A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 8. Taxation
Article 52.
The Parties shall cooperate to enhance good governance in the tax area, with a view to the further improvement of economic relations, trade, investment and fair competition.
Article 53.
With reference to Article 52 of this Agreement, the Parties recognise and commit themselves to implement the principles of good governance in the tax area, ie. the principles of transparency, exchange of information and fair tax competition, as subscribed to by Member States at EU level. To that effect, without prejudice to EU and Member State competences, the Parties will improve international cooperation in the tax area, facilitate the collection of legitimate tax revenues, and develop measures for the effective implementation of the above mentioned principles.
Article 54.
The Parties shall enhance and strengthen their cooperation aimed at the improvement and development of the Republic of Moldova's tax system and administration, including the enhancement of collection and control capacity, with a specific focus on Value Added Tax (VAT) refund procedures, to avoid accumulation of arrears, ensure effective tax collection and reinforce the fight against tax fraud and tax avoidance. The Parties shall strive to enhance cooperation and sharing of experiences in combating tax fraud, and in particular carousel fraud.
Article 55.
The Parties shall develop their cooperation and harmonise policies in counteracting and fighting fraud and the smuggling of excisable products. That cooperation will include, inter alia, the gradual approximation of excise rates on tobacco products, as far as possible, taking into account the constraints of the regional context, including through a dialogue at regional level and in line with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of 2003 (WHO FCTC). To that end, the Parties will strive to strengthen their cooperation within the regional context.
Article 56.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 57.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex VI to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 9. Financial Services
Article 58.
Recognising the relevance of an effective set of rules and practices in the areas of financial services to establish a fully-functioning market economy and in order to foster trade exchanges among the Parties, the Parties agree to cooperate in the area of financial services in line with the following objectives:
(a) supporting the process of adapting financial services regulation to the needs of an open market economy;
(b) ensuring effective and adequate protection of investors and other consumers of financial services;
(c) ensuring the stability and integrity of the financial system of the Republic of Moldova in its entirety; (d) promoting cooperation between different actors of the financial system, including regulators and supervisors; and
(e) ensuring independent and effective supervision.
Article 59.
1. The Parties shall encourage cooperation between relevant regulatory and supervisory authorities, including infor- mation exchange, sharing of expertise on financial markets and other such measures.
2. Special attention shall be paid to the development of administrative capacity of such authorities, including through personnel exchange and joint training.
Article 60.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 61.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXVIII-A to this Agreement, according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 10. Industrial and Enterprise Policy
Article 62.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on industrial and enterprise policy, thereby improving the business environment for all economic operators, but with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Enhanced cooperation should improve the administrative and regulatory framework for both EU businesses and businesses of the Republic of Moldova operating in the EU and in the Republic of Moldova, and should be based on the EU's SME and industrial policies, taking into account internationally recognised principles and practices in this field.
Article 63.
To those ends, the Parties shall cooperate in order to:
(a) implement strategies for SME development, based on the principles of the Small Business Act for Europe, and monitoring of the implementation process through regular reporting and dialogue. That cooperation will also include a focus on micro enterprises, which are extremely important for both the economies of the EU and of the Republic of Moldova;
(b) create better framework conditions, via the exchange of information and good practice, thereby contributing to improving competitiveness. That cooperation will include the management of structural changes (restructuring), the development of public-private partnerships, and environmental and energy issues, such as energy efficiency and cleaner production;
(c) simplify and rationalise regulations and regulatory practice, with specific focus on exchange of good practice on regulatory techniques, including the EU's principles;
(d) encourage the development of innovation policy, via the exchange of information and good practice regarding the commercialisation of research and development (including support instruments for technology-based business start-ups), cluster development and access to finance;
(e) encourage greater contacts between EU businesses and businesses of the Republic of Moldova and between those businesses and the authorities of the EU and the Republic of Moldova;
(f) support the establishment of export promotion activities in the Republic of Moldova; and
(g) facilitate the modernisation and restructuring of the industry of the Republic of Moldova in certain sectors.
Article 64.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter. That will also involve representatives of EU busi- nesses and businesses of the Republic of Moldova.
Chapter 11. Mining and Raw Materials
Article 65.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen cooperation covering mining industries and trade in raw materials, with the objectives of promoting mutual understanding, improvement of the business environment, information exchange and co-operation on non-energy issues, relating in particular to the mining of metallic ores and industrial minerals.
Article 66.
To that end, the Parties shall cooperate in the following areas:
(a) exchange of information by the Parties on developments in their mining and raw material sectors;
(b) exchange of information on matters related to trade in raw materials, with the aim of promoting bilateral exchanges;
(c) exchange of information and best practices in relation to sustainable development aspects of the mining industries; and
(d) exchange of information and best practices in relation to training, skills and safety in the mining industries.
Chapter 12. Agriculture and Rural Development
Article 67.
The Parties shall cooperate to promote agricultural and rural development, in particular through progressive convergence of policies and legislation.
Article 68.
Cooperation between the Parties in the field of agriculture and rural development shall cover, inter alia, the following areas:
(a) facilitating the mutual understanding of agricultural and rural development policies;
(b) enhancing the administrative capacities at central and local level in the planning, evaluation and implementation of policies in accordance with EU regulations and best practices;
(c) promoting the modernisation and the sustainability of agricultural production;
(d) sharing knowledge and best practices of rural development policies to promote economic well-being for rural communities;
(e) improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and the efficiency and transparency of the markets;
(f) promoting quality policies and their control mechanisms, in particular geographical indications and organic farming;
(g) disseminating knowledge and promoting extension services to agricultural producers; and
(h) enhancing the harmonisation of issues dealt within the framework of international organisations of which the Parties are members.
Article 69.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 70.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex VII to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 13. Fisheries and Maritime Policy
Section 1. Fisheries Policy
Article 71.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on issues covering fisheries and maritime governance, thereby developing closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector. The Parties shall also encourage an integrated approach to fisheries issues and promote sustainable fisheries development.
Article 72.
The Parties shall take joint actions, exchange information and provide support to each other in order to promote:
(a) good governance and best practices in fisheries management with a view to ensuring conservation and management of fish stocks in a sustainable manner and based on the ecosystem approach;
(b) responsible fishing and fisheries management consistent with the principles of sustainable development, so as to conserve fish stocks and ecosystems in a healthy state; and
(c) cooperation through appropriate regional organisations responsible for management and conservation of living aquatic resources.
Article 73.
The Parties will support initiatives, such as mutual exchange of experience and providing support, in order to ensure the implementation of a sustainable fisheries policy, including:
(a) management of fisheries and aquaculture resources;
(b) inspection and control of fishing activities, as well as development of corresponding administrative and judicial structures capable of applying appropriate measures;
(c) collection of catch, landing, biological and economic data;
(d) improving the efficiency of the markets, in particular by promoting producer organisations, providing information to consumers, and through marketing standards and traceability; and
(e) development of a structural policy for the fisheries sector, with particular attention to the sustainable development of fisheries areas which are defined as an area with lake shore or including ponds or a river estuary and with a significant level of employment in the fisheries sector.
Section 2. Maritime Policy
Article 74.
Taking into account their cooperation in the spheres of fisheries, transport, environment and other sea-related policies, the Parties shall also develop cooperation and mutual support, when appropriate, on maritime issues, in particular by actively supporting an integrated approach to maritime affairs and good governance in the Black Sea in the relevant international maritime fora.
Article 75.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 14. Energy Cooperation
Article 76.
The Parties agree to continue their current cooperation on energy matters on the basis of the principles of partnership, mutual interest, transparency and predictability. The cooperation should aim at energy efficiency, market integration and regulatory convergence in the energy sector, taking into account the need to ensure competitiveness and access to secure, environmentally sustainable and affordable energy, including through the provisions of the Energy Community Treaty.
Article 77.
The cooperation shall cover, among others, the following areas and objectives: (a) energy strategies and policies;
(b) the development of competitive, transparent and non-discriminatory energy markets in accordance with EU standards, including obligations under the Energy Community Treaty, through regulatory reforms and through the participation in regional energy cooperation;
(c) development of an attractive and stable investment climate by addressing institutional, legal, fiscal and other conditions;
(d) energy infrastructure, including projects of common interest, in order to diversify energy sources, suppliers and transportation routes in an efficient economic and environmentally sound manner, inter alia, through the facilitation of loan and grant-funded investments;
(e) enhancement and strengthening of long-term stability and security of energy supply and trade, transit and transport on a mutually beneficial and non-discriminatory basis in accordance with EU and international rules;
(f) promotion of energy efficiency and energy saving, inter alia, concerning energy performance of buildings, and the development and support of renewable energies in an economic and environmentally sound manner;
(g) reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, including through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects;
(h) scientific and technical cooperation and exchange of information for the development and improvement of technologies in energy production, transportation, supply and end use, with particular attention to energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies; and
(i) cooperation may be pursued in the areas of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, in accordance with the principles and standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the relevant international treaties and conventions concluded within the framework of the IAEA, as well as in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, where applicable.
Article 78.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 79.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex VIII to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 15. Transport
Article 80.
The Parties shall:
(a) expand and strengthen their transport cooperation in order to contribute to the development of sustainable trans-port systems;
(b) promote efficient, safe and secure transport operations as well as intermodality and interoperability of transport systems; and
(c) endeavour to enhance the main transport links between their territories.
Article 81.
That cooperation shall cover, among others, the following areas:
(a) development of a sustainable national transport policy covering all modes of transport, particularly with a view to ensuring efficient, safe and secure transport systems and promoting the integration of considerations in the sphere of transport into other policy areas;
(b) development of sector strategies in light of the national transport policy (including legal requirements for the upgrading of technical equipment and transport fleets to meet highest international standards) for road, rail, inland waterway, aviation, and intermodality, including timetables and milestones for implementation, administrative responsibilities as well as financing plans;
(c) improvement of the infrastructure policy in order to better identify and evaluate infrastructure projects in the various modes of transport;
(d) development of funding strategies focusing on maintenance, capacity constraints and missing link infrastructure as well as activating and promoting the participation of the private sector in transport projects;
(e) accession to relevant international transport organisations and agreements, including procedures for ensuring strict implementation and effective enforcement of international transport agreements and conventions;
(f) scientific and technical cooperation and exchange of information for the development and improvement of technolo- gies in transport, such as intelligent transport systems; and
(g) promotion of the use of intelligent transport systems and information technology in managing and operating all modes of transport as well as supporting intermodality and cooperation in the use of space systems and commercial applications facilitating transport.
Article 82.
1. Cooperation shall also aim at improving the movement of passengers and goods, increasing fluidity of transport flows between the Republic of Moldova, the EU and third countries in the region, by removing administrative, technical and other obstacles, improving transport networks and upgrading the infrastructure in particular on the main axes connecting the Parties. That cooperation shall include actions to facilitate border crossings.
2. Cooperation shall include information exchange and joint activities:
(a) at regional level, in particular taking into consideration and integrating progress achieved under various regional transport cooperation arrangements such as the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), transport co-operation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and other transport initiatives; and
(b) at international level, including with regard to international transport organisations and international agreements and conventions ratified by the Parties, and in the framework of the various transport agencies of the EU.
Article 83.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 84.
The Parties will cooperate on improving transport connections according to the provisions referred to in Annex IX to this Agreement.
Article 85.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex X and in Annex XXVIII-D to this Agreement, according to the provisions of those Annexes.
Chapter 16. Environment
Article 86.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on environmental issues, thereby contributing to the long-term objective of sustainable development and greening the economy. It is expected that enhanced environment protection will bring benefits to citizens and businesses in the EU and in the Republic of Moldova, including through improved public health, preserved natural resources, increased economic and environmental efficiency, integration of the environment into other policy areas, as well as the use of modern, cleaner technologies contributing to more sustainable production patterns. Cooperation shall be conducted considering the interests of the Parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, as well as taking into account the interdependence existing between the Parties in the field of environment protection, and multilateral agreements in that field.
Article 87.
Cooperation shall aim at preserving, protecting, improving, and rehabilitating the quality of the environment, protecting human health, sustainable utilisation of natural resources and promoting measures at international level to deal with regional or global environmental problems, including in the areas of:
(a) environmental governance and horizontal issues, including Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment, education and training, environmental liability, combating environmental crime, transboundary cooperation, access to environmental information, decision-making processes and effective administrative and judicial review procedures;
(b) air quality;
(c) water quality and resource management, including flood risk management, water scarcity and droughts;
(d) waste and resource management and shipment of waste;
(e) nature protection, including conservation and protection of biological and landscape diversity;
(f) industrial pollution and industrial hazards;
(g) chemicals;
(h) noise pollution;
(i) soil protection;
() urban and rural environment;
(k) environmental fees and taxes;
(l) monitoring and environmental information systems;
(m) inspection and enforcement; and