After the European Union approved the second tranche of €30 million of the macro-financial assistance (MFA) intended for Moldova, analysts said this is a sign of openness to the Moldovan authorities. At the same time, the EU’s conditionality elements didn’t disappear, IPN reports.
“As regards the third tranche, no one had illusions. Let’s admit and say it openly that our authorities did practically nothing for this. We must thank the European Union for the fact that it offered the second tranche. If we look at those conditions objectively, we see that the Republic of Moldova fulfilled only some of them. Ultimately, the European Union made a goodwill gesture for a minimum of efforts made by the Republic of Moldova and provided the second tranche of the macro-financial assistance,” political analyst Ion Tăbârță stated in the talk show “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel.
Ion Tăbârță considers the disbursement is the merit of the opposition and civil society, which pushed the Government forward.
“If the Government had shown will, even if particular conditions weren’t met, and had shown that we want, but cannot for objective reasons, I’m sure we would have obtained also the third tranche and possibly larger assistance from the European Union,” stated Ion Tabârță.
PPPDA MP Vasile Năstase criticized Prime Minister Ion Chicu, who says that the allocation of the €30 million is due to his efforts.
“The Chicu Government didn’t aim to fulfill these conditions and the merit is fully of the European Union. It simply understood how hard it is for the Moldovan citizens and made such a nice gesture that is like an advance for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” he stated.
The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, approved the disbursement of €30 million in macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova. This is the second and final disbursement under Moldova’s current MFA program following the first installment of €30 million in October 2019. It is composed of €10 million in grants and €20 million in low-interest, long-term loans.
