First Moldova – European Union Summit: EU announces allocation of initial instalment of 270 million euros from Moldova Growth Plan

The first Moldova – European Union Summit has taken place in Chisinau, marking a historic step in the country's European way. The event is a reaffirmation of the strong support for Moldova's EU accession process, with the announcement of the allocation of the first tranche of 270 million euros from the 1.9-billion-euros-worth Moldova Growth Plan.

The leadership of Moldova attended the event: President Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and European officials – President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa.

The European leaders reiterated their shared commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity, as well as the European future of Moldova. The topics addressed included the next steps in the country's accession process, the implementation of the Growth Plan, investments in infrastructure, energy, digitalization, education, social protection and regional development.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized that the organization of the first Moldova – EU Summit showed that the will to move along the same path was equally strong on both sides. “Together, we contribute to a more united and stronger Europe, where Moldova is safe. We invest in better roads, schools, more accessible services, support for youth and entrepreneurs and ensure our energy independence,” said the PM.

The prime minister also said that, in the next three years, the European Union would invest 1.9 billion euros in Moldova through the Growth Plan, from north to south, in cities and villages. The allocation of the first installment of this support, amounting to 270 million euros, announced on 4 July, will bring more prosperity to all Moldovan citizens.

“The Budget +plus was approved based on the EU's promise that this funding would come. Now it is important for everyone - at the central, local levels, responsible agencies, companies - to work intensively, so that this money is used correctly, efficiently and contributes to modernization as quickly as possible,” emphasized Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

For detailed and updated information regarding the Growth Plan: the projects to be realized for the people and the progress in implementing reforms, citizens are invited to access the official platform launched by the Government – www.moldovaeuropeana.md.

President Maia Sandu said that the EU's support and openness towards Moldova were firmer than ever: “For the first time, we are regarded as a natural part of the European family. Moldova matters, and the entire European Union works hand in hand with us, so that our country becomes a full member of this family.”

Referring to the concrete benefits already felt by citizens, President Maia Sandu listed the rehabilitation of roads’ infrastructure, interconnection power lines with Romania, the possibility of traveling visa-free to more and more states, as well as the cutting of roaming charges, which will be fully removed by the end of this year.