The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a €1.6 billion aid package for the Republic of Moldova. This became known on May 31 at a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu.
“We want to help you cope with the consequences of the war in your neighborhood, and we want to bring you closer to the EU,” the European official said.
The new aid package for the Republic of Moldova from the EU, announced by Ursula von der Leyen in Chisinau, includes:
1️⃣ Reduction of tariffs for roaming with Romania from January 1, 2024;
2️⃣ Financial support for 600 million euros;
3️⃣ Support for 100 million euros for the energy efficiency of buildings;
4️⃣ Additional EU investments in Moldova’s energy efficiency, European integration, as well as in the rehabilitation of railways;
5️⃣ Security consulting and increase in the number of staff of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova to facilitate the process of European integration of the country.
Ursula von der Leyen stressed that she welcomes Moldova’s participation in the EU gas purchase mechanism. She believes that this will also help secure gas supplies to Moldova. The EU will finance projects for integrating the Republic of Moldova into the European energy market.
The EU also wants to increase funding to build Moldova’s resilience to Russia’s hybrid threats and will provide policy advice in this way. At the same time, the EU will increase the number of staff members of the EU Delegation in Chisinau to support the implementation of the reforms.
Ursula von der Leyen added that in the context of the summit of the European Political Community, Moldova is in the heart of Europe, Moldova is Europe. Today and tomorrow, the whole of Europe is Moldova.