Correspondence by Dan Alexe // European Parliament adopts funds for the Republic of Moldova
On Tuesday, March 11, the European Parliament voted to grant final approval for a €1.9 billion Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, marking the largest EU support package ever provided to the country. The decision was made with 499 votes in favor, 117 against, and 44 abstentions. This funding will enable Moldova to continue its reforms, strengthen its institutions, and modernize its infrastructure.
The key point to highlight in the report adopted on Tuesday is the increase in pre-financing from 7% to 20% of the total amount of 1.9 billion euros, which was established last autumn.
This 20%, which is one-fifth of the 1.9 billion, represents funds that will be quickly allocated to the Republic of Moldova, likely by the end of April, shortly after the Financial Facility comes into effect.
As stated by the author of the report and head of the European Parliament Delegation for the Republic of Moldova, Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, these funds will allow the Republic of Moldova to quickly finance projects such as roads, hospitals, bridges, and the modernization of public administration.
The goal is to expedite the Republic of Moldova's integration into the EU energy network, making it easier to address the economic and energy crisis exacerbated by the Russian Federation's manipulation of gas supplies.
Final negotiations with the Council of the European Union are currently underway. The aim is to finalize the legislation shortly so that the Financial Facility can take effect in April, at which point the Republic of Moldova will also receive the advance payment, representing one fifth of the total package.
