PM, EU Commissioner sign Growth Plan Agreement in Chișinău

On 9 May, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos signed a Facility Agreement between the European Commission and the Government of the Republic of Moldova on specific modalities for implementing the support provided by the European Union under the reform and growth mechanism for the Republic of Moldova.





Historically Significant Agreement

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Maia Sandu and Speaker Igor Grosu. The signing of this document is of historical significance and confirms European support and solidarity for the Republic of Moldova, emphasized Dorin Recean and Marta Kos during the joint conference held after signing the document.


Dorin Recean: "Chișinău and the European Union have signed a fundamental document for improving the living standards in the Republic of Moldova - the Growth Plan Agreement. Through the Growth Plan, the EU offers us unprecedented financial assistance for development, and we, the institutions of the Republic of Moldova are committed to raising living standards, modernizing institutions and making investments to ensure economic growth.

We have signed a historic investment agreement in the future of the Republic of Moldova, showing that we are not at the stage of hoping to join the EU, but we are in the middle of the accession process and have the trust of our European partners that we will succeed."






  


Marta Kos: "This Growth Plan Agreement for Moldova truly represents the EU's trust in Moldova and European path. This is the project we are all working on. Truly, this Growth Plan with 1.9 billion lei provides opportunities for reforms and growth. Why are we doing this? Because we want to achieve significant growth for foreign investments but also to achieve a high standard of living for your citizens. It is not just a paper, a document; it is an investment in your citizens and all sectors."


Two Essential Components of Agreement: Reforms and Investments

The Prime Minister noted that the Agreement for the Economic Growth Plan for Moldova involves two essential components: reforms in all areas and investments.

Regarding the first component, Recean stressed that the authorities in Chișinău have committed to an "ambitious agenda" for modernizing institutions. Among the objectives of these reforms, Recean mentioned business development and strategic industry stimulation, agriculture promotion, modernization of transport infrastructure and digitization, modernization of tax administration, increased transparency in utilizing public funds, improved education, healthcare, and social services, green transition (transition to renewable energy and environmental protection), energy security and efficiency, and anti-corruption efforts.

The second component means resources for investments that will develop the national economy and improve the quality of life for the people.


Dorin Recean: "We are talking about concrete projects that would take decades to implement if we did not benefit from the EU's help. I'll give a few examples: rehabilitation of regional, local, and district roads, construction of Bălți Regional Hospital for the 900,000 residents in the northern part of the country, forest expansion and rehabilitation - the project is part of initiatives proposed by President Maia Sandu. We are talking about extensive support projects for farmers, for the development and rehabilitation of collective irrigation systems along the Prut and Dniester rivers. Another example is support for entrepreneurs and young employees. This means adding another three thousand lei to the salary of young employees in first job at home."



Marta Kos: "Our ambition, and I am sure we will achieve this, is to double your country's economic size, create 100,000 jobs in the next ten years, and in practical terms, you have already mentioned concrete things that we will achieve together, or you will achieve, your government, by building roads, investing in schools, modernizing hospitals. What I think is also very important is the investment in restoring and protecting Moldova's national heritage. We will manage to increase the number of facilities for child care. I look forward to seeing what we will achieve through this growth plan."




Dorin Recean: Financial resources provided by the EU should be invested efficiently, fairly and transparently

The Prime Minister emphasized that the financial resources provided by the EU must be invested efficiently, fairly and with maximum transparency.


Dorin Recean: "People need to see and feel an improvement in living standards and gain confidence in Moldova's ability to provide a life of well-being and democracy. We understand that this money does not come without conditions for our state to respect European values and strengthen good governance, the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and increase institutional resilience."


Marta Kos: "We want the Republic of Moldova to join the European Union"

On behalf of the Government and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, Prime Minister Dorin Recean expressed gratitude to the European Commissioner for the assistance and for the fact that the EU views Moldova with trust and respect.


Dorin Recean: "The agreement signed today is not just a technical document but a clear expression of European friendship and solidarity towards the Republic of Moldova. Through external solidarity and internal unity, which as a society we have a duty to strengthen, we will succeed in being ready to become an EU member state not in ten years, not in twenty years, but in four years. Moldova can do it."


The European official reiterated that the EU desires Moldova's accession, which is why it is willing to provide all support to elevate the citizens' standard of living. Kos urged Chisinau authorities to maintain the same pace of growth and modernization.


Marta Kos: "We want Moldova to join the European Union. There is no doubt about this. But until then, that is now, we want to help you raise your living standards and reach European standards, and this is important not only for Chișinău but for the entire country and is also crucial for any successful accession. (...) I truly believe that signing this agreement is a remarkable success, and let's maintain this dynamic, this pace in the future."




The Economic Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova was announced in October 2024 by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The document received political support from the European Parliament.

At the 7 May meeting, the government approved the Reform Agenda, which is the basis of Moldova Growth Plan and will provide access to 1.9 billion euros in financial support from the European Union. According to the authorities, the reform agenda and investments will lead to a robust economy, higher wages, and a higher quality of life.

The authorities estimate that the implementation of the plan will generate an economic growth of at least 5% annually. Additionally, the Economic Growth Plan will contribute to preparing the Republic of Moldova for EU accession and absorbing pre-accession funds, which will be budgeted in the new European financial cycle 2028-2034.