Gardă 12 Cuvântul (Rezina, Şoldăneşti, Teleneşti, Orhei); Gazeta de Sud (Cimişlia, Cahul, Căuşeni, Ştefan-Vodă, and other southern placements); Observatorul de Nord (Soroca, Floreşti); Cuvântul Liber (Leova, Cantemir, Cahul, and other southern placements); Est Curier (Criuleni, Dubăsari); Expresul (Ungheni, Călăraşi, Nisporeni); SP (mun. Bălţi and other Nothern raions); Ora Locală (Ialoveni, Străşeni); Ecoul Nostru (Sângerei, Teleneşti); Unghiul (Ungheni); Glia Drochiană (Drochia); Adevărul de Anenii Noi (Anenii Noi 13 http://www.mfa.gov.md/comunicate-presa-md/497219/ 14 E.g.: Valentina BASIUL, Latvia http://adevarul.ro/moldova/economie/cooperativa-reteta-succes-agriculturii-letone-1_539f21c20d133766a8a16eae/index.html http://adevarul.ro/moldova/politica/semnarea-acordului-asociere-marcata-riga-letonia-zi-fost-parcursul-integrare-europeana-1_53a070490d133766a8a90166/index.html http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/transformareaagriculturii-letoniei-dela-colhozuri-dezmembrate-afaceri-profitabile-1_53a326800d133766a8ba166b/index.html http://adevarul.ro/moldova/economie/catde-pregatiti-moldovenii-programul-enpard-1_53a8518a0d133766a8d5633e/index.html http://adevarul.ro/moldova/economie/obiectiv-european-reformele-ne-au-costat-ne-au-ajutat-economie-puternica-1_53b652a50d133766a820c605/index.html Ana BUTNARIUC, Bulgaria http://www.prime.md/rom/news/social/item9593/ http://www.prime.md/rom/news/esterne/item9666/ http://www.prime.md/rom/shows/item4/news/socialss/item9790/ Anatol CACIUC, Poland http://trm.md/ro/obiectiv-europa/obiectiv-europa-din-14-iunie-2014/ http://www.trm.md/ro/obiectiv-europa/obiectiv-europa-din-21-iunie-2014/ Inna CIVRIJIC, Croatia http://www.kommersant.md/print/31672 15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWef_3UQASk http://www.publika.md/nu-retrai-vasilica-miturile-integrarii-europene-demolate-intr-un-spot-video-haios_1994221.html http://www.zdg.md/video/video-vasilica-nimeni-nu-te-va-duce-la-abator-mituri-despre-integrarea-europeana http://unimedia.info/stiri/video-spot-al-ministerului-de-externe-demolam-miturile-rm-ue-78846.html http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/video-ministerul-afacerilor-externe-demoleaza-miturile-referitoare-acordul-asociere-ue-printr-un-spot-publicitar-haios-1_53b4297c0d133766a8147e2a/index.html http://inprofunzime.md/stiri/politic/mai-a-lansat-campania-demolam-miturile-republica-moldova- europa.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+inprofunzime+%28In+Profunzime+-+Toate+Stirile%29 16 Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Reintegration Bureau, State Chancellery, Ministry of Youth and Sport, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry et.al. 9
impressions; persuasive speech structure; the Logical and the Emotional Argumentation; elegant solutions to less elegant situations; analysis of European integration messages and their transformation into messages with rhetorical impact. In order to streamline the process of delivering messages on Moldova's European integration, 25 communicators from key line ministries as well as representatives of local authorities have been trained on how to deliver persuasive speeches, structure spontaneous discourse, use rhetorical tricks as well as non-verbal and para-verbal speech during a specialized workshop called "Public discourse on European integration process" held on 7 November 2014. Skills of 20 Moldovan diplomats in using sector-specific English terminology strengthened through a Workshop on Diplomatic English. In the survey carried out by the Institute for Public Policies in November 2014, 59% of respondents have, in the last 6 months, seen or heard advertisements and events relating to information campaign about RM association with the EU. Of those respondents, 25% who watched the campaign claimed that it helped significantly to improve their level of information about the Association Agreement and understand the advantages and benefits this agreement for the country. Every fourth respondent exposed to the information campaign changed his/her mind in favor of the Association Agreement17. The capacity of the MFAEI in Communication on EU issues had been further strengthened through the participation of the Head of the MFAEI Press and Information Office at 2014 European Communication Summit - Europe’s leading conference for communicators18. The Summit welcomed top-class speakers from the worlds of business, media, academics, corporate communications and public relations. The participants collectively explored, reflected and debated the current state of Europe’s communications landscape. The MFAEI representative has gained invaluable insight and knowledge about such topics as the evolution of the global digital media; communicating the EU election campaign; communicating big ideas to get results; making leaders better communicators; innovating communications; the future of TV, that is being applied for strengthening the communication function of the MFAEI. The Project supported the organization of a Policy Brief with the Prime Minister Leanca “Moldova's road to Europe - What's next?” held on 26 June, in Brussels, in the eve of signing the AA. The event was organized in partnership with the European Policy Centre, and the Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the EU. Prime Minister Leanca had the opportunity to share critical viewpoints regarding major developments in the country, including challenges for the future as well as Moldova’s expectations from the EU. The event raised public awareness and visibility over the overall political situation in the country, its economic development and foreign policy priorities. Communication on the EU integration issues enhanced through a series of meetings by the Ministry’s top management with mass media and civil society representatives. Support was provided in organizing a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Gherman and MFAEI leadership with Chief Editors from TV, online, Radio and written media. The meeting proved to be an effective mechanism for communicating MFAEI and cross-Government plans and activities, as well as served as an effective platform for sharing the Government’s EU agenda priorities. Article 14 of the Association Agreement provides for a closer dialogue between Moldova and the EU on all aspects relating to migration with the Mobility Partnership representing the cornerstone of that dialogue. In the context of the 7th High Level Dialogue of the EU - Moldova Mobility Partnership (Brussels, 9 December 2014) the project has published a special Newsletter, which is an important tool to disseminate among the European but also international stakeholders Moldova’s achievements and developments under the Mobility Partnership. The publication also offered insights and dynamics of implementation of 108 projects in the field of preventing and combating irregular migration, facilitating circular migration and its use in the country's development policies. In the context of Moldova being the first Eastern Partner to reach the visa-free regime objective, the Moldova was encouraged to share its experience with other countries from both Eastern and Southern neighborhood of the EU. With a view to strengthen the professional and institutional capacities of the MFAEI in the area of communication and public relations with state institutions and external stakeholders, a local consultant has been contracted to offer the necessary support in the process of drafting the new MFAEI Communication Strategy and ensure the necessary knowledge and skills transfer to the communication specialists of the MFAEI. Building on a baseline diagnosis of the skills, methods, and systems in place in the MFAEI, a critical analysis of the previous communication strategies and an overall assessment of similar policy papers in state institutions implementing the Association Agreement19, the consultant offered the MFAEI guidance and methodological support in drafting a new MFAEI Communication Strategy, improving its public relations system, modernizing communication capacities in line with the principles of good governance, accountability and transparency and the best practices in the area. The communication function of the MFAEI in relation to its role of the coordinator of implementation of the Association Agreement has thus been considerably reinforced.
17 http://ipp.md/public/files/Barometru/Rezumat_de_presa_BOP_11_2014_final.pdf 18 http://www.communication-summit.eu 19 such as the State Chancellery, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Finance 10
All activities under the Communication Component have been coordinated with partners performing similar activities in the public communication area: the Soros Foundation-Moldova, the British Embassy, and the National Democratic Institute. One of the major results related to Component 1 is that the renovation of the Ministry’s Conference Hall has been successfully finalized. MFAEI has acquired good conditions for holding various events – visits of delegations from other countries and of representatives of international organizations, bi-lateral and multi-lateral meetings, press conferences, training and workshops, as well as meetings of the Working Groups responsible for the implementation of the AA. The hall has been inaugurated on 5 September 2013 on the occasion of the visit of Benelux Foreign Ministers.
1.2 FORTIFIED INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITIES OF THE MFAEI
Indicators (1.2.1) Internal regulations on diplomatic reserve, rotation, motivation and career development developed
Baseline Deficient policy on diplomatic reserve, rotation, motivation and career development
Target Coherent system of diplomatic staff rotation, reserve, motivation and career development in place;
The MFAEI Human Resource Department had received technical support and advice in strengthening the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) and capacity of the MFAEI staff, with a full respect for the provisions of the new Law on Diplomatic Service. The consultant recruited under the project has critically examined the existing legislation and systems and produced specific recommendations on how to further improve the legislative framework, how to deal with the diplomatic staff reserve issue, as well as HR Unit’s Internal Regulations and its staff job descriptions. The recommendations had been debated with the relevant staff and as a result the Regulation on the work of the Commission for Evaluation and Competition20, containing detailed rules on staff Recruitment, Rotation, Reserve and Promotion, has been aligned to the relevant provisions set forth in the Law on Diplomatic Service. New approaches and concepts have been examined and introduced into the HRM, such as greater institutionalization of the gender issues, electronic job applications, audio or video recording of the interviews and written tests evaluation software. A comparative analysis of foreign services HRMS from three EU Member States - Lithuania, Germany and Romania had been carried out to offer to the MFAEI further options for upgrading the HRM in Moldova by e.g. establishing a Diplomatic Corps; setting internal competitions for filling the staff of missions abroad and for promotion of staff; establishing differentiated salary scales (especially for staff in diplomatic missions). On the basis of the recommendations an Action Plan had been developed, to take specific actions for improving the HRMS by using practical tools to recruit and promote the most competent candidates and to, consequently, positively impact on the efficiency of the national diplomacy. The MFAEI organizes written tests for candidates applying for job vacancies several times a year. All stages of the application, selection and appointment were being processed manually. Based on the recommendations provided by the local expert, internal regulations have been amended to open the possibility of processing written tests by means of computer software. Consequently, the project has contracted the development of a software application and an initial database of logical questions that comes to streamline the recruitment process and to considerably increase transparency by reducing human intervention and preventing external interference. The software contains two modules - the Administration and the Evaluation module which provide for three types of testing including logical tests, professional tests and practical assignments. The application allows for the implementation of a large number of various tests necessary for different MFAEI Departments. It includes an archive with evaluation results for the last five years. The members of the evaluation committee have been relieved by the technical burden to manually process applications and assess candidates’ knowledge, skills and qualifications individually. This will save time and effort which can be concentrated on further improving evaluation methods. Ultimately, the software application considerably increases MFAEI’s capacity to process job applications and recruit the best possible candidates by easier management of the content of the tests and availing itself of genuine roster of applicants and sound potential candidates. Once the software is successfully tested and implemented at the MFAEI, it could be further tailored to meet the specific needs and be used by other state institutions. Project Cycle Management skills of 20 Moldovan diplomats and other public officials have been improved in during a targeted seminar. The overall objective of the training course was to improve the understanding and to build capacities of the participants in the field of project proposals writing and management of projects that are funded from international donor resources. Special guests made presentations and answered participants’ questions. Speranta OLARU - project manager at the European Union Delegation in Moldova – shared her experience in managing European projects, best practices, tips and tricks for
20 (i) the Organization and Functioning of the Commission, (ii) Employment of Staff (iii) Organization of the Recruitment Competition (iv) Staff Rotation, (v) Staff Reserve (vi) Granting Diplomatic Ranks. 11
the successful projects in Moldova. Krzysztof KOLANOWSKI – director of the Informational Center for Local Public Authorities – delivered a presentation on available sources of financing, secrets of successful projects and hidden stones in project writing. Based on the recommendations of the Mid Term Evaluation and 2014 Annual Work Plan the MFAEI project continued to develop capacity of the MFAEI staff offering possibilities to participate at trainings abroad, in line with the beneficiary’s needs. In the reporting period Ministry’s staff was offered a possibility to receive international perspectives of Human Resources Management, Public Procurement, Twinning Project Proposal Writing and Implementation, and of many more relevant issues (Annex 2).
Indicators (1.2.2) Level of performance of the internal information system; ratio of system crashes; level of protection against intrusions; time of system response on user queries
Baseline Information Management System needs improvements aiming at data protection and security of official correspondence Low capacity of IT staff
Target Internal Integrated Information System upgraded, better secured, fine-tuned and properly maintained; Exit Strategy for the activity developed and implemented
Quality Information and Communication Technology services for MFAEI continued to be delivered with the support of local consultants who ensured continuous maintenance of the Integrated Information System and document sharing software. The benefits of the assistance consisted of, but were not limited to: free, uninterrupted email and telephone communication between all 33 Diplomatic Missions located in different time zones and the MFAEI Headquarters; continuous access to the E-Consul system of online applications for biometric passports; reduced expenditures21, particularly on international calls from Diplomatic Mission; reduced number of personal, lengthy, costly and inefficient calls through the integration of VoIP Billing - a recording system of the performed telephone calls; providing instrumental advice to the MFAEI in their negotiating an advantageous contract with the telecommunications provider which resulted in three times higher internet speed at even a lower price than in 2013. Analysis of the needs and further opportunities with relation to the Integrated Information System have been planned and implemented with a view to the development and improvement of the information system. MFAEI ICT infrastructure improved through the acquisition, with the assistance of the project experts, of a new server, installation of an IP telephony system which reduced significantly communication costs and increased their security, implementation of a solution for the successful transfer of the Call Centre infrastructure to the MFAEI, procurement and installation of software aimed at ensuring data protection and security of official correspondence. Not least, the website of the MFAEI has been continuously improved with additional online tools, including an electronic system for special series registration for foreign vehicles. Sustainability of the above support provided by the project had been ensured by the Ministry that allocated budget for strengthening the ICT Unit by procuring similar services using own funds via public procurement processes, for the year 2015 onward. This represents a first step in the path of institutionalizing a strong ICT Unit within the MFAEI.
Indicators (1.2.3) Level of satisfaction of services’ beneficiaries
Baseline Insufficiently client-oriented service provision system; High workload on the staff of the Consular Department
Target Better quality of services for citizens; number of complaints addressed; Increased number of on-line services; Exist Strategy for the activity developed and implemented
MFAEI Call Centre activity at the Consular Affairs Department continued to support MFAEI’s ability to provide consular information to Moldovan and foreign citizens. The Centre has helped to increase the operational efficiency of the Ministry’s consular services, and has widened the range of services the Ministry is able to offer to Moldovan citizens abroad and potential
21 For the period August – December 2014 they have reached almost 15% or approximately $11,500. 12
foreign visitors and investors. From launch in 2009 until December 2014, the Centre provided high quality services to 33,544 persons (80% in country and 20% (65 countries) abroad). The operators have kept up to date the database with relevant consular information and model-answers to most frequent inquiries (passport, records, notary documents, emergency travel, customs/border issues etc.). The Call Center outreach has been maintained via Skype, e-mail, and Facebook. A promotional spot has been placed on YouTube and on MFAEI’s web page keep the population informed and encourage calls. The operators developed and have kept up to date the database with consular information and model-answers to most frequent inquiries. This year the main questions referred to some of the most critical issues such as implementation of evisa.gov.md platform for issuing visas to foreigners22; travel conditions to the EU and the Schengen Area in light of the VLAP; liberalization of travel to Montenegro; Albania, Turkey; travel conditions to the and through Crimea; updated entry conditions to the Russian Federation; entry bans to Russian Federation and the Schengen States; contact details of RM embassies and foreign embassies accredited in Moldova; travel conditions with minor children; documenting children born abroad; transcription of documents issued abroad; legalization of documents; electronic apostils and its recognition/non-recognition by foreign authorities; granting and recovering Moldovan citizenship). Over 32,000 informational leaflets have been published in 2013 containing information on three major areas - general travel tips, marriage issues, and arrests issues as well as updated contact details of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova and the Call Center. The leaflets were published in Romanian (~17,000 pcs.) and Russian (~14,000 pcs.) and have been distributed at Chisinau International Airport, bus and railway stations, the Joint Visa Application Centre and all Moldovan diplomatic missions abroad. A total of 340,000 pieces of User Guides on Freedom of Movement in the European Area23 after the EU granted the visa free regime to the Moldovan citizens with the biometric passports have been printed in Romanian and Russian and distributed throughout the country and abroad. The leaflets offers the public basic but critical information about the free visa regime and travel into the EU, relevant exceptions to visa free regime, duration of stay, necessary documents, FAQs, sanctions and other. A wide distribution to in country and abroad has been performed through the Ministry of Information Technology, the Border Police Department and through diplomatic mail by the MFAEI. In cooperation with the CEC, UNDP Project at CEC, and the Bureau for Relationships with Diaspora and the MFAEI Consular Department, the project supported an awareness raising and information campaign for Moldovan citizens abroad aiming at increasing participation rate at the 30 November 2014 parliamentary elections. Informative posters and stickers targeting Moldovan voters abroad have been printed and distributed in numerous countries. Call Centre operators received relevant information regarding the election process ad have received instructions on how to forward questions involving complex issues to the CEC Call Centre. The Call Centre sustainability solution developed in the course of the year removed the financial burden and made it possible for the MFAEI to operate the Call Centre independently, at an affordable cost. The work of the Call Centre has significantly reduced the workload of the staff of the CAD which in turn offered them more opportunities and time to concentrate on their institutional capacity development. Based on the exit strategy elaborated jointly by the Coordinator of the Call Centre and the management of the MFAEI Consular Department, MFAEI has initiated talks on possible funding of the Call Centre with numerous potential donors.
2014 Key Results: Component 2 – Signed and progressively implemented AA
Indicators (2.1.1) Level of progress in implementation of priority actions in legal approximation
Baseline Insufficient knowledge and skills in Line Ministries to perform the transposition of the EU Directives into the national law Target Reduced institutional disparities in AA implementation capacities
Support provided under this Component had been strongly focused on the capacity transfer, so the staff of the target Ministries is gradually becoming able to transpose the EU standards and norms into the national legislation without external support. During the reported period over 1,000 public employees from various state institutions of central and local levels have participated in knowledge sharing trainings delivered by the contracted international experts and developed their skills in the EU standards transposition into the national legislation. The focus of the sessions was on raising the capacity of the trainees to analyze
22 Launched in August 2014 www.evisa.gov.md is a platform where foreigners from countries that need visas for RM can request and obtain visas online. 23 http://www.mfa.gov.md/visa-eu/ 13
and comprehend the practical implications of the legal standards proposed for amendment and adoption, with particular emphasis on the implementation of commitments undertaken by the country under the Association Agreements. These capacity building efforts had been continued by the international consultants through other methods – on-the-job training and mentoring in the everyday work with the counterparts and during events with the participation of a variety of stakeholders in different parts of the country.
Indicators (2.1.2) Progress in legal harmonization: development, adoption, enforcement.
Baseline Existing time-bound legal approximation plan
Target At least 30 priority EU normative acts executed through acquaintance with/ active use of models and best practices from EU MSs: relevant national legal / regulatory acts revised and enforcement guidelines prepared
European Parliament resolution reads “…Without strong administrative support from EU experts, it is very difficult for any Moldovan government to implement the agreed approximation of legislation to the EU acquis24 Statement by H.E. Mrs. Natalia GHERMAN, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, at the General Debate at the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly: “This year we have signed, ratified and already provisionally apply the new Association Agreement with the EU. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, an integral part of the Agreement, opens new perspectives for the accession of Moldova in the European and world markets. It will make our economy more competitive, stimulate economic growth and integrate Moldova into the mainstream of global trade with all it benefits. Its implementation is our short-term priority. Our next goal is to apply for EU membership. We are grateful to all our partners for supporting Moldova's modernization agenda. They helped us to strengthen good governance, promote justice and home affairs reforms, support the modernization of the agricultural sector and implement energy interconnection projects”.25
Based on gap analysis and needs assessments carried out at the beginning of each year, the Project provided, in permanent close coordination with the MFAEI, beneficiary institutions’ staff, and relevant EU High Level Policy Advisors, consultancy to public institutions in need urgent and locally unavailable support. The assistance provided by the Project focused on the following key sectors: Agriculture, Food Safety, Transport, Environment, Finance, Internal Affairs, Social Protection and Legal Approximation has been delivered with support from 54 international short-term experts contracted to offer the necessary expertise to assist Moldovan authorities in progressing on the transposition of relevant EU norms and standards, in compliance with the requirements set forth in the AA and DCFTA (Annex 3). The technical assistance focused on upgrading and improving relevant national policies, legislation, institutional arrangements, procedures and practices. With this support, the Moldovan Government managed to move forward in problematic or composite areas and to align its legislation, standards and practices with the complex requirements of the Association Agreement and DCFTA. As a result of the experts’ support, over 70 EU Directives and Regulations have been transposed in draft Moldovan legislation, thus the project target has been exceeded by more than two times. The knowledge and skills acquired by the representatives of state institutions, but also, to a certain extent, private sector and civil society, is invaluable in that it covers information on very specific and narrow sectorial areas related to core EU Law which is not available locally. These activities represent essential assistance to Moldovan Government’s efforts in fulfilling key DCFTA requirements. Accordingly, the level of consumer protection and competitiveness domestically and abroad will raise significantly, thus impacting positively on the national export potential and the access to high value EU markets.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY
The objective of the European Union's food safety policy is to protect consumer health and interests while guaranteeing the smooth operation of the single market. In order to achieve this objective, the EU ensures that control standards are established and adhered to as regards food and food product hygiene, animal health and welfare, plant health and preventing the risk of contamination from external substances. It also lays down rules on appropriate labelling for these foodstuffs and food products as well as guaranteeing a high level of safety for foodstuffs and food products at all stages of the production and distribution chains. This approach involves both food products produced within the European Union and those imported from third countries.
24 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P8-TA-2014-0049&language=EN 25 New York, 25.09.2014 http://www.mfa.gov.md/discursuri-si-alocutiuni/498908/ 14
Being one of the most important institutions that need to fulfil an extremely high number of requirements to be in line with the EU food safety law MAFI and the National Food Safety Agency received the greatest amount of assistance from the Project in terms of legal harmonization. Numerous novel procedures and standards had been introduced and employees trained on relevant EU norms and standards, as set forth in the specific EU Directives. A functional food safety agency that operates in line with EU standards is a key requirement in the DCFTA. Before officially starting work in early 2013, the NFSA employees’ knowledge and capacities have been reinforced through trainings on relevant EU standards for a better understanding of transition-related issues based on Eastern European EU member-states’ experience. The NFSA has received vital support from the Project, including in the elaboration of the NFSA Regulation which has been adopted by the Government. NFSA staff has improved knowledge on residue monitoring, planning, and implementation. It has adopted the National Residue Monitoring Plan (poultry meat, eggs, aquaculture and honey, based on veterinary medicine inputs), as approved by DGSANCO in November 2012, which is a key requirements of DCFTA. The approximation of residue monitoring and testing brought the system in line with EU law and improved national export potential. Three consultants contracted in 2012 helped MAFI to develop the National Plan for the Control of Feed 2013. The consultants trained the staff on its implementation, developed concrete recommendations in approximating veterinary controls at border inspection points to EU practice, created a food safety, animal and plant health laboratory network development plan and evaluated potential implementation costs, which are currently used during DCFTA negotiations on transition periods. International expertize provided by the Project helped amend the Law on plant protection and phytosanitary quarantine, as approved by the Parliament in 2012, approximating it with three EU directives and thus improving export potential. The national position has been strengthened considerably in the DCFTA negotiations (particularly on transition periods), as well as in gaining access to and improving absorption of future ENPARD funds, as a result of a comprehensive and thorough assessment of overall costs for modernizing the agri-food business in the fields of chicken eggs, poultry meat, milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, slaughterhouse activity, fish, fish products and honey. Several national food business operators who have attended regional (North, Center, South) trainings are implementing the recommendations provided to modernize in line with EU food safety legislation. The NFSA currently uses recommendations received from an international consultant to develop the system of Border Inspection Points (BIPs) and approximate the border control infrastructure with EU requirements and best practice. It has a clear understanding on the investment needs for the BIP system, which have been presented to donors, and NFSA staff now has useful know-how on the matter, taken over during workshops. A BIP phytosanitary and veterinary control procedure handbook has been adopted by the NFSA. It ensures that control procedures are fully approximated with EU legislation and best practices, facilitate trade with EU and contribute to addressing specific issues where additional progress is required based on DCFTA; A Concept paper for by-product utilization based on consultancy inputs, was used in negotiating the by-products legislation approximation provided for by the DCFTA, as well as in harmonizing the by-products treatment system with EU legislation and best practices. The National Office of Vine and Wine has been established, through amendments adopted by the Parliament in 2012. The amendments provide for the creation of the Office and for the establishment of a National Vine and Wine Register, as well as the Regulation governing the work of the Office which has been elaborated based on the consultancy services provided by the Project. The recommendations helped approximate the sector to other three EU Council and Commissions Regulations and have been instrumental in developing a methodology to evaluate production potential. In terms of official control of quality and safety of water, relevant legislation covering water intended for food industry has been upgraded to meet the provisions set forth in EU Law. As a result, fifteen years old, outdated legislation is to be repealed and replaced with brand new normative acts transposing the relevant EU Directives. To ensure a uniform implementation of legislation throughout the country, technical procedure that establish the conduct in official controls has been developed and brought to the knowledge of pertinent Moldovan officials by means of training and coaching. Consequently, Moldovan authorities’ capacity to ensure drinking water contains less substances which constitute a potential human health risk and offer more guarantees for the healthiness and purity of water intended for human consumption have been reinforced. Phytosanitary norms and practices have been brought up to standard by means of brand new draft laws establishing risk assessment and control procedures as well as standardization of plant passports. Purposely developed specific instructions and User Guides tailored to Moldovan realities but at the same time in line with EU good practices in the area, will make the transfer from adoption of the necessary amendments to their implementation much smoother. By means of interactive knowledge sharing events organized by the IC, with assistance from the Project, numerous phytosanitary experts and inspectors have gain invaluable insight of the implications of the new rules and standards. Protective measures against the introduction into the Moldovan territory of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread to third countries have will ultimately make Moldovan fruit and vegetable products more reliable and attractive to external markets. 15
One of the most sensitive areas of Moldova’s economy - control and certification systems in the wine sector - has benefited from Project’s assistance. Relevant stakeholders active in the wine production and certification have gained invaluable knowledge of the Common Agricultural Policy of EU. Relevant amendments to Moldovan legislation and operational documents laying down detailed rules for implementing EU law on the common organization of the wine market have been elaborated and explained to interested parties. A regulatory impact assessment and concordance table provide the Moldovan authorities a clear understanding of the impact of the draft normative acts on the private sector (business, entrepreneurial activity), as well as the concordance and discrepancies between the EU and Moldovan Law. Specific schemes and procedures on certification have been brought in line with international ISO standards. Implementation of the proposed draft laws and enforcement of suggested penalties will bring about enormous benefits to the Moldovan economy as more wines will be certified at an internationally recognized scale while fraud will be gradually reduced to minimum. The ultimate impact of the proposed amendments will be greater protection for both producers and the consumers which imply more opportunities and exposure for Moldovan wines on external markets. Relevant pieces of Moldovan food safety policy and legislation have been upgraded to EU standards which have the objective to protect consumer health and interests. The laws have been tailored to be user friendly for economic agents, fit standards of evidence and transparency and significantly reduce bureaucracy. Aiming at separating duties and responsibilities, clarifying roles in lawmaking as well as setting specific audit procedures, the contracted consultant drafted a Mutual Assistance Agreement between MAFI and NFSA which was successfully embraced by both institutions. Awareness has been raised as the consultant shared his findings and recommendations with MAFI, NFSA and representatives of relevant subdivisions from the Ministry of Health, academia and student community. This was accomplished by means of numerous thematic workshops held in different regions of the country. The comprehensive advice to improving Moldovan food safety legislation will ensure a high level of consumer protection and restore and maintain confidence in the Moldovan food supply. EU rules for the sustainable use of pesticides to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use on people's health and the environment are being transposed into the Moldovan legislation. A Regulatory Impact Assessment, currently under development, will facilitate the process of promulgation of the draft law. In parallel, a National Action will pave the way for the successful implementation, progress monitoring and evaluation of the law in the phase succeeding its adoption. A mission on official control of certain contaminants in food of non-animal origin addressed the efficient protection of public health, products containing contaminants exceeding the maximum levels by avoiding their placement on the market either as such or after mixture with other foodstuffs or used as an ingredient in foods. Official control in the feed sector has been improved by addressing the functionality and capacity of the systems of animal feed production, processing, transportation and consumption through appropriate techniques and types of controls such as inspections, verifications, audits, sampling and sample checks. Likewise, the official control of compliance with quality requirements for fruits and vegetables has been upgraded through building the capacities of national inspectorates in advising and guiding producers and traders about specific and general marketing requirements but also by establishing a clear set of applicable sanctions for transgressions. Protective measures against the introduction into the Moldovan territory of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread to third countries in order to facilitate the free movement (trade exchange) of plants, plant products and other articles have been included in draft legislation regulating plant health protection.
"You (the Moldovan Government) were very good negotiators and, compared to countries in the same process, you have obtained unprecedented concessions on fruit, vegetables, and wine.” EU Commissioner for Agriculture Ciolos26.
Meat controls are currently based on a traditional inspection approach developed more than 100 years ago to tackle the public health concerns, such as parasites and defects visible to the naked eye. Today, the main cause of foodborne disease is microbiological. The objective of the assistance provided to NFSA was to assist the institution in monitoring current and most relevant public health, animal health and welfare conditions. Procedures and instructions have been developed and shared with veterinary services to facilitate the implementation of relevant EU Law on official control of avian influenza and Newcastle disease. As a result, the behaviors of inspectors during control activities as well as the behavior of economic agents in implementing self-control assessments have changed. Their capacity to make good judgment and take correct decisions, based on use specific situation management tools, has considerably increased. Not least, the level of economic agents’ accountability in implementation, monitoring and maintenance management system animal health and biosecurity has risen considerably. Contingency plans for these diseases were updated and sent to the regional levels to be implemented, the National Control Program for Avian Influenza was approved and sent to the EU Commission
26 http://www.mec.gov.md/ro/content/valeriu-lazar-obiectivul-nostru-este-sa-oferim-locuitorilor-din-sate-conditii-de-viata-ce-i 16
for evaluation and approval. Based on the information provided by the international consultant the National Control Program for year 2015 was established. Following the mission of an international expert from Sweden, standardization of classification of meat carcasses has been considerably improved. It represents, in the purchasing scheme, the basis for transactions between the farmer, the slaughterhouse and the final buyer. The purpose of yet another mission for NFSA was to develop an EU compliant methodology on laboratory control of zoonotic salmonellosis. As a result of the mission effective control and reduction of the prevalence of Salmonella in livestock has been upgraded and therefore the risk of contamination considerably decreased. Approximating Moldovan legislation regulating official control of poultry meat has brought about more product safety: stimulate and control hygienic processing, traceability of products and materials intended to come into contact with food; consumer health by introducing new methods to reduce the use of antibiotics; improve disease resistance; animal welfare as these will be kept according to specific rules and product quality: improved quality and composition, quality and chain control systems. Another approximation area was the legislation on food additives and establishing a control programme for their use.
Foreign and European Integration Minister Gherman “Implementation of high phytosanitary standards means increasing the quality of products that we export to the EU and other countries, but also of those we eat at home, which means an investment in health”.27 In another instance she noted that "Trends and developments in the first three months of implementation are very encouraging. The trend is positive, Moldovan agricultural exports to the EU market increased, we see the first figures of increasing exports of apples, grapes, and wine production”.28
ENVIRONMENT
An International Consultant consults and raises the capacity of the Ministry in upgrading and EU approximating national legislation, institutional arrangements, procedures and best practices in the area of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere in line with EU law relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels. The mission’s main objective is to ensure effective protection, primarily, the population of the Republic of Moldova, from recognized risks deriving from sulphur dioxide emissions and protect the environment by preventing sulphur deposition exceeding critical loads and levels. Aiming at ensuring that operators handling dangerous substances have a policy in place to prevent major accidents, a relevant Moldovan system of control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances is being currently developed. In order to meet Moldova’s obligations to multilateral environmental agreements, a consultant has been contracted to develop a new Environmental Protection Framework Law. This will be a single law that will provide the legal and institutional framework for environmental management by declaring environmental goals and policy, and laying down basic legal principles and institutional arrangements. This strategic document will set out a road map for the EU and international norms and standards approximation process. The Ministry of Environment received meaningful assistance and support in the implementation of the new Environmental Impact Assessment Law No 86 in accordance with the environmental commitments in the Association Agreement and taking into account Moldova’s obligations to international conventions and multilateral environmental agreements. EIA has a role in aid effectiveness and investment projects funded by International Financial Institutions are subject to EIA. The Paris Declaration on Aid effectiveness noted that international donor community has made considerable progress in harmonization around EIA, and looks to future strengthening of the application of EIA.
TRANSPORT
Dozns of civil servants and CFM Railway Company employees gained sound understanding of the impact and steps to be taken to approximate regulations on the railway sector to EU standards, and discussed during a two-day training the Regulatory Impact Assessment developed by an international consultant in 2012. A better understanding of the practical implications and possible difficulties and benefits related to the liberalization of the railway sector and implementation of the three EU railway packages has provided invaluable knowledge for the elaboration of future policies and the restructuring strategy in the field. A new EU standards-based Road Safety Audit System has been integrated in the draft amendments to the Law on Traffic Safety and secondary legislation. An Action Plan has been adopted in early 2013 based on the consultant’s contribution. A proper
27 http://www.mfa.gov.md/img/docs/Ob-E-rom-nr1-web.pdf 28 http://www.europalibera.org/content/article/26772736.html
17
road safety audit system is also of particular importance as Moldova stepped up significantly its road infrastructure investments for the next years. By approximating Moldovan legislation regarding aspects of the inland transport of dangerous goods, a higher level of environmental protection will be ensured. Activities of loading and unloading, the transfer to or from another mode of transport and the stops necessitated by the circumstances of the transport have been clearly spelled out in a draft law. Moldovan officials have enlarged their knowledge regarding the risks and threats surrounding transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, and inland waterway. An international expert currently works on approximating Moldovan legislation on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers. Implementation of the upgraded laws and practices will enhance road safety and environmental protection. The law will also contribute reducing road fatalities and emissions in road transport linked to poor maintenance of vehicles. The security of ships under Moldovan Flag will be enhanced through measures of preventive nature used in international trade and associated port facilities in the face of threats of intentional unlawful acts (including piracy and armed robbery at sea). An international consultant is currently approximating Moldovan legislation on security of ships and port facilities and safety management. Assistance has been provided to developing the railway sector by converting the vertically-integrated state-established railways enterprise “Moldova Railways” (CFM) from the state-owned monopolistic system into the effective market-oriented industry attractive for private initiative and providing of the access to the infrastructure for the private operators.
FINANCE
From an economic standpoint, the Association Agreement provides for implementing best practices in the management of public finances, ensuring good governance in the tax area, improving the investment environment and promotes fair competition. The Ministry of Finance has an improved public Debt Management System at national and local level, undertaking reforms to ensure conformity with EU norms and regulations in the area as a result of the recommendations provided by an international consultant in early 2012. The Ministry of Finance has received international assistance in their effort to re-engineering Public Financial Control and in particular to upgrade the public sector control systems in line with international standards and EU best practice. A Public Internal Financial control system provides assurance that Government funds are being spent wisely. The Moldovan system has been updated to provide adequate and transparent methods and organizations to provide a reasonable assurance that public funds are being used for the objectives selected by the budgetary authority (i.e. Government and Parliament).
LABOUR, SOCIAL PROTECTION
A local consultant supported the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family in developing EU compliant regulatory framework in the area of health and safety at work. As a result of this assistance, three Government Decisions to introduce new standards of health and safety at work had been drafted. The consultant facilitated a two-day workshop to discuss with the staff of the Ministry suggested changes and recommendations and to transfer the knowledge on relevant EU standards.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Complex assistance has been provided to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum. Its strategy and policy-making tools in the area of foreigners’ integration, including an integration program template, have been reviewed, improved and updated with Project support. Progress in the area was a key benchmark for the Moldova – EU dialogue on visa liberalization and AA negotiations. The Project also provided assistance to the Ministry of Internal Affairs aid to streamline and build national capacity by organizing a two-day workshop „Threat assessment and analysis in the field of crime – facts, standards and European perspective”. The workshop was carried out by Romanian experts and was attended by over 50 participants: MIA employees from the central apparatus and from multiple regional subdivisions, representatives of key law enforcement institutions such as the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Anticorruption Centre, the Customs Service, as well as the Ministry of Justice with its subordinated Centre for Legal Harmonization and the Department of Penitentiary Institutions. The event covered the topics such as Strategic Analysis of Intelligence; SWOT Evaluation method; the Place and Role of Intelligence Analysis within the Law Enforcement Agencies. The Romanian experts shared invaluable insights on the subject matter from their personal experience and involvement in Romania’s EU integration process. The participants demonstrated a great interest in all the topics and had been very keen to learn as much as possible about expectations on EU integration process, from the intelligence led policing perspective. 18
As a result, the level of awareness regarding the implications of the EU legislation and standards on intelligence analysis, both operational and strategic, has improved considerably. Work has been initiated to amend relevant national legislation and practice.
LEGAL APPROXIMATION
Based on funds provided by the Romanian Government, the Project provided assistance to streamline and build national capacity for the national legal approximation mechanism, and supported legal transposition efforts in several priority areas. The Center for Legal Approximation staff has a strengthened capacity to provide quality expertise for draft normative acts with regards to their compliance to the EU acquis as a result of the support received from the Project. A new Strategic System of Planning and Monitoring national legislation approximated with the acquis communautaire has been put in place in 2012, based on improved criteria, simplified reporting and a new database based on the recommendations of two international consultants who helped streamline the approximation process. CLA staffers, along with several representatives from relevant sectors, have expanded knowledge on EU legislation, standards and Member States’ (especially Romania’s) experience in the field of legal approximation, including on various aspects of public procurement, acquired during ten distinct training activities performed in 2012. Four CLA employees were able to get a hands-on experience related to the transposition of EU legislation at a national level in an EU member-state as they underwent a 2-week internship each at the Romanian Ministry of European Affairs. As a follow up, new procedures have been introduced into the national practice. The Director of the Center has acquired relevant knowledge and skills related to legal approximation, in particular issues concerning the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, at a seminar in Brussels. Progress in ensuring personal data protection is a key benchmark in the EU-Moldova dialogue on visas and has been identified by MFAEI counterparts as a high priority. More than 60 public servants from ten Moldovan institutions29 as well as civil society representatives have better understanding of EU’s legislative framework in the field of personal data protection and via the information shared by three Romanian subject matter experts. They participated at a 5-day seminar on organized by the National Center for Personal Data Protection with the support of the Project, with the aim to kick-start a complex secondary legislation approximation process to bring it in line with EU norms in the field.
The impact of the assistance provided by the project in the area of legal approximation can be partially evaluated from the Annual Reports of the Centre for Legal Approximation30. Thus, while the 2012 National Plan for Legal Approximation (NPLA) provided for drafting 57 pieces of legislation for transposing 81 EU acts, CLA assessed the compatibility 59 draft laws transposing 80 EU acts. Similarly, in 2013, where the NPLA provided for drafting 66 pieces of legislation transposing 89 EU acts, the CLA assessed the compatibility of 78 draft laws which transposed 145 EU acts into national legislation. The 2014 NPLA provided for drafting 58 pieces of legislation. CLA examined 54 drafts transposing 93 EU acts, of which 86 were provided for by the ratified Association Agreement. An important part of draft legal acts have been drafted following the assistance provided by the project by the international and national consultants31 . However, due account should be rendered to the fact that the legal drafting process represents a complex exercise where very strict rules for coordination and approval among relevant stakeholders have to be closely observed and where the timeframes can vary from several months to several years, mostly depending on the capacities of the subject matter institution. This is one of the reasons behind the fact that, complementary to the objectives planned annually in the NPLAs, the CLA continues to work at ensuring continuity in the implementation of outstanding activities from previous years. There are numerous instances where the institutions that received project assistance have requested extension of the deadline for submitting draft legislation32 or have made plans for future years33. Due to the fact that Government and Parliament have not been operational since September 2014, due to the ordinary Parliamentary elections in November 2014, a shift happened in the approximation agenda. Much of the assistance provided by the international consultants is therefore reflected in the 2015 NPLA34. Noteworthy is the fact that the assistance offered by the project did not resume to strictly transposing EU Law. Being a party to numerous international and regional bilateral and multilateral treaties, the Republic of Moldova has undertaken commitments
29 Such as Education, Health, Law Enforcement, CLA 30 http://www.justice.gov.md/tabview.php?l=ro&idc=225 31 Such as e.g. legislation on requirements, analytical methods for the control of feed for feed; on interception of harmful organisms from other countries presenting phytosanitary danger; on approval of regulations on plant protection; on the issuance of phytosanitary certificate and a plant passport; on the approval of veterinary requirements for marketing poultry meat; on emergency phytosanitary measures; on monitoring residues pesticide and nitrate content in foods for the years 2014-2020. 32 e.g. control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances; quality requirements and marketing fresh fruit and vegetables 33 e.g. plant protection products and fertilizers; Rapid Alert System for food and feed; sulfur content of liquid fuels; technical requirements for inland waterway vessels implementation of the International Safety Management; enhancing ship and port security; periodic technical inspection of road vehicles; road transport of dangerous goods; the Railway Act; status of aliens Quality requirements and marketing fresh fruit and vegetables 34e.g. plant protection products and fertilizers; Rapid Alert System for food and feed; sulfur content of liquid fuels; technical requirements for inland waterway vessels implementation of the International Safety Management; enhancing ship and port security; periodic technical inspection of road vehicles; road transport of dangerous goods; the Railway Act; status of aliens Quality requirements and marketing fresh fruit and vegetables Source: Draft 2015 National Action Plan for Legal Approximation available at http://www.justice.gov.md/public/files/transparenta_in_procesul_decizional/proiecte_spre_examinare/decembrie2014/PNAL_2015_dupa_avizare.pdf 19
which go beyond the framework of the AA and often relate to international legal norms and standards. Frequently, taken the complexity of the assignment, international consultants’ interventions targeted partial transposition of numerous EU Directives and Regulations35 as well as other international standards and best practices which may or may not necessarily be provided for the AA or the NPLA. The assistance offered by the international experts was not limited to drafting legislative acts but also improving the normative framework, including institutional and structural arrangements within state agencies and their subdivisions, internal procedures, regulations, handbooks and work plans which have been, on numerous occasions, duly amended and enforced by order of a Minister or even, in certain cases, by Head of relevant Units. All these circumstances indicate to the fact that project impact should be viewed as one have rather medium to long term effects. End of year 2016 may be regarded as a credible target date to conclude transposition and implementation of the assistance provided under the Project. Furthermore, not only recommendations on transposition and implementation were statutorily sound but also pragmatically-oriented. Apart from a quantitative impact on legislation, due respect shall be paid to the qualitatively improved work methodologies, approaches and skills used by public servants in their day to day work acquired through invaluable knowledge and know-how transfer of expertise. Remote assistance as well as recommendations not directly related to the assignment has been reported by beneficiary institutions even after the official finalization of international experts’ mission. This opportunity to network and receive feedback has been greatly appreciated. Another noteworthy fact is that where vital competencies were disbursed among several institutions, the international consultants helped building bridges36.
Efficient and effective project implementation % of deviations against the plan
In June 2013 two independent experts evaluated the results of the Project from the beginning of its implementation in 2008. The exercise proved to be extremely useful as it offered both UNDP and MFAEI the possibility to examine a different, independent perspective over the project activities and the effectiveness of the implementation modalities. The evaluation recommendations on the way forward in the project’s remaining implementation period have been duly considered by the Project’s Steering Committee in October. Subsequently, the project’s Results and Resources Framework and budget for the remaining period have been revised in order to reflect the conclusions and recommendations of the mid-term evaluation exercise. A Recommendations implementation plan was also developed and its implementation is being closely monitored using UNDP internal e-tool (Annex 3). Close cooperation with other UNDP projects (EU High Level Policy Advice Mission, Democracy Program, and National Human Development Report) has been maintained and further strengthened to create synergies, avoid overlapping, share technical expertise in priority areas, and augment the achieved results. Visibility of the Project has been ensured by displaying relevant logos and inscriptions on printed materials and presentations and by including relevant information in press releases.
LESSONS LEARNED
Component 1
MFAEI took over, on its own initiative, the implementation of a series of activities using the national financial and procurement systems through HACT project implementation modality that increased the ownership and accountability and strengthened capacity to plan towards achieving results. However the challenges faced through this process visibly demonstrated that this had represented an additional burden on the Ministry’s staff that was already overstretched, in particular in the years of the finalization of the negotiations with the EU on AA/DCFTA and Visa Liberalization and the subsequent signature of the Agreements with the EU that requested a strong focus of the staff on the priority tasks. Due considerations should be also paid to the natural staff rotation
35 E.g. developing the Environmental Framework Law required transposition of provisions of Directive No 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe; Directive No 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air; Directive No 1999/32/EC on reduction of sulphur content of certain liquid fuels and amending Directive No 93/12/EC as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 and Directive No 2005/33/EC; Directive No 94/63/EC on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003; Directive No 2004/42/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products and amending Directive No 1999/13/EC; Directive No 2001/81/EC on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants; Directive No 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (Codification); Directive No 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment; Directive No 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information and repealing Directive No 90/313/EEC; Directive No 2003/35/EC providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Directives No 85/337/EEC and No 96/61/EC; Directive No 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds; Directive No 92/43/EC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora as amended by Directive No 97/62/EC, No 2006/105/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003; Directive No 2008/98/EC on waste; Directive No 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003; Directive No 2006/21/EC on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive No 2004/35/EC; Packaging and packaging waste (Directive 94/62/EC); Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE Directive 2002/96) and Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU); Batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators (Directive 2006/66/EC); Disposal of PCBs and PCTs (Directive 96/59/EC) 36 e.g inter-Ministerial advisory boards between Ministry of Environment and Economy, or sectorial cooperation agreements between Agricultre, Food Safety and Health Agencies 20
at the ministry resulting in continuous need to train the direct counterparts at finance and procurement on HACT rules and modalities. HACT practice also suggests that the efforts should be strengthened to raise MFAEI’s capacity to plan for the short, medium and long terms and to closely monitor the implementation. There have been certain issues with the planning capacity, which could be partially explained by the much faster path of the negotiations and the AA ratification and VL process than it was initially expected. The Ministry has successfully taken over the contracts for Information and Communication System, there is much room for further development in the area which will requires additional funding. Also, the Ministry had found a transitional solution for the Call Centre, but due to the financial limitation, additional external support might be necessary. Translation of thousands pages of both draft and enacted legislation has been a key for the successful negotiation of the AA, DCFA and VLAP. Beyond doubt, similar assistance will be needed with respect to reporting on progress in the AA implementation and the EU’s requirement to translate the approximated legislation into English. Further challenges in the coordination of implementation of the AA and reporting on it are still valid, which suggests that there is a need to institutionalize the coordination process and to further strengthen capacities of EU coordinators in planning, monitoring and reporting.
Component 2 Taking into account the continuous needs for support of the Line Ministries and sectors and the high quality of the assistance provided by the project in legal approximation, the MFAEI, international consultants and beneficiaries requested UNDP to continue this type of support and to approach donors for a follow-on project with a particular focus on further legal approximation capacity building. Among the issues to be addressed by the next intervention are the following: Inter and intra-ministerial cross-communication, particularly on institutional and legal changes, is weak and requires an integrated approach General lack of dedicated time allotted to meet transposition and implementation targets, coupled by poor institutional capacities and lack of knowledge and experience among the staff of the Line Ministries, also with a view at the novelty of the EU standards for the Moldovan practitioners Cascading the legal and normative amendments done in the course of the legal approximation to the ministries’ subdivisions in the country’s regions and, where applicable, to the private sector is vital for the successful implementation of the EU legal standards and norms, while not all Ministries have established efficient systems and have capacity to implement them District subdivisions of the Line Ministries lack the necessary staff, resources, and appropriate equipment for the fulfillment of duties in line with EU legal requirements Working visits to EU member countries for the relevant staff of the target Ministries and their subdivisions to observe practical work and learn from best practice could be part of the project, as a tool for strengthening capacities and as an incentive for sound performers are necessary Missions by international experts who do not speak Romanian or Russian should receive special attention and appropriate funding as they require consistent interpretation/translation work before, during and following the deployment in Moldova Follow up monitoring of the results delivered within the international consultants missions on legal approximation in close collaboration with beneficiaries would help to better identify and demonstrate the results and impact of the interventions.
Implementation Risks and their Mitigation
Risks Mitigation
Difficulties in identifying appropriate international/national The Project diversified its means of advertising for available expertise for necessary fields as requested by beneficiaries positions, including through consultants that previously worked due to the subjects’ high technical complexity for the project, accessing the UNDP Bratislava Regional Center Roster
Persisting high staff turnover at key ministries affects The Project ensured that contracted consultants work with larger negatively sustainability of provided technical support. number of staff at beneficiary entities to maintain institutional memory. ToRs were adjusted to include more mandatory 21
trainings/workshops to share the consultants’ recommendations with a larger number of staff. The Project also ensures that contracted consultants transfer their knowledge, findings and recommendations to a larger number of staff to maintain institutional memory.
Delays in delivery of project activities in the component Special attention was given by UNDP and Ministry staff (EU under HACT Integration, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Communication, Human Rights, Consular Affairs, and ICT Departments in particular), to joint planning for ensuring qualitative and timely delivery of project activities and progress towards the achievement of objectives in line with Results and Resources Framework.
Financial Summary
Breakdown by Donor 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
NOR 26,230.00 29,083.00 39,699.00 465.00 95,477.00
SWE 493,667.00 342,691.00 64,135.00 1,767,525.00 867,032.00 RO 134,134.00 7,274.00 141,408.00 ADA 59,074.00 59,074.00 SIDA/TTF 3,119.00 3,119.00 Total 716,224.00 379,048 906,731.00 64,600.00 2,066,603.00 Breakdown by Activity
Activity1 - Enhanced capacity of 236,521.00 235,664.00 388,382.00 19.916.00 880,483.00 MFAEI
Act 2- Enhanced capacity of Moldovan authorities for AA 437,480.00 121,167.00 480,271.00 40,403.00 1,079,321.00 negotiation / implementation
Act 4 - Project management 42,223.00 22,216.00 38,078.00 4,280.00 106,797.00
Total Project 716,224.00 379,048.00 906,731.00 64,600.00 2,066,603.00
22
Annex 1 – List of Events attended abroad
2012
1. January Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign 2. Belgium Visa Liberalization Dialogue Affairs and European Integration Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Directorate-general for 3. Belgium Visa Liberalization Dialogue European Integration, MFAEI Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European 4. Belgium Visa Liberalization Dialogue Integration, MFAEI February Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Germany Association Agreement Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Germany Association Agreement Daniela Morari, Deputy-head of directorate-general for Belgium Visa Liberalization Dialogue European Integration, MFAEI March
Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Belgium European Action Group. Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Austria GLOBSEC Affairs and European Integration May
Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Poland Visegrad and EaP Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Estonia 6th Lennart Meri conference Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium EU-RM Dialogue in COPS format Affairs and European Integration
23
Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Poland Visegrad and EaP Affairs and European Integration Daniela Cujbă, Head of Foreign Affairs and European Belgium EU-RM Dialogue in COPS format Integration, MFAEI June Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium Meeting European Commissioners Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Luxemburg EU-RM Cooperation Council Affairs and European Integration July Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Belgium EaP Foreign Ministers Meeting Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium EaP Foreign Ministers Meeting Affairs and European Integration September Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Armenia 3rdEaP informal dialogue Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Armenia 3rdEaP informal dialogue Affairs and European Integration Vladimir Doţu, Attaché , Division for Political Cooparation Belgium Meeting on CSDP with the EU, MFAEI Veaceslav Iaţco, Head of NATO and military and political Belgium Meeting on CSDP cooperation division, MFAEI November Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Latvia Baltic-Benelux FM Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Latvia Baltic-Benelux FM Affairs and European Integration Daniela Cujbă, Head of directorate-general for European Belgium EaP Meeting Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Strasburg Official Meeting Affairs and European Integration Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs and European Poland Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy Integration Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs and European Hungary CEI FM Meeting Integration Lia Ţurcan, Third Secretary, Regional cooperation division, Hungary CEI FM Meeting MFAEI December Cristina Lesnic, Head of directorate-general for International Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting Relation and European Integration of the Ministry of Interior Vadim Railean, Head of the National Inspection for Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting Investigation of the General Inspectorate of Police Daniela Morari ,Deputy head of directorate-general for Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting European Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium Official Visit Affairs and European Integration Daniela Morari, Deputy head of directorate-general for Poland Visa Liberalization Dialogue European Integration, MFAEI 24
Diana Rotundu, Deputy Head of juridical international assistance an European integration division of the Office of Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting the Prosecutor General Viorel Morari, Head of prosecutor division , Ministry of Interior Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting Corina Calugaru, Head of Global Affairs and Human Rights Switzerland UNCEDAW Division, MFAEI Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Directorate-general for Paris-Hague Visa Liberalization Dialogue European Integration, MFAEI Olesea Cotoman, Deputy head of policies and legislation Paris-Hague Visa Liberalization Dialogue department of the Migration and Asylum Office Ghenadie Astrahan, Head of International Cooperation and European Integration Directorate of the Border Police Paris-Hague Visa Liberalization Dialogue Department. Cristina Lesnic, Head of Directorate-general for International Relation and European Integration of the Ministry of Internal Paris-Hague Visa Liberalization Dialogue Affairs Vladimir Cuc, Head of International Security Division, MFAEI Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM Sergiu Luca, Firs secretary, International Security Division, Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM MFAEI Lilian Darii, Head of Directorate-general for multilateral Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM cooperation, MFAEI Ana Taban, Head of mass-media and public relation division, Lithuania EaP Summit MFAEI Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Greece Official Visit Integration Daniela Morari, Deputy head of directorate-general for Belgium RM-EU Mobility Partnership European Integration MFAEI 2013
JANUARY Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium Visa Liberalisation Dialogue Affairs and European Integration Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Belgium Visa Liberalisation Dialogue Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Belgium Visa Liberalisation Dialogue Integration, MFAEI FEBRUARY Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Germany Association Agreement Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Germany Association Agreement
Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Belgium Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
MARCH
Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Belgium European Action Group. Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Austria GLOBSEC Affairs and European Integration MAY
Iurie Leancă, Prime Minister Poland Visegrad and EaP 25
Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Estonia 6th Lennart Meri conference Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium EU-RM Dialogue in COPS format Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Poland Visegrad and EaP Affairs and European Integration Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Belgium EU-RM Dialogue in COPS format Integration, MFAEI JUNE Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium Meeting European Comissionerss Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Luxemburg EU-RM Cooperation Council Affairs and European Integration JULY Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Belgium EaP Foreign Ministers Meeting Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium EaP Foreign Ministers Meeting Affairs and European Integration SEPTEMBER Iulian Groza, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Armenia 3rd EaP informal dialogue Minister Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Armenia 3rd EaP informal dialogue Affairs and European Integration Vladimir Doţu, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Belgium Meeting on CSDP
Veaceslav Iaţco, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Belgium Meeting on CSDP
NOVEMBER Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Latvia Baltic-Benelux FM Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Latvia Baltic-Benelux FM Affairs and European Integration Daniela Cujbă, Head of Directorate-general for European Belgium EaP Meeting Integration, MFAEI Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Strasburg Official Meeting Affairs and European Integration Iulian Groza, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Poland Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy Minister Iulian Groza, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Hungary CEI FM Meeting Minister Lia Ţurcan, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Hungary CEI FM Meeting
DECEMBER
Cristina Lesnic, Head of Unit, MOIA Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting
Vadim Railean, Prosecutor, NAC Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting
Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Belgium Official Visit Affairs and European Integration 26
Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Poland Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
Diana Rotundu Prosecutor, NAC Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting
Viorel Morari, Prosecutor, NAC Romania EU Liaison Officers’ Meeting
Corina Calugaru, Head of Unit, MFAEI Switzerland UNCEDAW
Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Paris-Hague Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
Olesea Co toman, Head of Unit, MOIA Paris-Hague Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
Ghenadie Astrahan, Head of Unit, MOIA Paris-Hague Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
Cristina Lesnic Head of Unit, MOIA Paris-Hague Visa Liberalisation Dialogue
Vladimir Cuc, Head of Unit, MFAEI Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM
Sergiu Luca, Head of Unit, MFAEI Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM
Lilian Darii, Head of Unit, MFAEI Ukraine 20th OSCE CoM
Ana Taban Head of Unit, MFAEI Lithuania EaP Summit Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Grece Official Visit Minister Daniela Morari, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Belgium RM-EU Mobility Partnership
2014
FEBRUARY Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Rome RM-EU VLAP Minister Natalia GHERMAN, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Brussels Friends of Moldova European Integration Minister MARCH
Daniela MORARI, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EaP Security Policy Group
Corina CALUGARU, Head of Unit, MFAEI Geneva 25th UNHRC session Negotiations on Cooperation Nicolae POPA, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Hague Agreement APRIL Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Warsaw EaP Visegrad Group Meeting Minister Corina CALUGARU, Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EU-RM Human Rights Dialogue Negotiations on Cooperation Nicolae POPA, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Hague Agreement EU RM Committee on Money Adrian CORCIMARI, Leutenant, NAC Brussels Laundering EU RM Committee on Money Vlada MUNTEANU, Main Specialist, MOIA Brussels Laundering Daniela MORARI, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EaP Group on Security Policy Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Tallinn 4th Conference on Virtual Space Minister 27
MAY
Daniela CUJBA, Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EC RM Meeting Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Bratislava GLOBSEC 2014 Minister Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Kiev Conference on DCFTA Minister JUNE
Andrei PALADUTA, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Budapest Migration in Easter Europe
Daniela CUJBA, Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EC RM Meeting Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Kiev Conference on DCFTA Minister Corina CALUGARU, Head of Unit, MFAEI Geneva 26th UNHRC Session
JULY
Sergiu GHETIU, Deputy Agriculture Minister Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting
Natalia PRIJILEVSCAIA, Senior Inspector, NAC Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting
Olga DAVIDENCO, Main Specialist, Academy od Science Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting
Gheorghe SOLTAN, Head of Unit, MFAEI Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting
Valeria GUMA, Attache, MFAEI Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting Moldo Croat Commission Inetta PANURCO, Head of Unit, MOEconomy Zagreb Meeting Moldo Croat Commission Eugeniua BOT, Deputy Head of Unit, MOFinance Zagreb Meeting Serghei DIACONU, Deputy interior Minister Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting Moldo Croat Commission Veaceslav VLADICESCU, Head of Unit, MOEnvironment Zagreb Meeting Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Zagreb Moldo Croat Commission Meeting Minister Daniela MORARI, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Tbilisi EU Conference Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Berlin EU RM Security Policy Minister Vladimir DOTU, Attache, MFAEI Brussels EU RM Security Policy
Elena PIRGARU, Reporter, TeleRadio Moldova Brussels Association Agreement Signature
Dionis BUTUC, Reporter, TeleRadio Moldova Brussels Association Agreement Signature
AUGUST Natalia GHERMAN, Foreign and European Integration Brussels EaP Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Minister Daniela CUJBĂ, Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels EaP Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
SEPTEMBER 28
Conference "What can we offer at Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Riga the Riga Eastern Partnership Minister Summit ?" Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Stockholm Meeting of EaP Foreign Ministers Minister Vitalie RUSU, Head of Unit, MFAEI Riga Trans Atlantic Security conference The 2nd meeting of the Victor PERETEATCU, 1st secretary, MFAEI Tunis representatives of States in the Black Sea Region Iulian GROZA, Deputy Foreign and European Integration Minsk CEI Seminar Minister "Cooperation with Eastern Daniela MORARI, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels Partnership Countries in Civilian CSDP" 2015
JANUARY High-level Meeting on A new Iulian Groza, Deputy Miniszter, MFAEI London Strategy for Europe´s East FEBRUARY Accompany the newly elected Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Brussels Prime Minister of R. of Moldova on Affairs and European Integration official visit Accompany the newly elected Iulian Groza, Deputy Miniszter, MFAEI Brussels Prime Minister of R. of Moldova on official visit Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister, MFAEI Tirana, Albania Informal meeting of SEECP MFAs
MARCH Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign 1st meeting of the RM-EU Brussels Affairs and European Integration Association Council Daniela Cujbă, Head of European Integration Department, 1st meeting of the RM-EU Brussels MFAEI Association Council 2nd round of trilateral meetings of Iulian Groza, Deputy Minister, MFAEI Tbilisi the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine
Annex 2 - List of Trainings
2012 Workshop on Diplomatic English Chisinau January 2012 Training on ESDP for the representatives of the Task Force Czech Republic Training for representatives of the Ministry of Interior and Office Chisinau of the General Prosecutor Training on CSDP Warsaw September 2012 Training on CSDP Brussels November 2012 Training on EU legislation and legal approximation Chisinau October - December 2012 Training on legal approximation Brussels 2013 29
EU regulatory framework in the area of health and safety at work Moldova February 2013 Professional Development Workshop aimed at strengthening the Moldova September 2013 capacities of 48 EU Coordinators Official control of contaminants in food of non-animal origin Moldova November 2013 Measures against the introduction and spread of organisms Moldova November 2013 harmful to plants or plant products Meat carcasses classification Moldova November 2013 Official control in the feed sector Moldova December 2013 Official control of compliance with quality requirements for fruits Moldova December 2013 and vegetables Project Cycle Management Moldova December 2013 Intelligence led policing Moldova December 2013
2014 MARCH Vladimir DOTU, Attache, MFAEI Brussels ESPS Training Oxana PADURARU, 3rd Secretary, MFAEI Brussels Training on EU matters Petru BUTUCEL, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Vilnius Civil service training APRIL Cristina CEREVATE, Attache, MFAEI Vilnius EU Twinning Cristina AVORNIC, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Vilnius EU Twinning MAY Vitalie VEREBCEANU, Colonel, NAC London Study Visit on Integrity Testing Tudor GABURA, Colonel, NAC London Study Visit on Integrity Testing Marcel TABARCEA, Leutenant-Colonel, NAC London Study Visit on Integrity Testing Tudor BORS, Colonel, NAC London Study Visit on Integrity Testing Cristina TARNA Major, NAC London Study Visit on Integrity Testing Training on EU Peace Keeping Violeta MELNIC, Deputy Head of Unit, MOJ Brussels Missions JUNE Natalia PINZARU, Attache, MFAEI Tallinn Training on EU communication Summer school on Public Policies Aliona BALAN, Attache, MFAEI Sofia in SE Europe Andrei GORCIACOV, Head of Unit, MFAEI Copenhagen Public Procurement Training Petru BUTUCEL, 1st Secretary, MFAEI Copenhagen Public Procurement Training Vadim SOBOL, Deputy Head of Unit, MFAEI Copenhagen Public Procurement Training Valeriu ENCIU, Hed of Unit, MOAgriculture Bucharest Crisis Management Seminar Vasile ODOBESCU, Doctor, Centre for Public Health Bucharest Crisis Management Seminar Radu MUSTEATA, Deputy Head, NFSA Bucharest Food safety seminar Sofia MELESCU, Deputy Head of Unit, MOAgriculture Bucharest Food safety seminar JULY Human Resources Training Alexandrina RUSU, Attache, MFAEI Tel-Aviv European Communication Ana TABAN, Head of Unit, MFAEI Brussels Summit
30
Valeriu CUPCEA, Captain, NAC Singapore Training on Anti-Corruption Cristina TARNA, Major, NAC Singapore Training on Anti-Corruption Vadim BELDIMAN, 3rd Secretary, MFAEI Warsaw Young Diplomats Training Brînduşa COLESNIC, Attache, MFAEI Telc Diplomatic Academy Training Marina METELSCAIA, 3rd Secretary, MFAEI Vienna Young Diplomats Training Young Diplomats Training Vladimir DOŢU, Attache, MFAEI Vienna OCTOBER Anticorruption training by the Francisco TALMACI, Leutenant, NAC Bucharest Anti-fraud Dept Anticorruption training by the Arcadie ROTARU, Major, NAC Bucharest Anti-fraud Dept Anticorruption training by the Iurie GATCAN, Major, NAC Bucharest Anti-fraud Dept Anticorruption training by the Rubin VATAVU, Major, NAC Bucharest Anti-fraud Dept
Annex 3 - List of Consultants
Contracted Consultants Building Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Project Reference period: 2012 – 2015
Period of Assignment No Consultant’s Name Consultancy Position
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
March 16, 2011 – March 1 Oxana IUTES National Consultant – Communication 16, 2012 April 18, 2011 – April 18, 2 Eduard SERBENCO National Consultant – Human Rights 2012 February 1, 2012 – 31 3 Iurie MARDARI National Consultant – MFAEI Integrated Information System December 2013 January 2, 2012 – 4 Diana BORDEA National Consultant – MFAEI Call Center Coordinator December 31. 2012 January 2, 2012 – 5 Viorica DIDILICA National Consultant – MFAEI Call Center Operator December 31. 2012 Viorica OLARU- January 2, 2012 – 6 National Consultant – MFAEI Call Center Operator CEMIRTAN December 31 2012 23 April 2014 – 27 June 7 Sergiu LITVINENCO National Consultant – Human Resources 2014 4 December -20 8 Sorina STEFARTA National Consultant – Communication December 2014 1 January 2012 – 31 9 Viorica DIDILICA National Consultant – MFAEI Call Center Coordinator December 2014 19 June 2013 – 31 10 Elena MOISEI National Consultant – MFAEI Call Center Operator December 2014 Maxim CATANOI and 1 February 2014 – 1 11 National Consultants – MFAEI Integrated Information System Alexandru MATEI February 2015 31
16 February 2015 – 27th 12 Sergiu LITVINENCO National Consultant – Human Resources February 2015
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY
Lucian Costin 1 December, 2011 12 BONCEA, Strengthening the national feed sector – 16 January, Romania 2012 12 December, Alexandru BRICIU, 13 Veterinary controls at border inspection points (BIP) 2011 – 23 January, Romania 2012 December 26, Ion NISIPASU, 14 Laboratories for products of non-animal origin 2011 – February Romania 11, 2012 Ion NISIPASU, Assessment and drafting of proposals for strengthening the national 10 May– 13 June 15 Romania veterinary medicines system 2012 Monica ECOBICI, 10 May – 14 June 16 Plant Health Romania 2012 Georgeta TEODORA Cost evaluation for the restructuring of the Moldovan production 14 May – 15 June, 17 Briciu, Romania units: chicken eggs and poultry meat 2012 Gabriel ECOBICI, Cost evaluation for the restructuring of the Moldovan production 17 May – 20 June, 18 Romania units: milk and dairy products 2012 Constantin SAVU, Cost evaluation for the restructuring of the Moldovan production 17 May – 20 June, 19 Romania units: meat and meat products 2012 Lucian BONCEA, Cost evaluation for the restructuring of the Moldovan production 21 May – 22 June, 20 Romania units: slaughterhouses 2012 Dana TANASE, Cost evaluation for the restructuring of the Moldovan production 22 May – 25 June, 21 Romania units: fish, fish products and honey 2012 14 May – 22 June, 22 Iveta SICE-TREDE 11 Phytosanitary controls at BIPs 2012 10 July – 13 23 Eduards BAKASEJEVS Veterinary and food safety controls at BIPs August, 2012 9 July – 10 24 Iveta Sice-TREDE Phytosanitary and food safety controls at BIPs August, 2012 Support for the conceptualization, regulation and technical 23 July – 24 25 Jaroslav STANA specialization of the Vine and Wine Register August, 2012 Support for the conceptualization and technical specialization of the 23 July – 24 26 Tomas RICHTER Vine and Wine Register August, 2012 01 October – 20 27 Lina GUZIENE Veterinary, Animal Food Safety and Animal By-Products November 2012 Viorel ASMARANDEI, 29 October – 30 28 EU Microbiological criteria compliance Romania November, 2012 20 November – Camelia SAVU, Elaboration of internal procedures for the functioning of the National 29 14 December, Romania Food Safety Agency in the sphere of food products quality 2012 Monica PORCA, 21 November – 15 30 Food Safety of non-animal products and plant health Romania December, 2012 Flavio FORABOSCO, 27 October - 22 31 Meat carcasses classification37 Sweden November 2013
37 Council Regulation EC 1234/2007 32
Monica PORCA, 3 November - 28 32 Plant Health38 Romania November 2013 3 November - 4 33 Eduards BAKASEJEVS Food Contaminants39 December 2013 Grant WILKINSON, 27 Octr - 9 Dec 34 Quality of Fruits and vegetables40 Uniited Kingdom 2013 13 Nov - 11 Dec 35 Vlad GHEORGHITA Animal feed41 2013 36 Gabriel ECOBICI, 31 Mar -14 May, Romania Official control of quality and safety of water42 2014 37 Implementation of plant passports for ensuring free movement of 19 May - 27 Jun, Maria Monica PORCA, plants, plant products and other objects subject to phytosanitary 2014 Romania regulations43 38 Franz REGNER, Official Control and the Products Certification Systems in the Wine 2 Jun – 11 Jul, Austria Sector44 2014 39 12 May – 12 Jul, Ion AGAFITEI, Romania EU approximating Moldovan food safety legislation45 2014 40 Maria Monica PORCA, 30 Jun -09 Aug, Romania Phytosanitary risk assessment and control procedures46 2014 41 Richard MOODY, Sustainable pesticide use and data requirements for marketing of 25 Jun -10 Sep, United Kingdom pesticides47 2014 42 Gheorghita VLAD, 25 Jun – 05 Aug, Romania Official control of avian influenza and the Newcastle diseases48 2014 43 Mihail CARTOJAN, 28 Jul – 29 Aug, Romania Methodology on laboratory control of zoonotic salmonellosis49 2014 44 Georgeta BRICIU, Official control of poultry meat, in particular ante-mortem and post- 28 Jul – 29 Aug, Romania mortem examination50 2014 45 Camelia Savu, 26 Jan-27 Feb Romania Control program for using food additives 2014
ENVIRONMENT
46 Cornel GABRIAN- 11 Aug – 19 Sep FLOREA, Romania Reduction of sulfur content of certain liquid fuels51 2014 47 Stuart THOMPSON, 25 Aug – 26 Sep United States Control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances52 2014
38 Directive 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community 39 Council Regulation 315/93 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food 40 Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 laying down detailed rules for the application in the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sector 41 Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed 42 Directive 98/83/CE on quality control of drinking water; 43 Directives 2000/29/CE, 92/90/CEE, 93/50/CEE, 77/93/CE, 98/22/CE, 2004/105/EC, 1992/105/CE, 2005/17/CE, 93/51/EEC 44 1. Common Organization of the wine market: Council Regulation (EC) no.479/2008 of 29 April 2008 on the common organization of the market in wine (Regulation 479/2008), Council Regulation (EC) no. 491/2009 of 25 May 2009 amending Regulation (EC) no. 1234/2007 establishing a common organization of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Regulation 491/2009), etc.; 2. Rules for wine products recordkeeping and traceability: Commission Regulation (EC) no. 436/2009 of 26 May 2009 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council regulation (CE) no. 479/2008 as regards the vineyard register, compulsory declarations and gathering information to monitor the wine market, the documents accompanying consignments of wine products and the wine sector registers to be kept (Regulation 436/2009); 3. Rules for protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications: Commission Regulation (EC) no. 607/2009 of 14 July 2009 laying down certain rules for the implementation of Council Regulation no. 479/2008 as regards protected designations of origin and geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling an d presentation of certain wine sector products (Regulation 607/2009); 4. Guidelines on oenological practices: Commission Regulation (EC) no. 606/2009 of 10 July 2009 laying down certain rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) no. 479/2008 as regards the categories of grapevine products, oenological practices and the applicable restrictions (Regulation 606/2009); 5. Labeling rules: Regulation (EC) no. 479/2008 ; Regulation (CE) no. 607/2009 ; 6. Actions to manage the production potential and provide support and subsidies: Commission Regulation (EC) no. 555/2008 of 27 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) no. 479/2008 on the common organization of the market in wine as regards support programs, trade with thirds countries, production potential and on controls in wine sector (Regulation 555/2008); 45 Regulation EC/178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety as well as Regulation (EC) 178/2002, Regulation (EC) 852/2004, Regulation (EC) 853/2004, and Regulation (EC) 854/2004 46 Directives 2000/29/CE, 1992/105, 2005/17, and 93/51/EEC 47 Directive 2009/128/EC establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. 48 Directive 2005/94 / EC on Community measures for the control of avian influenza and Directive 92/66 / EEC introducing Community measures to combat Newcastle disease 49 Directive 2003/99/CE concernnig the monitorig of zoonosis and zoonotical agents 50 Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption 51 Directive 1999/32/EC relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels 52 Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances 33
48 Ralf JUELICH, 21 Jul – 14 Nov Developing a new Environmental Protection Framework Law53 Germany 2014 49 Raymond COLLEY, 3 Nov – 18 Dec Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment54 United Kingdom 2014 50 9 Feb -20 Mar Developing a new Environmental Protection Framework Law Ralf JUELICH, 2014 Germany EU approximating and upgrading the Moldovan Environmental 9 Feb – 20 Mar Protection Law 2015
TRANSPORT
Preparation for the transposition of EU legislation in the field of 21 May – 13 July, 51 Agnes BERNHARD railway transport 2012 1 October – 15 52 Iustina DIACONU Introduction of Road Safety Audit November, 2012 53 14 Apr -17 May Stuart THOMPSON, 2014 United States Legal framework for inland transport of dangerous goods55 54 Aldis ADINS, Lithuania Roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers56 21 Jun – 22 Sep 55 Evangelos MARANGAKIS, Greece Security of ships and port facilities and safety management57 1 Aug – 11 Sep 56 Peter SORGER, Slovakia Access to the Railway Market and Safety on Railways58 20 Oct – 21 Nov
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
57 Juris GROMOVS Integration of Foreigners 14 May – 20 Jun 2012 58 Adrian BUMBAC International expert in intelligence led policing 28 Nov – 6 Dec 2013 59 Anca CIOS International expert in intelligence led policing 28 Nov – 6 Dec 2013
LEGAL APPROXIMATION
53 Directive No 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe Directive No 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air Directive No 1999/32/EC on reduction of sulphur content of certain liquid fuels and amending Directive No 93/12/EC as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 and Directive No 2005/33/EC Directive No 94/63/EC on the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 Directive No 2004/42/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products and amending Directive No 1999/13/EC Directive No 2001/81/EC on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutantsDirective No 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (Codification) Directive No 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment Directive No 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information and repealing Directive No 90/313/EEC Directive No 2003/35/EC providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Directives No 85/337/EEC and No 96/61/EC Directive No 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds Directive No 92/43/EC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora as amended by Directive No 97/62/EC, No 2006/105/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 Directive No 2008/98/EC on waste Directive No 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 Directive No 2006/21/EC on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive No 2004/35/EC Packaging and packaging waste (Directive 94/62/EC) Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE Directive 2002/96) and Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU) Batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators (Directive 2006/66/EC) Disposal of PCBs and PCTs (Directive 96/59/EC) 54 Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment 55 Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods 56 Directive 2009/40/EC/ on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers 57 Regulation (CE) 725/2004 and Directive 2005/65/CE on security of ships and port facilities 58 Directive 2004/49/EC on safety on the Community’s railways and amending Council Directive 95/18/EC on the licensing of railway undertakings and Directive 2001/14/EC on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure and safety certification 34
17 September – Support to CLA in improving the national legal approximation 60 Agnes BERNHARD 15 November mechanism 2012 Support to CLA and National Public Procurement Agency on Public 15 October – 11 61 Raluca MARTIAN Procurement December 2012
FINANCE
Implementation of EU legislation regulating public debt 1 Dec 2011 – 5 62 Philippe MAURAN management Jan 2012 Ara KURAZYAN, 63 EU approximation of legislation relating to Public Financial Control59 19 May – 27 Jun Armenia LABOR, SOCIAL PROTECTION AND FAMILY Development of the national regulatory framework in the area of 1 Nov 2012 – 22 64 Tudor DASCAL health and safety at work Feb 2013
Annex 3 Annex 3 Mid Term Evaluation
Recommendation Suggested measures Deadline Status
1 UNDP and the MFAEI should use the Steering Committee to Steering Committee 09/2013 Implement refocus the project and agree a detailed Work Program meeting ed 2 A meeting should be called as soon as possible with all structures Individual consultations 08 -09 Implement identified as beneficiaries under Component II in the programming held with the CLA and /2013 ed document, including the Parliament and the Centre for Legal Line Ministries (MAFI, Approximation, in order to identify short and medium-term needs, MTRI, MF, MH, MEnv), to agree their inputs to the Work Program and to nominate needs (in the limits of counterparts to the project steering committee. The Development available resources) Partners, UNDP and the MFAEI would be well-advised to establish identified a mechanism for regular (every three months) consultation with the beneficiaries in order that the project might respond efficiently and effectively to their needs.
3 The budget should be divided according to the following ratio: 40% Analysis to be done and 12/2013 Implement of the funds to the Component I, 60% of the funds to Component proposal to be submitted ed II, assuming that the MFAEI agrees to reinstate the capacity- to the SCM for 2014 building components. If not, the ratio should be 25%:75%. In this budget way the probability that all of the funds will be absorbed will be maximized
4 The Work Plan for Component II should be elaborated For 2013 to be approved 09/2013 Implement ed Work Plan for Component I include the following as a minimum: For 2014 to be developed 12/2013 Implement Continued financial support to travel and general logistical support to ed coordination meetings to finalize AA/DCFTA; Support to the establishment and operations of coordination of the 12/2013 Implement
59 Since the accession negotiations with the EU-10 countries started around 2000, PIFC and External Audit were regarded as “soft” acquis. i.e. there is no specific EU legislation on these subjects. However, the European Institutions (Council, Parliament, Court of Audit and the Commission) have agreed that in this Chapter, the Candidate countries have to reform their public internal control and external audit systems in such a way as to follow and implement international standards and EU best practice. 35
implementation of the Association Agenda; ed Support to Moldova’s participation in events/meetings related to the implementation of Human Rights conventions/commitments; Continued financial support to permit MFAEI staff to participate in placements/internships and attend human resource development events; Technical assistance to support the revision and implementation of the Strategic Development Program and the codification of internal procedures; Technical Assistance to the Budget and Finance Department, notably to improve annual and medium-term budgeting and policy modelling; Existing User’s Manual to Continued technical assistance to ICT in order to (a) prepare a Users’ be updated and shared Manual; (b) provide additional training to MFAEI staff and in with MFA staff by the particular those returning from Consulates in the optimum use of the currently engaged IT ICT systems; (c) support the implementation of the e-governance consultant. systems; (d) design and implement improved back-up systems and Training to be provided in enhanced security protocols line with MFA needs by the currently engaged IT consultant. Technical assistance and training to the Communications Division E-Governance Centre is within the MFAEI and support to the preparation and implementation to be contacted with a of a communications strategy on EU Integration and Visa view to create synergies Liberalization issues; and examine potential cooperation Technical assistance and training to support the Human Resources Software for enhanced 12/2013 Implement Division within the MFAEI to establish and operationalize an in- security to be procured. ed house training and re-training platform Training will be provided within the available training budget from Component 1;
Activities to support HR Division included into the new RRF
09/2013
12/2013 5 Once the Work Plan has been agreed the UNDP is advised to Final version of RRF to 12/2013 Implement redraft the Project Resources and Results Framework to reflect the reflect the decisions of ed agreed Work Plan. the SCM in September
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6 The UNDP is strongly advised that prior to the start-up of future The Recommendation 12/2014 Implement projects in which it is intended to make extensive use of HACT: will be implemented for ed (A) A feasibility / capacity study along the line of that prepared by Ms. the future projects Tyrrko is undertaken (B) That a formal agreement is concluded with the beneficiary regarding which elements of the project are to be implemented through HACT, and detailing the division of labor between the UNDP and the beneficiary on the management of the HACT processes; (C) That technical assistance be provided to the beneficiary for a period of six months to assist in the definition of appropriate financial management procedures, assess compatibility between UNDP and the beneficiary’s financial management systems and make appropriate adjustments, and support the day-to-day management of the financial operations and reporting procedures; (D) That a HACT Procedures Manual is elaborated and translated
7 The Project Board should be divided: The Project Board is the 12/2013 Implement (a) The Project Board should continue but with a revised mandate. It Project Steering ed should comprise the Development Partners, the MFAEI and the Committee. State Chancellery, and should address all programming issues, Representatives of the approve the Work Plan, receive and approve the Annual Report and main stakeholders and oversee the work of the Project Steering Committee; beneficiary institutions A Project Steering Committee should be established comprising all will be invited to the beneficiaries under Components I & II and representatives of civil Board meetings society and should be co-chaired by the European Integration (Parliament Committee Department of the MFAEI and the responsible officer within the on Foreign Policy and EU UNDP on a rotating basis. The PSC should focus exclusively on Integration, Consular matters pertaining to project implementation and day-to-day Affairs Department, project management issues. relevant Line Ministries, CLA, etc., as relevant) In addition, regular consultative meeting of the project stakeholders at the technical level will be held. 8 UNDP should recruit as soon as possible two replacements for the One replacement 10/ 2013 Implement Call Centre and support the preparation of a Procedures Manual recruited. The second ed one with strong IT skills 09/2014 will be recruited Procedures Manual to be developed by the Call Centre’s operators as a part of the exit strategy
9 MFAEI should be requested to prepare a take-over plan (actions, Plan to be prepared 09/2014 Implement timing, and budget) for the Call Centre at least three months prior ed to the closure of the project
10 MFAEI should be requested to prepare a take-over plan (actions, Plan to be prepared 09/2014 Implement increased staffing, timing, and budget) for the ITC systems. Again ed the take-over should occur at least three months prior to the closure of the project 11 In light of the Government’s Decision to appoint a State Secretary Decision by MFAEI Implement 37
to each of the line Ministries who would be responsible for the ed management of institutional change, the MFAEI is advised that it would be important to involve this person in the management of this project as it could prove to be a useful tool for him/her 12 Greater efforts should be made to increase the visibility of the Project visibility will be 03/2015 Implement project. This could be incorporated into the communication further ensured through ed strategy proposed under recommendation UNDP communication tools and in accordance to the corporate policy. More visibility to the Donors will be ensured through relevant inscriptions and through the MFAEI communication.
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