The European Union will provide Moldova with additional 250 million euros to overcome the energy crisis as part of a new aid package.
This was announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at a joint press conference in Chisinau with the President of Moldova Maia Sandu. According to her, 200 million euros are envisaged for the purchase of gas and diversification of gas supplies. 100 million euros are granted in a preferential credit and 100 million euros – in a grant. Besides, another 50 million euros of the grant assistance will be provided by the EU to Moldova in the form of direct targeted budget support. Ursula von der Leyen explained that the money can be used by the government, in particular, to help the most vulnerable categories of citizens in connection with a sharp rise in energy tariffs. The President of the European Commission said that, last year alone, the EU provided Moldova with $840 million in loans and grants. She said that Moldova faces a serious energy crisis and the EU will continue to back it and will do its utmost so that Moldova copes with this crisis. Ursula von der Leyen explained that the EU is actively working with other development partners to mobilize other resources within the third meeting of the Moldova Support Platform due in Paris in late November, and envisages a scheme of support and assistance for purchasing energy resources, so that the heating season can be normally passed. The European Commission President stressed that the EU will stand by Moldova, which is suffering from the consequences of the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis caused by the destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and Russia's use of energy as a weapon. She noted that Moldova has demonstrated solidarity with European values, has welcomed a large number of Ukrainian refugees, has shown that it is a small country but with a big heart, and now the EU will respond with European solidarity and help to overcome the crisis. "Especially since Moldova is not only a neighbor and a partner of the EU, but also a candidate for EU membership. You are part of the European family, you deserved the EU candidate status with a pro-EU reform agenda, you proved this with your actions that we will always be by your side, we will help you overcome the existent problems," she said. // 10.11.2022 - InfoMarket.
