The United States is offering $63 million through USAID to help Moldova cope with the multiple crises it faces after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The amendments to the assistance agreements were signed today by the head of the USAID Moldova Mission, Scott Hocklander, and Finance Minister Dumitru Budianschi, reports IPN.

$46.3 million of the total is intended for Moldova’s sustainable economic growth, in particular for speeding up energy security through integration with the European energy grid, increasing the volume of renewable energy and attracting investment into energy production and energy efficiency. The money is also intended to increase the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in key areas such as winemaking, fruit production, table grapes, berries and honey.

Another $16.7 will go to programs aimed at strengthening participatory democracy. Additional support will be given to independent media outlets, and support for credible electoral processes and fair political competition will be expanded.

“Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has accentuated the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova after two years of pandemic. Through these additional funds, we want to demonstrate our commitment to the Moldovan people and strengthen our cooperation that is based on 30 years of productive and successful partnership. We hope that these additional funds will contribute to Moldova’s resilience and help this small country with a big heart overcome challenges as it moves firmly towards the EU”, said the head of USAID Moldova.

The $63 million package takes the total value of the United States’ grants offered to Moldova under the 2016 Assistance Agreements to $153.2 million.