PM, European Commissioner for Enlargement discuss Moldova's progress, priorities on European agenda

The European Union will contribute 30 million euros, equivalent to more than half a billion lei, to the Help at Meter programme. The funds will go directly to people to help pay their invoices in next winter. Support for citizens, accelerating reforms, and investments in the development of Moldova have been among the main topics discussed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

The PM thanked the European Union for its contribution to the compensation programme, emphasizing that the government continues to identify, together with external partners, the resources needed for this purpose: “We must support people, while also keeping the budget deficit under control. That is why, we are working to identify additional resources, so that as little as possible of the burden of this winter falls on families and the budget.”

During the discussions, the prime minister referred to the progress made by Moldova, highlighted in the European Commission’s latest EU enlargement report. The PM welcomed the recognition of the efforts made by the country in the accession process and the contribution of European institutions to advancing it, emphasizing that the results achieved reflect the sustained work of the teams involved in carrying out the reforms.

“We are grateful to the European Commission for its constant support and for the trust placed in Moldova. We understand that much of the work depends on us and on our ability to deliver results. We are often highly self-critical and never fully satisfied, but it is important to recognize the progress that has been made and the tremendous effort of the teams that worked to achieve it,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

For her part, European Commissioner Marta Kos praised the authorities’ determination to fulfill their commitments and emphasized that the progress recorded by Moldova had strengthened European partners’ confidence in the country’s ability to advance along the path of European integration: “It is not difficult to support someone who truly keeps their promises. You have the confidence of the member states, which is very important and necessary,” Commissioner Marta Kos said.

An important topic of the meeting concerned the implementation of Moldova’s Growth Plan. The government is working to fulfill the 40 measures undertaken by the end of the year and to accelerate the 19 strategic investment projects.

The European Commissioner praised the pace of reforms’ implementation, noting the 95-per cent rate, the highest among the countries assessed under the mechanism discussed. At the same time, the officials emphasized the importance of accelerating investments and efficiently using European funds, so that projects are completed on time and bring concrete benefits to citizens.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized that strengthening the capacity of public institutions and local authorities to prepare and implement investment projects was a priority. In this regard, the government is pursuing the simplification of administrative procedures, improved coordination between institutions and transparent monitoring of the 19 strategic projects.

The discussions also addressed measures to stimulate economic growth and attract investment. The prime minister highlighted an 8-per cent increase in industrial production since the beginning of the year and a 13-per cent increase in the value of exports of products manufactured in Moldova. Vasile Tofan reiterated that developing the economy and creating better conditions for the business environment stayed government’s priorities.

The meeting’s agenda also included local public administration reform, modernization of the tax system, improving the efficiency of state institutions and better management of state-owned enterprises. In the energy sector, discussions focused on increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy sources and modernizing infrastructure, including through European investments.

Another topic addressed was the advancement of accession negotiations with the European Union, with an emphasis on opening the next groups of chapters. The officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating the European integration process and continuing the reforms necessary to prepare Moldova for accession.