President Maia Sandu welcomes the EU’s decision to offer Moldova about 745 million lei in grant funding as part of the EU-backed €600 million Economic Recovery Plan for Moldova that is intended for the next three years, IPN reports.

“EU support comes after a long period during which the European assistance was blocked owing to the former governments. As we promised in the election campaign, we managed to restore the political dialogue with the European Union and to unlock the financial assistance. The Republic of Moldova step by step regains the strategic partners’ confidences. This European support is a signal of encouragement for the new governmental team in its commitment to clean the institutions, to fight corruption and to launch programs to develop the country,” stated Maia Sandu.

She noted that the money offered now by the EU will go to the state budget to cover the most pressing needs, including for fighting COVID-19, and to economically support the enterprises affected by the pandemic.

“It is substantial assistance and we are grateful for it,” reiterated Maia Sandu.

While on a visit to Chisinau, Katarína Mathernová, Deputy Director-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, said the first measures under the Economic Recovery Plan will shortly materialize, with the expected disbursement of €36 million in grant money under budget support programs to support authorities’ efforts to fight the consequences of the pandemic. “Moldova can count on EU’s assistance on its path to reforms and to recovery, bringing tangible results to citizens,” stated the official.