European integration advances: Brussels concludes analysis of Chapter 13 for Moldova

Moldova has made significant progress in the field of aquaculture and aims to develop this sector sustainably and safely. This is the conclusion of the meeting held in Brussels as part of the analysis of Chapter 13 - Fisheries and Aquaculture.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov, the discussions in Brussels were focused on the safety of fish products and access to European funds for aquaculture’s development.

"We discussed what steps to take, in order to ensure safer fish products for consumption, modern processing units, access to European funds for aquaculture sector’s development and a stronger local economy," Cristina Gherasimov said.

Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the National Food Safety Agency and the Ministry of the Environment held discussions with European Commission experts on the progress made and future priorities in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. They analyzed the level of approximation of national legislation to the EU's Common Fisheries Policy principles, as well as specific aspects, such as market organization, support and state aid for the sector, combating illegal fishing, data collection and the quality of fishery products.

Chapter 13, dedicated to fisheries and aquaculture, regards the sustainable development of this sector through the modernization of processing infrastructure, strengthening of sanitary and veterinary controls and facilitating access to European funds. With these measures, Moldova aims not only to stimulate economic growth in the field, but also to gradually strengthen its integration into the European single market.