The Republic of Moldova will receive a non-reimbursable financial assistance of €10 million. The grant is provided by Italy through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and complements the €10 million support allocated in November 2023. The funds are intended to promote energy efficiency through the installation of smart meters, digitalize the energy and social protection sectors, IPN reports.

“This project is very important, especially considering that the whole country is working to improve energy efficiency. We thank the Government of Italy for all the support it provides to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, and the United Nations Development Programme for implementing the project,” stated Prime Minister Recean.

The Italian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Lorenzo Tomassoni, mentioned that Italy will continue to support a democratic and European Moldova for a peaceful and prosperous future.

“Energy blackmail is one of the tools of hybrid warfare, aimed at slowing down the process of European Union accession. This blackmail has not worked and will not work,” added the ambassador.

At the same time, UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova, Daniela Gasparikova, specified that the assistance provided by Italy will strengthen UNDP Moldova’s efforts to digitalize the country’s energy sector.

The funds provided by Italy will be used to expand the ongoing pilot program for the installation of smart meters. By the end of the current year, 35,000 meters will be installed, with an additional 25,000 devices planned for installation in 2026.

Additionally, a National Unified Registry of Consumption Points will be created to facilitate data exchange between suppliers, distributors, and consumers, thereby improving data management in the energy sector.

A unified platform, “eSocial,” will also be created to integrate all available social protection programs and enable access to them through the same online portal. Furthermore, the capacity of the Digital Innovation Center within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection will be developed.