The security situation requires special treatment for the Republic of Moldova from the European Union, Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac said after President Maia Sandu asked Brussels for increased financial aid for Moldova. The MEP noted that the message of the head of state is a correct one as the country is facing internal challenges as a result of the hybrid war that has been waged by Russia, IPN reports.

“Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova need a Marshall Plan for the 21st century on the part of the European Union,” President Maia Sandu stated in Brussels during a speech at the annual EU budget conference. MEP Eugen Tomac said that the head of state’s request is a judicious one given the security crisis faced by the two countries.

“The security situation requires special treatment for the Republic of Moldova because we have a political and geopolitical reality distinct even from Ukraine. We are talking about a state which is next to the European Union and whose citizens, for the most part, are citizens of the European Union. We are Romanians on both sides of the Prut. We have a common identity, but, against our will, the nation has been divided and the errors of the past must be obviously corrected through intelligent measures. President Sandu’s message is correct given that the internal and external pressure exerted by Russia through all the actors it has in the territory must be countered with an ambitious plan of measures and unprecedented financial support,” MEP Eugen Tomac stated in the talk show “In the context” on the public TV channel Moldova 1.

According to the MEP, a new package of financial support for Moldova could be on the agenda of European officials after the European Parliament elections of this June.

“The internal challenges, whether we refer to those in the Transnistrian region or, more recently, to the increasingly aggressive tendencies of those in Comrat in relation to the Government in Chisinau, are an obstacle that no one should neglect. But these challenges can be overcome if the Republic of Moldova will be a successful new model for the European Union, through rapid investments in all the areas. This must happen and a consistent financing package by the model of the Marshall Plan for the economic recovery of the Republic of Moldova will mean a huge advantage for the Republic of Moldova. I will make sure that this is reflected in the priorities of the next European Commission. After June 9, there are all the preconditions for me to continue my activity in Brussels and I assure you that one of the requests will be related to the Republic of Moldova,” said the Romanian MEP.

The European Parliament elections will be held on June 6-9. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova holding Romanian citizenship can also take part in them.