The European Union is ready to offer the Republic of Moldova even more support than before. Besides the macro-financial assistance, with the first instalment arriving in the coming weeks, a financing agreement has been signed for the programs on local sustainable development and the rule of law, in the amount of 40 million euros. Statements in this regard have been made by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, at a press conference today, October 3, in Chisinau.
According to the European official, the programs for which the agreement was signed will focus on local development of regions, anti-corruption measures, the fight against gender-based violence as well as on Erasmus programs. Other programs will continue to be funded in 2019. They will focus on supporting civil societies and SMEs.
Federica Mogherini says that the first instalment of the EU's macro-financial assistance will be disbursed in the coming weeks, and the second by the end of this year. The EU also mobilized a team of high level experts to provide technical assistance in the field of justice, counteracting money laundering and so forth. All payments will be possible, says the high representative, provided the reforms continue and the IMF conditions are met.
In other news, Federica Mogherini has specified that the EU's position remains unchanged in terms of its continued support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with special status for Transnistria within the country's internationally recognized borders.
The official has also noted that the EU will closely monitor the electoral processes in the current campaign. She says these elections will be the first electoral test for this government, showing to what extent the process will be transparent and to what extent it will comply with international standards.
At the same press conference, Prime Minister Maia Sandu has mentioned that the visit to the Republic of Moldova of a dignitary of such rank "shows that we have succeeded in turning the Republic of Moldova towards the EU". According to Maia Sandu, with the help of the EU, Moldova has managed to increase exports to the EU by almost 70%, and over six thousand companies have benefited from support. Also, over three thousand jobs were created in Moldova and several kilometres of roads were repaired with EU support.
Maia Sandu has said that Moldova is ready to deliver on its commitments towards the EU, in order to improve the living standards of citizens.
