The EU has provided Moldova with an unprecedented financial assistance of 1.2 billion euros since October 2021 and will allocate another 143 million euros in additional macro-financial assistance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this at a joint press conference in Chisinau with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, noting that the EU will also continue to provide assistance to socially vulnerable categories of citizens affected by the rise in energy prices. She noted that the EU's Economic and Investment Plan provides for an additional mobilization of 900 million euros of investments in Moldova, in order to boost the business competitiveness, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, develop infrastructure, including in the transport sector. She said that work is under way on a package of concrete support measures for Moldova. The assistance is provided, among others, to make the army more sustainable. Ursula von der Leyen recalled that the EU helped Moldova to cope with the energy crisis last winter and granted Moldova the possibility to buy natural gas within the EU Energy Platform at lower prices. The European Commission President also said that it is important to reduce the roaming tariffs for Moldovan citizens to the EU and vice versa starting January 1, 2024, which will allow them to travel more easily. Ursula von der Leyen said that the heart of Europe beats very strongly in Moldova, and the country has shown how European it is and how resolutely it follows the European path. She explained that in November, the European Commission will present an annual report on the EU enlargement and will assess Moldova's progress as a candidate for EU accession, which will be discussed at a summit of the EU Council in December, which will have a direct impact on Moldova's future as a possible EU member state. Ursula von der Leyen said that Moldova has made significant progress, and the EU is impressed by Moldova's determination to move forward. She urged Moldova to make more efforts on this path, in order to achieve the desired goal. Ursula von der Leyen said that Moldova has traveled a long way and made significant progress, despite all the threats and pressure, pressure from Russia, energy blackmail, attempts to undermine the sovereignty, hybrid attacks, etc. Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU accession process is based on merit, and Moldova has shown how fast it is moving on the path of reforms. She said that there are no specific deadlines in the EU accession process and that those who work hard can join the EU sooner. The head of the European Commission said that she was impressed by the progress of Moldova, which has gone through a difficult period with the EU's support, has chosen peace, freedom and democracy, has shown solidarity with Ukraine and has accepted numerous refugees, and she will be happy with Moldova's accession to the EU. For her part, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the authorities are waiting for the European Commission's report in order to hear an objective assessment on the fulfillment of the recommendations on the launch of the EU accession talks. She said that the authorities know what still needs to be worked on, highlighting the justice sector, the fight against corruption, de-oligarchization, stressing their full involvement in these processes, despite the problems, as well as their full determination to do everything in time, in order to successfully follow the EU accession path. Maia Sandu said that Moldova is doing its utmost to fulfill as soon as possible all the commitments to start EU accession negotiations. "All institutions are fully involved in this process and are working day and night so that this goal is fulfilled and Moldova becomes an EU member," she said. She said that joining the EU is not only a political choice, but it is "the only way to protect our freedom, peace and democracy". The head of state said that she had presented the previous day her vision of Moldova's security and noted that the desire to join the EU is aimed at modernizing and developing Moldova economically, as well as at ensuring security - energy, cyber, information and military security - for all our citizens. "We are strong and secure not only when we wait for and receive aid, but also when we contribute to peace and security on the European continent. Moldova has recently become a member state of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. This is an important step in the European integration process. We are grateful for the assistance we have received in the crises we have faced in the past, and we are now ready not only to receive but also to provide assistance during crises and natural disasters. In this way, together we will build a safer and stronger Europe," said Maia Sandu. She praised the European Union's constant and consistent support for Moldova and expressed gratitude for the European Commission's offer to increase the assistance to Moldova within the revision of the Multiannual Financial Program for 2021-2027. "We also appreciate the support package offered by the European Commission to mitigate the negative impact we feel due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Our country is becoming safer thanks to the European Peace Facility funds, which help us modernize the security sector," the Moldovan President said. She also welcomed the work of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, whose mandate is focused on enhancing our capacities to combat hybrid attacks. Maia Sandu emphasized that the EU accession process brings more and more concrete benefits to the Moldovan citizens. Thus, today, 60 per cent of Moldova's exports go to the European market. Moldova is part of the EU's common gas procurement platform, which means it can access new sources of gas at competitive prices. "And in less than three months, starting from January 1, we will enjoy cheaper phone calls when traveling in the EU states," the Moldovan President said. Maia Sandu thanked the European Commission and personally the EC President for the support provided to the Moldovan people, especially to people with modest incomes, who benefited from the compensation of bills in the last two winters. She said that another 105 million euros will be allocated by the European Union to the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund by the end of this year. "The EU's support during these difficult years has proved and continues to prove that solidarity is the basis on which the EU was created and functions. This is why we are very eager to be part of this Union, to join this project of common peace and prosperity, where countries are in solidarity with each other, and to contribute to the promotion of our common values," the Moldovan head of state said. // 12.10.2023 - InfoMarket.
