
The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development will increase development aid to Moldova from 35 million to 40 million euros.
According to the ministry, the aid is being increased in response to new challenges related to the reception of refugees from Ukraine, as well as to solve other problems and economic stabilization of the situation in the country. Moldova has the highest proportion of refugees from Ukraine of all host countries: 4 percent of its own population and the country is experiencing serious economic consequences. The issues of state support for refugees-Ukrainians and economic stabilization in Moldova were discussed at a meeting held by the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, with Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita. Svenja Schulze said Moldova is facing huge problems: almost 100 thousand refugees from Ukraine are in a country with a population of 2.6 million people, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe. In addition, Moldova is almost 100 percent dependent on Russian gas. "I have great respect for what the Moldovan government and the people of this country are doing. That's why we are increasing support to our longtime partner country Moldova and we are providing a support package of 40 million euros. It is good and important to draw international attention to Moldova and to pool aid at the support conference for Moldova in Berlin," said Svenja Schulze. Natalia Gavrilita noted, in turn, that the consequences of the war in Ukraine are strongly felt in Moldova. Gas prices have risen almost eight times in the past six months, and inflation is now at 18%. After economic growth last year, a recession is expected this year. "We want to support Moldova in helping refugees from Ukraine quickly and flexibly. This includes, for example, supporting Moldovan municipalities to host refugees and expanding the social infrastructure for this, from schools and kindergartens to accommodation," said Svenja Schulze. // 06.04.2022 – InfoMarket