European Union's foreign policy chief: “The EU and Moldova are stronger when they work together”

Moldova will receive a new installment of 157 million euros under the Growth Plan. The financial support is being granted following the positive assessment by the European Commission, which established that Moldova had successfully implemented 18 reforms associated with the Plan. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas has made statements to this effect, at a news conference held jointly with Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, following the tenth meeting of the Moldova–European Union Association Council, held in Brussels today.

Kaja Kallas said that the meeting of the Association Council between the European Union and Moldova had been successful and that cooperation between the two sides was closer than ever.

“Moldova was the first country to sign a security and defence partnership with the European Union, and we support the modernization of this sector. The current package is worth 317 million euros. The European Union is also Moldova’s most important trading partner. Through the Growth Plan, we have allocated 1.9 billion euros for the development of infrastructure and connectivity, and today we unlocked a new tranche of 157 million euros. Moldova is gradually entering the European Union’s single market. The country has access to the single payments system, making it more efficient and less expensive, while Moldovan citizens can understand what it means to be part of the European Union. The European roaming area has also been expanded for Moldovan citizens and companies,” Kaja Kallas said.

The European official noted that security was among the main topics discussed at the meeting, in the context of violations of Moldova’s airspace and attempted acts of sabotage by Russia.

“Russian drones violated the country’s airspace again this weekend, which is unacceptable because, in this way, the Kremlin is endangering human lives across the continent. These actions are meant to spread fear and paralyze decision-making. We are trying to respond with resilience and greater support for Ukraine. In terms of resilience, we are helping Moldova by developing its capabilities, implementing rapid-response measures and imposing sanctions on those responsible for destabilizing actions in this country. Moldova is a very important partner in the European Union’s security and defence policy and is aligned with our position,” Kaja Kallas added.

In the context of the meeting of the Moldova–European Union Association Council, the official reiterated that the country’s accession to the EU represented a common objective.

“Moldova has made significant progress towards accession. Reforms are advancing at a rapid pace. At the same time, maintaining the reforms is absolutely imperative. As we heard today, the situation in the Transnistrian region is fragile. Its current economic model is unsustainable, which means that Chisinau’s efforts towards social and economic reintegration are very important. The Transnistrian region will not be an obstacle to Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Likewise, elections in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia must be conducted transparently and freely. They will demonstrate democratic cohesion and resilience. The European Union will continue to support you, strengthen resilience and support the institutions of Moldova,” Kaja Kallas emphasized.

The Growth Plan, worth 1.9 billion euros, aims to support economic development and create jobs in Moldova, by accelerating reforms and improving the country’s access to the EU Single Market, thereby bringing Moldova closer to accession to the European Union.

The 157 million euros is the third installment provided to the country by the European Union. With this latest payment, the total amount made available to Moldova under the Plan reaches 661 million euros.