During a visit to Moldova today, President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission plans to support the Moldovan economy with €1.8 billion between 2025 and 2027.
The support is part of an ambitious Growth Plan for Moldova that the President presented in Chişinau to Moldova's President Maia Sandu, and its Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
The plan will be the largest financial support package ever received by Moldova since its independence. The objective is to boost the national economy and accelerate reforms, as Moldova, an EU candidate country, continues its integration process.
In public remarks with President Sandu, President von der Leyen explained that the Growth Plan is built on three pillars: the €1.8 billion announced will be invested in growth-oriented sectors and publc services. "We will invest in better connections in your country, and with your neighbours – like the road between Chișinău, Iași and Odesa, or bridges over the Prut river. We will also invest in your energy network, with powerlines that connect you to the European grid. And finally, we will roll out broadband internet throughout the country," the President said.
Additionally, the plan will improve Moldova's access to the EU single market in areas such as the free movement of goods, transport connections, energy market integration, the Digital Market, and single payments.
The third pillar is about supporting the fundamental reforms being carried out by the Moldovan authorities in matters such as economic competitiveness, infrastructure and energy resilience, social capital, and the green transition.
She also commended the country and President Sandu for the progress achieved since Moldova was granted EU candidate status in 2022: "You have made remarkable progress. You have initiated important justice reforms. You have intensified the fight against corruption. And you have worked hard to loosen the grip of oligarchs on your economy and society. All of this demonstrates your attachment to our common values. Values of respect for democracy and the rule of law."
Only Moldovans can decide on the future of their country
The visit takes place days before Moldovans are called the polls to decide whether to inscribe Moldova's European future in the national constitution.
Amidst concerns of foreign interference, President von der Leyen sent a strong and clear message: "I encourage Moldovans to use their vote and express their free choice. It is for you, the Moldovans, to decide. It is your sovereign choice what to do with your country, and no one can interfere," she underlined.
