--- title: "European funds will help Moldovans cover energy bills: Marta Kos announces €30 million in additional aid" url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/89295/european-funds-will-help-moldovans-cover-energy-bills-marta-kos-announces-30-million-in-additional-aid published: 2026-11-09T14:42:48Z language: en author: "Bogdan Nigai" section: "EU accession" source: radiomoldova.md --- # European funds will help Moldovans cover energy bills: Marta Kos announces €30 million in additional aid > The Republic of Moldova could receive an additional 30 million euros in EU support to help vulnerable families pay their energy bills. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made the announcement on November 9 during an address to Parliament in Chișinău. The funds are expected to be distributed through the government’s energy compensation program. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/9f7e84cf-b93f-4694-a14f-01feaaacc57a.jpg) The Republic of Moldova could receive an additional 30 million euros in EU support to help vulnerable families pay their energy bills. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made the announcement on November 9 during an address to Parliament in Chișinău. The funds are expected to be distributed through the government’s energy compensation program. "I know that times are difficult for many Moldovans. Energy prices are high, security is under pressure, and economic growth remains too low. But I want you to know that you can count on Europe’s solidarity," stated Marta Kos from the central podium of the Parliament in Chișinău. According to the European Commissioner, uncertainties in the energy market—driven in part by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and low water levels in the Danube and the Prut rivers—have contributed to rising prices. In this context, the European Union is seeking additional solutions to support the population of the Republic of Moldova. "That is why I have now proposed an additional 30 million euros for Moldova—for your citizens—to ease the burden of high energy costs on those Moldovans who need help the most," Marta Kos explained; her announcement was met with applause in Parliament. **A new European financial package, starting in 2028** European Union support for the Republic of Moldova is set to continue beyond the conclusion of the current Economic Growth Plan—valued at 1.9 billion euros—which is scheduled to end by the close of 2027. Marta Kos announced that a new financial package will be prepared next year, with implementation slated to begin in 2028. "The principle is very simple: when Moldova carries out reforms, the European Union provides investments. And these should bring Moldovans new roads, modernized schools, and access to clean water", Kos stated. **“In the coming months, you will enter a new stage of accession negotiations”** The Republic of Moldova is approaching a new phase in its European Union accession process: the provisional closure of negotiating chapters. The European Commission is finalizing an assessment—with positive conclusions—regarding the fulfillment of intermediate benchmarks in fundamental areas, announced Marta Kos. These areas mainly concern judicial independence, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. “I have good news! The European Commission is finalizing its positive conclusion regarding your intermediate benchmarks. Together with the member states, we will begin this process soon and decide the conditions under which you can close negotiations. Once we can take this step, we will begin closing the negotiating chapters. This means that, in the coming months, you will enter a new stage of accession negotiations—a stage that will lead you to the finish line,” the Commissioner stated in the Parliament in Chișinău. According to the European official, the Republic of Moldova could provisionally close up to 25 of the 33 negotiating chapters by 2027, marking a significant step toward concluding negotiations by early 2028. However, this goal depends on maintaining the pace of reforms and achieving concrete results in their implementation. "To help you move forward, we have also published a roadmap outlining the accession steps leading up to 2027. If Moldova... I must correct myself—someone told me: 'Marta, don't say *if*, say *when*.' So, as Moldova continues to implement reforms at the pace seen in recent years, we believe you could close up to 25 of the 33 negotiating chapters by next year. This would set you on a credible path toward concluding accession negotiations by early 2028," stated Marta Kos. The European Commissioner acknowledged that this proposed timeline is ambitious and requires significant effort, but she commended the determination of the authorities in Chișinău and reiterated the European Commission's support for the ongoing accession process. "I agree—this is a very ambitious goal. But I appreciate that you, the Moldovan people, are ambitious; you also motivate us—those of us in the European Commission—to keep pace with you. And you can count on our support every step of the way," the Commissioner added. **Brussels supports local public administration reform** The administrative-territorial reform being prepared by the authorities in Chișinău has the European Commission's backing, even though these changes may prove challenging for some segments of the population. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasised that reorganising local administration is essential to strengthen institutional capacity and improve public services. "Today, too many local authorities lack the people and resources necessary to carry this out. That is why I wish to welcome the ambitious reform of the territorial administration. I know this is a difficult step for many; it entails changing structures that people have been familiar with for decades. Yet, it offers an opportunity to strengthen local administration and improve public services for citizens and businesses alike," said Marta Kos. The European Commissioner also conveyed support for local elected officials taking responsibility for difficult decisions throughout the reform process, commending their willingness to put the country's interests above their own. "There are many mayors and local leaders who are assuming responsibility for these challenging decisions. They recognize the opportunities this reform can bring to the country. They are prioritizing Moldova’s future over their own, and they deserve our full support and respect," the Commissioner added. “**We want those who have left Moldova to see opportunities to return home”** Separated families, children left behind, and communities affected by migration are realities that Marta Kos says she learned about during her visits to the Republic of Moldova. The European Commissioner expressed her hope that integration into the European Union will create more opportunities for citizens who wish to build a future at home. *“As I travel through your country, I often encounter stories about family members or friends who have left their communities to build their lives abroad. Stories of separated families, children left behind, and communities torn apart. This is not just Moldova’s story; it is a story shared by so many European countries,”* Marta Kos continued. The Commissioner cited the example of Croatia—the most recent state to join the European Union, in 2013—to illustrate the changes that can occur over time. According to her, last year, for the first time in several decades, the number of Croatian citizens returning to the country exceeded the number of those who left. "This is Europe at its best—a story of hope, of communities in the process of healing. And this is also my hope for Moldova: that you may have the opportunity to follow the same path, to turn the page on the past—a past marked by fractured communities and dwindling hope—and to fully restore the beauty of Moldova," said Marta Kos. The benefits of EU integration must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens through access to justice, the protection of the public interest, security, and expanded opportunities for younger generations. "Europe is its people. Individuals must feel the benefits of Europe in their everyday lives. Europe must provide protection and opportunities: the assurance that citizens and businesses can find justice when they turn to the courts; the conviction that public funds are spent in the public interest; the security of their homes and families; and opportunities for their children. We want all young Moldovans to have the freedom to travel, study, and work in Europe. But we also want them to have the right to remain at home, should they choose to do so. And we want those who have left Moldova to see opportunities to return home whenever they wish," stated Marta Kos. **Marta Kos’s message to MPs: “Let’s make 2027 a year of results”** “*Toamna se numără bobocii!*” [“The chicks are counted in the autumn!”] — with this Romanian expression, Marta Kos chose to highlight the importance of concrete results from reforms and the continued progress of the Republic of Moldova along its European path. “It is a wonderful expression I learned during one of my visits to villages across Moldova. It reminds me that what ultimately matters is the outcome of our work. Your reforms are yielding results. We will continue to support you as the dream of becoming part of the European family becomes a reality. We can achieve this very well together. And I want every Moldovan to know: Europe is here to stay,” the Commissioner stated. Marta Kos also called for cooperation among parliamentary groups, emphasizing that accession to the European Union is a national project. “I truly appreciate that almost all political parties are present here today. You are all needed. Together, we can go all the way—but only together. Accession to the European Union is a national project. It is a project for your people,” the European official affirmed. However, Communist and Socialist MPs boycotted the parliamentary session. Marta Kos later criticized their decision, stressing that the legislature should be a space for dialogue and the exchange of differing viewpoints—including those held by politicians who do not share every position of the European Commission. "I believe this is not a good sign. Not because of me, but because Parliament is the place where diverse opinions should meet, and then the majority decides. To my mind, Parliament is the most appropriate venue—even if you do not agree with everything. You do not have to agree with everything I say or with everything the European Commission does. But it is also a matter of respect—not respect for me, but respect for the citizens. And since they have been elected, I believe they are accountable only to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, not to Marta Kos," the Commissioner said. At the conclusion of her address to the plenary of Parliament, the European Commissioner for Enlargement urged the Members of Parliament to place the interests of future generations at the heart of their work, emphasizing that 2027 must be a year of tangible results—results that the citizens can truly feel. "I hope that this Parliament will continue to join forces—not to please the Government, not to please the President, and not to please me, Marta Kos—but to serve the future generations of your beautiful Moldova. Let us make 2027 a year of results, a year in which Moldova continues to advance rapidly, and a year in which more and more Moldovans feel the benefits of Europe in their daily lives. You all have the chance to make history. Let us seize this moment together," concluded Marta Kos. Marta Kos’s speech ended with a standing ovation from the deputies attending the plenary session. The session opened with the national anthem of the Republic of Moldova, “Limba noastră” (“Our Language”), followed by the European Union anthem “Ode to Joy” performed by the Teleradio-Moldova Choral Chapel. **The opposition: "Let’s not kid ourselves"** The Republic of Moldova’s progress in its European Union accession negotiations must be reflected in the citizens' standard of living, not merely in positive assessments from European institutions. This message was conveyed by Vasile Costiuc, leader of the "Democracy at Home" faction, who welcomed the financial support provided by the EU but criticized the government’s economic performance. "Theoretically, we are doing a phenomenal job. That is what President Maia Sandu says, and it is what our European partners say—they claim we are extraordinary in every area and have made progress across the board. However, the point I wish to highlight is that this progress across all negotiation chapters should be tangible in everyday life", Costiuc stated following the parliamentary session on November 9. According to the MP, citizens expect improvements to infrastructure, more affordable utility rates, and a functional justice system. He argues that the concrete outcomes of reforms should serve as the primary benchmark for evaluating progress in the European integration process. "When theory and practice finally align, I believe both politicians and society will be happy. Until then, politicians roll their eyes in sheer ecstasy over the praise we receive at the European level—while society holds a completely different view," said the leader of the "Democracy at Home" faction. For his part, MP Ion Chicu, from the "Alternativa" faction, believes that the goal of concluding accession negotiations by early 2028 could serve to mobilize political forces. He warns, however, that achieving this objective depends on implementing concrete reforms. "I also see this as a call—a signal for all of us—to join forces and unite in order to reach this goal. But we must not delude ourselves; we have often heard that there are no shortcuts on the path to European integration," Chicu stated. The former Prime Minister emphasized that the mere adoption of legislation is not enough to demonstrate that the Republic of Moldova is prepared for accession to the European Union. According to him, reforms must yield tangible results in combating corruption, ensuring the proper functioning of the justice system, and improving the standard of living. "We shouldn't harbor any grand illusions that someone will welcome us into the European Union simply for our 'pretty eyes.' We must put in the work; we must ensure that our successes and progress are not limited to a conveyor-belt-style adoption of laws, but that they also translate into real impact—in the fight against corruption, judicial reform, and the well-being of the people," noted Ion Chicu. *** The visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to the Republic of Moldova comes a few days after the publication of the European Commission’s report on EU enlargement on November 4. The document notes progress across all 33 negotiating chapters assessed, while also highlighting the need for continued reforms—particularly in the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. To date, the Republic of Moldova has opened four of the six negotiating clusters, and the authorities in Chișinău aim to open the remaining two by the end of 2026.