The EU will provide Moldova with €1.9 billion under the Growth Plan, and it may receive preliminary funding of €300 million by the end of April - Antonio Costa
This was stated by the President of the European Council during a joint press conference in Chisinau with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. He said that he was very pleased to be in Chisinau today, on this symbolic day when exactly 3 years ago the President signed Moldova's official application to join the European Union. Antonio Costa noted that since then, Moldova has gone through a transformation, steadily moving closer to the EU. "I am impressed by how much your country has achieved in these 3 difficult years. I pay tribute to all those who worked hard to make this path successful - local and national authorities, economic agents, civil society, young generation. Moldova is going through a decisive moment on its path to the European Union. One that will deeply shape its future for generations to come. "The people of Moldova have chosen a European future and have demonstrated their commitment to democracy, freedom and a better life for their children," the President of the European Council said. According to him, some are trying to undermine Moldova's path to progress, prosperity and stability through energy blackmail, fake news and hybrid attacks, "but the people of Moldova stood up and strengthened the country's European path in the referendum." António Costa stressed that the European Union has demonstrated that it stands by the Moldovan people in difficult situations and crises. "You can count on us as a predictable and reliable partner. The European Union and Moldova will continue to stand firm for peace, working side by side to shape our common future on our own terms - without interference and without decisions being taken for us," the President of the European Council said. According to him, the EU accession process is rigorous and demanding, but it is not just a promise of tomorrow - it is a partnership for today, built on trust, with confidence and with a strategic perspective. António Costa said he was very pleased that the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the financial component of the Moldova Growth Plan last week. Following its adoption and based on its reform achievements, the EU will provide Moldova with €1.9 billion to boost its economy, attract investment and promote growth. "This will be the largest EU financial assistance package since Moldova gained independence. Pre-financing of about €300 million could be disbursed by the end of April," the President of the European Council said. Speaking about the energy situation, he called the use of energy as a weapon unacceptable. "Economic coercion is unacceptable. We stand together. The EU and its Member States are ready to support Moldova in achieving full energy independence. The most important thing, as a first step, is to reduce energy costs for all residents, especially the most vulnerable households, but also for schools, hospitals and businesses. And we will help. Just as we helped in the Transnistrian region of Moldova. Together we have prevented a humanitarian crisis. The EU's offer of 60 million euros for Moldovan citizens on the left bank remains on the table," said Antonio Costa. He noted that Moldova "belongs to the European family, which will help it prosper and become stronger." // 03.03.2025 – InfoMarket.
