Spokesman for government says EU Growth Plan's funds for Moldova boost economy

The European Union's Growth Plan for Moldova, worth 1.9 billion euros, is an investment in the country's economic prosperity. The first installment of 270 million euros is allocated for quite concrete matters, already budgeted by the authorities. The spokesperson for the government, Daniel Voda, has made statements to this effect at the show, The Fourth Power.

‘’The Growth Plan means roads, schools, heating, entrepreneurship. It means a real economic boost. It's an investment with care for the country's future," said Daniel Voda.

The government’s spokesperson also explained how the EU-allocated funds would be spent. Thus, the authorities are already commencing modernization works on 200 km of regional roads and 100 km of local roads.

At the same time, a part of the funds will be used for the works of arranging  canteens in all schools in the country, so that over 295 thousand schoolchildren will be fed for free as of September 1.

The resources will also be directed to strengthening energy efficiency, with a focus on energy interconnection with Romania, as well as the modernization of residential buildings in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat, so that people can pay lower heating invoices.

At the same time, the authorities will provide direct support for entrepreneurs through grants and equipment and will also support women entrepreneurs and the HoReCa sector.

The 1.9-billion-euros-worth growth plan represents the most extensive support package ever provided to Moldova by the European Union. It includes a grant component, aimed at investments, technical assistance and credit guarantees. Additionally, the country will receive loans amounting to 1.5 billion euros, which will be disbursed based on progress made in implementing the reforms assumed.

In late last week, the first Moldova - European Union bilateral summit took place in Chisinau, during which President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the release of the first installment of 270 million euros from the growth plan, and European officials said that they expected the opening of all negotiation chapters "as soon as possible."