Growth Plan Agreement for the Republic of Moldova signed by Marta Kos and Dorin Recean: A sign of the EU’s investment in a future member
The Growth Plan Agreement for the Republic of Moldova, valued at 1.9 billion euros, was signed in Chisinau by European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Marta Kos and Prime Minister Dorin Recean. According to the European official, this document signifies a substantial investment in the development of the Republic of Moldova and its journey toward European Union accession.
“It is also our investment in a future member of the European Union. This is the project we are all working on together”, the European official stressed, during the agreement signing ceremony alongside Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
Marta Kos said that the growth plan, valued at 190 million euros in the first stage, offers real opportunities for reforms and investments.
“Why are we doing this? Because we want to achieve substantial growth, which is essential to attract foreign investment, but also to achieve a high standard of living for your citizens”, said Kos, adding that the signed document is not just “a piece of paper”, but “an investment in all areas”.
The European Commissioner expressed her confidence that this Plan will contribute to developing the Moldovan economy and creating 100,000 jobs in the next ten years.
She mentioned that the authorities of the Republic of Moldova will implement concrete projects such as building roads, investing in schools, modernizing hospitals, and restoring and protecting national heritage.
“*We want Moldova to join the European Union, no doubt about it, but until then, we already want to help you reach European standards. It is crucial for any successful accession,” the European Commissioner said.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized that the Growth Plan of the Republic of Moldova is not granted by “beautiful eyes”, but with conditions for our state to respect European values and strengthen good governance, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and increasing institutional resilience.
“Through the Growth Plan, the European Union offers 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”, Recean declared.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of this agreement not only for the country's development and boosting the integration process: "Now, we have even more things. "
The Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova is an initiative launched by the European Commission in October 2024. This plan provides a financial package of 1.9 billion euros to support the country's reforms, investments, and economic integration into the European Union. It is the EU's most extensive support program ever offered to Moldova and is based on the Reform and Growth Facility, a mechanism explicitly created for candidate countries.
Key features of the Growth Plan
The Republic of Moldova will receive 385 million euros in non-repayable grants and 1.5 billion euros in low-interest loans. According to European regulations, the disbursement of these funds will depend on adherence to democratic principles, which include maintaining a pluralistic parliamentary system, ensuring free and fair elections, supporting independent media, upholding a functioning judiciary, and guaranteeing human rights.
Furthermore, the funds will be allocated to concrete projects directly impacting the population. The plan's goals include creating 100,000 jobs, developing water and sewage infrastructure for 1.5 million people, and launching 5,000 new businesses.
Authorities in Chisinau will also be required to submit financial reports and periodic evaluations of the results achieved. The European Union will closely monitor the use of the funds and their impact on citizens' well-being.
