The Republic of Moldova could get an additional contribution of US$19.5 million from the United Sates for strengthening energy security. This became possible thanks to the 14th Amendment to the Assistance Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. Government, which is to be negotiated and approved, IPN reports, quoting the Parliament’s press service.

The money will be used to reduce dependence on Russia by connecting the key elements of Moldova’s energy sector to the European systems and to also attract investments to local energy production, to diversify natural gas supply sources and to improve energy efficiency.

The amendment also provides that the terms and conditions will be defined for the USAID contribution to the value of US$30 million that will be offered to the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The money will be used to pay for the electrical energy purchased from Ukrainian suppliers in May-September 2022.

The Assistance Agreement on the development objective between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. Government for sustainable economic growth anchored in the European integration was signed in 2016. The current amendment that is to be negotiated and approved will take effect when it is signed and will be in force during the period of validity of the Agreement, until December 31, 2025.