The Government discussed the Energy Security Improvement Plan and priority projects for Moldova's modernization with development partners
As reported by the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Energy Sustainability Improvement Plan for Moldova and the need for support for this goal were discussed at a meeting with our country's development partners, which was chaired by Prime Minister Dorin Recean. The head of government noted that it is necessary to accelerate the implementation of projects that will ensure Moldova's energy independence, full integration into the European energy market and the growth of strategic natural gas reserves. "We continue to rely on the assistance of development partners to reduce dependence on the Russian Federation," Dorin Recean emphasized. Director General of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG ENEST) Gert Jan Koopman, who co-chaired the meeting with donors, emphasized that the EU's assistance is aimed at stabilizing the situation in the short term, and in the long term - at integrating Moldova into the European energy market, so that there are no more risks associated with energy supplies. In turn, Moldova's external partners expressed their readiness to mobilize resources to help implement the measures included in the energy support package recently provided by the European Union. The main elements of the energy package are the financial assistance of 30 million euros already allocated to Moldova to overcome the consequences of the humanitarian crisis on the left bank of the Dniester, and the financial assistance of 250 million euros planned for 2025. This amount will compensate for the increase in the price of electricity for the first 110 kWh for all families and households in Moldova, and 15 million euros will be added to the compensation budget for companies in the food sector. The companies most affected will be compensated for 50% of the increase in electricity prices. Also, 250 million euros will be used to fully cover the increased electricity bills for socially significant institutions - schools, kindergartens, hospitals, social centers affected by the price increase. An additional €50 million will also be allocated for energy efficiency projects and an additional fund will be created to provide one-off payments to vulnerable groups. The proposed package also includes a comprehensive action plan for the next 2 years aimed at increasing Moldova’s resilience and energy independence. The plan contains a financing strategy – including grants, loans and technical assistance – and will be linked to the reform agenda outlined in the Moldova Growth Plan. During the meeting, Secretary General of the Government Artur Mija presented the current status of implementation of the projects included in the Moldova Growth Plan and the priorities for the near future. In addition to strengthening the energy sector, it is necessary to implement projects aimed at regional development, modernization of the healthcare and education systems. The head of the State Chancellery stressed the importance of aligning all projects with national priorities and the needs of citizens, increasing the capacity of project implementation units, as well as having an effective mechanism for monitoring and assessing their impact. No further details were provided for the meeting. // 11.02.2025 — InfoMarket.
