The European Union will increase by €5 million the financing for the TAM and BAS programs of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which provide consultative assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in the six countries of the Eastern Partnership, Info-Prim Neo reports. The total EU’s contribution to the TAM and BAS programs will amount to €10 million. The given funds will enable to implement over 60 TAM projects and more than 500 BAS projects in the region. Ambassador Dirk Schuebel, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, said the assistance in these programs is aimed at accelerating and promoting the economic integration between the EU and the eastern partners. Libor Kroska, who has represented the EBRD in Moldova during the last 3.5 years, said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, through the credit lines opened in the local banks, has permanently supported the SME sector in Moldova. The financial assistance provided in recent times was diversified, including by financing energy efficiency projects. Libor Kroska said the BAS consultative assistance program launched in Moldova in 2005 is very popular. Until now, there was provided consultative assistance to 300 projects proposed by companies. They include projects aimed at increasing the planning and marketing capacities of the SMEs, implementing international quality management systems, launching new projects and brands. BAS Moldova program director Veronica Arpentin said that 27 companies with 10 to 500 employees implemented different projects that are financially supported by the EU. Under the set conditions, the SMEs that implement projects within the BAS program are paid back 50% of the costs of the consultancy services used. The BAS program involves local consultants so that the BAS also contributes to the formation of the local business consultancy market.