The agreement to finance the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD), signed by the Government of Moldova and the European Commission on March 26, 2015, will be submitted to Parliament for ratification. A bill to this effect was approved by the executive, IPN reports.

The goal of the agreement is to provide assistance in enhancing the competitiveness of the agrifood sector and improving the living standards in rural areas and in strengthening economic and democratic governance. The European Commission’s assistance totals €64 million, €53 million of which is provided in budget support, while €11 million – in technical assistance for implementation.

Launched by the European Commission in March 2011, the ENPARD is a policy initiative that is part of the EU’s commitment to inclusive growth and stability in its Neighbourhood, recognising the importance of agriculture in terms of food security, sustainable production and rural employment.