The European Parliament ratified today a political and trade agreement with Moldova, dpa reported. "Today we embark on a new European future for Moldova and its people," said EU parliamentarian Petras Austrevicius, who shepherded the file through the legislature. "There is no doubt that Moldova is a European country and a part of European culture." "Today's ratification of our association agreement with the Republic of Moldova represents a major achievement for the people of this country, wanting to benefit from same values, security and prosperity as us," Johannes Hahn, the European Union's commissioner for neighbourhood policy, added during a pre-vote debate in parliament.