The European Commission grant of 60 million euros is a direct budgetary support and the first step of the EU to support Moldovan citizens in the face of rising gas tariffs - Josep Borrell.
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission said this during a joint press conference in Brussels with Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilita. He noted that, of course, this assistance will not solve the complex gas problems of Moldova, but this is only the first step to provide assistance to the country. Josep Borrell said that 60 million euros will be provided to Moldova to provide support to the most vulnerable segments of the population in the face of the energy crisis and the approaching winter. “The allocated 60 million euros will help many, in particular, it will help to create a system to protect the most vulnerable categories of citizens. But we cannot cover all the price difference. But the EU is ready to support Moldova in overcoming the gas crisis and other decisions, providing assistance in diversifying energy supplies, diversifying sources of natural gas, including possible supplies from Poland. We use all possible solutions to improve the country's energy security. In addition to financial assistance, we are ready to provide technical and expert assistance. We use all possible resources to provide assistance to Moldova, ”said Josep Borrell. He also noted that gas supplies should not become a geopolitical weapon. “Gas is a commodity that is sold and bought, it should not be a geopolitical weapon,” Borrell said, expressing the opinion that Gazprom tried to exert political pressure on Moldova in the gas issue. At the same time, according to him, the EU will not interfere in the negotiations between Moldova and Gazprom. “I will not tell my Moldovan friends and colleagues what to do - this is a sovereign state that can make decisions on its own. They can negotiate, show pragmatism, seek the best conditions from Gazprom,” said Josep Borrell. // 28.10.2021 — InfoMarket
