A number of members of the European Parliament back the idea that the EU should provide significant financial assistance to Moldova to help it overcome the economic crisis. Related statements were made at Tuesday's meeting of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was attended by Moldova's Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The EU should immediately formulate a plan of considerable financial assistance so that Moldova could cope with the crisis. Poverty is not an aid for democracy,” said Romanian MEP Adrian Severin. “Your success is related to our solidarity. Moldova undoubtedly needs financial assistance from the EU,” said Slovenian MEP Jelko Kacin. Polish MEP Krzystof Lisek said that Poland's past is much alike Moldova's present. According to him, Moldova could overcome the crisis only if it is allocated large foreign financial assistance. The MEPs inquired about the US$500 million loan promised by Russia. Vlad Filat said that the Russian State Duma ratified the decision to disburse the first tranche of US$150 million. This money was planned by the previous government for covering the budget deficit. “The Communists Party used this loan in the electoral campaign to enhance its image,” Filat said. “We informed the Russian authorities that we are ready to raise this loan. The issue will be discussed with President Dmitry Medvedev at the CIS Summit that will take place in Chisinau in October.” Vlad Filat also spoke about the agreement with the IMF, which is to be signed soon. “When this agreement is signed, we will get other foreign financial assistance. It is now very important that we modify the budget,” he said. Premier Vlad Filat and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Iurie Leanca are paying a working visit to Brussels during September 29-30.