The European Union’s announcement concerning the provision of €60 million comes to strengthen the people’s confidence that the Moldovan authorities are able to manage the energy crisis, said economic expert Viorel Gârbu, according to whom the money should be spent on the compensation of low-income households for the expected higher tariffs. For his part, political commentator Viorel Ciubotaru said a part of the funds allocated now by the European Union should go to strengthen the country’s energy security by diversifying sources, IPN reports.

Viorel Cibotaru, director of the European Institute for Political Studies, said the announced financial support represents a gesture of solidarity on the part of the EU towards the Moldovans. The money should be allocated for developing the country’s energy infrastructure and ensuring natural gas storage facilities.

“A part of this money should be used to implement the Third Energy Package that is stipulated in the Association Agreement with the European Union, for creating gas storage facilities. This will help diversify the energy resources and will offer safety and stability to consumers. The citizens should be sure that we will have gas at reasonable prices and the socially deprived groups will be compensated,” Viorel Cibotaru stated in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.

Economic expert Viorel Gârbu said Moldova needs a contract for a definite period of time with Gazprom so as to offer predictability to the citizens. The developments on the international natural gas market show the tariffs should be adjusted, while the Executive is obliged to help the citizens with low incomes to cope with higher tariffs.

“The European Union’s announcement comes to strengthen the people’s confidence in the Executive’s capacity to cope with the experienced energy crisis. It is non-reimbursable assistance offered to the Republic of Moldova, which the Government can use to implement social policies. The natural gas price cannot be influenced a lot, especially because we have a political component at the talks. But the authorities should make sure that the tariffs are covered, at least for the socially-deprived sections,” stated Viorel Gârbu.

After a meeting with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița on October 27, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the Commission will provide €60 million to help Moldova handle the energy crisis. The Moldovan Government later specified that this is non-reimbursable financial assistance.