The European Union has been the largest donor to Moldova since the declaration of independence. In the period, the EU provided 500 million euros in financial assistance as part of the bilateral relations and the support grew in volume every year. In addition, Moldova is supported through the multilateral component of the EU-Moldova relations, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel said at the first meeting of the EU's Press Club held in in Chisinau on March 2, Info-Prim Neo reports. The meeting themed “EU Technical and Financial Support to Moldova” had Ambassador Dirk Schuebel as invitee. According to the organizers, the new club is designed to ensure broader communication between the EU representatives and the Moldova journalists and the dissemination of information about the projects implemented by the EU in Moldova. “I hope the strengthening of the relationship between the EU Delegation and the press in Chisinau should not be tested anymore,” said Dirk Schuebel, who attended the third meeting with Moldovan journalists in the last seven days. He presented a kit with information about more than 40 important EU-funded projects implemented or under implementation in Moldova. According to the European official, the EU assistance to Moldova under the Country Strategy Paper for 2007-2013 focuses on three areas of major importance: democratic development and good governance; regulatory reform and administrative capacity-building; and poverty reduction and economic growth. Dirk Schuebel highlighted the sectoral budgetary support offered during the last few years together with other backers, which shows the donors trust the Moldovan authorities will use the financial resources as agreed. In 2007, the EU provided 40 million euros to Moldova. More than half of this sum was allocated for improving the social sector and reducing poverty. “We aim to build together with Moldova a new social system and improve the management of public money intended for social assistance,” Dirk Schuebel said. “Several weeks ago, Prime Minister Filat sought support from the EU in alleviating the effect of the recent rises in charges on the deprived groups of people and we are glad we found the 2.4 million euros asked for the mentioned purpose.” A large part of the 62.2 million euros offered in 2008 was and is to be used for improving the healthcare sector. “We will help Moldova implement a special program in the field during 2008 – 2017,” Dirk Schuebel said. 50 million euros of the total of 60 million euros provided in 2009 went to restore drinking water supply systems. The initial sum of 45 million euros planned for the purpose was increased by 5 million euros after the last visit by the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner to Moldova . “It is the most significant investment made in Moldova's water supply sector,” Dirk Schuebel said. In 2010, 45 million euros will be used to stimulate economic growth in rural areas. This sum could be also raised by 5 million euros. Among other projects, Dirk Schuebel mentioned the 2 million euros provided recently for printing biometric passports, the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine whose term will be extended by 2011, the funds envisioned by the Eastern Partnership, other crossborder projects providing assistance to Moldova. The EU's Press Club in Moldova will allow the journalists to interact with officials of the EU Delegation and European experts responsible for the implementation of projects. The project is supported by two national partners – Parc Communications Agency and the Foreign Policy Association.