Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, will introduce a new financial assistance tool for Moldova in Chisinau next week, according to sources from Brussels speaking to Radio Free Europe. The Reform and Growth Mechanism, which aims to promote reforms in the Western Balkan countries, was launched by the EU in May of this year.
The funding includes €6 billion for the Western Balkans for 2024-2027, but it is unclear how much authorities will allocate for Moldova.
The authorities in Chisinau chose not to comment on the news of Ursula von der Leyen’s visit, scheduled about ten days before the presidential elections, during which Maia Sandu will seek a new mandate and the referendum on EU accession.
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For the Balkan candidates and likely for Moldova, the Mechanism primarily aims to support alignment with EU values, legislative provisions, norms, standards, policies, and practices. This alignment seeks to facilitate future EU accession, promote progressive integration into the EU single market, and encourage socioeconomic convergence with the EU.