Moldova can count on new EU assistance as part of a plan for further cooperation with 6 Eastern Partnership countries, for which 2.3 billion euros will be allocated in grants and combined assistance.
In particular, the European Union presented for the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries an updated agenda for recovery, sustainability and reform, based on an economic and investment plan. On behalf of the European Commission and the European Union, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell outlined a proposal to advance the priorities for EU-EaP cooperation in the coming years. As noted, the Eastern Partnership will receive a total of 2.3 billion euros according to the Economic and Investment Plan in grants, blending and guarantees, with the potential to mobilize up to 17 billion euros in public and private investments. Josep Borrell said the Eastern Partnership remains high on the EU agenda. “We want to shape an agenda that responds to the unprecedented challenges – and opportunities – of today, while making it fit for the future. At the heart of our work will be promoting democracy, good governance and the rule of law, which are so crucial to unlock positive, concrete results in our cooperation. This includes Belarus, where we want to continue to support the people through our Eastern Partnership framework,” he said. In turn, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi said that the EU is putting forward an ambitious Economic and Investment Plan that will help stimulate job growth and bring prosperity to countries in the EaP region. This plan includes the creation of country flagships for the entire Eastern Partnership, including support for a future democratic Belarus. The new overarching agenda, focusing on recovery, resilience and reform, includes a selection of the top 10 targets for 2025 with clear commitments in all priority areas of cooperation. These targets encompass the following areas: additional support for 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises; build or upgrade of 3 thousand km of priority highways and railways in accordance with EU standards; addressing hybrid and cyber threats; fighting corruption; reducing energy consumption by at least 20% in 250 thousand households; increasing access to safe water services and improving air quality; increasing access to high-speed internet for 80% of households; assistance to vaccinate health workers; additional support for civil society and independent media; mobility opportunities for 70,000 students, researchers and young people. The Regional Economic and Investment Plan aims to support post – COVID socio-economic recovery and long-term resilience. The Eastern Partnership was launched in 2009 with the aim of strengthening and deepening political and economic relations between the EU and six Eastern European and South Caucasian countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. // 05.07.2021 – InfoMarket
