EU announces package of additional support measures for Moldova

Following a request from the European Council, and as announced by the European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen on 31 May in Chisinau, the EC and the European External Action Service have put together a package of support for the Republic of Moldova to address the impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on Moldova and to bring the country closer to the European Union, Report informs, citing the European Commission.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Moldova has stood firmly in solidarity and in defence of European values. And despite the enormous consequences Russia's war of aggression is having on the country, Moldova is taking great strides to advance on its European future. With today's package, the EU shows we stand by Moldova and we will work to accelerate your European integration and reforms. Moldova's future lies in the EU”.

The support package for Moldova has five priorities, aimed at addressing the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine and bringing Moldova closer to the European Union:

Facilitating economic development and connectivity;

Supporting Moldova's reforms through strengthening administrative capacity, advisory services focusing on challenges arising on the enlargement path, dedicated training and support programmes as well as increasing the participation of Moldova in EU programmes;

Ensuring Moldova's energy security through increasing domestic electricity production, participating in the EU common gas purchasing mechanism, boosting renewables and focusing on energy efficiency.

Enhancing Moldova's security through targeted actions guided by the High Level Political and Security Dialogue;

Countering foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation, and enhancing strategic communication through providing technical support to the Moldovan government and capacity building for independent media civil society and youth to address disinformation and to communicate actively on the benefits of EU integration.

Following the Commission proposal on June 20 for a review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which includes a proposal for a Ukraine Facility, around €600 million under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) could be redeployed for 2024-2027 programmes to increase support for other neighbourhood countries, including Moldova.

Since the start of Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has been tackling significant challenges, including large numbers of refugees, inflation, threats to its energy supplies, violations of its airspace, as well as a multitude of hybrid actions such as disinformation and cyber-attacks. The EU has already mobilised €1.2. billion to help Moldova in facing multiple crises since the autumn of 2021.

On 31 May, ahead of the European Political Community summit, the Commission President advanced work on the support package for the country with two objectives: "to address the impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to bring Moldova closer to the European Union."

Several key initiatives in support of Moldova have already started and are delivering results. European and Moldovan telecom operators signed a first voluntary agreement to lower data and voice roaming charges that will help connect citizens and businesses. The Economic and Investment Plan (EIP), set to mobilise up to €1.6 billion in public and private investments for flagship projects, is already delivering on projects being rolled out, worth more than €670 million, in key sectors such as supporting SMEs, energy efficiency and investments in Solidarity Lanes.

Other initiatives include Moldova's participation in the joint gas purchase platform, as well as increasing EU staff working to support Moldova's EU path.