EU parliament backs EU-Moldova association deal

 The European Parliament on Thursday ratified EU-Moldova Association Agreement with an aim to create closer political ties and remove trade barriers between the EU and the former Soviet Union country.
Including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the agreement was passed by the Members of the Parliament(MEPs) by 535 votes to 94, with 44 abstentions.
"The ratification of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement 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, " said rapporteur Petras Austrevicius.
The deal will form the backbone of strengthened political association and economic integration between the EU and Moldova and provide for mutual free market access.