The Moldova Support Platform was created by Romania, Germany and France following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Thanks to the offered support, Moldova could cope with multiple crises and the consequences of the war in the neighboring country. In the future, the Platform will transit to a long-term strategic cooperation form that will center more on the economic development of the Republic of Moldova and the support for its accession to the European Union, IPN reports.
In the conference to sum up the results of the fourth Moldova Support Platform conference that was held in Chisinau on October 17, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, said that the joint effort of the Platform so far was structured around six working groups focusing on economy and finance, anticorruption, administrative reform, social problem, refugees, energy and climate transition. In the fourth meeting, they discussed methods of adjusting the Platform to the new context and new necessities. “This adjustment derives from the ascertaining of the fact that owing also to this Platform, to the support received by the Republic of Moldova, to the attachment and devotion of our citizens to the common wish to keep our country in the space of peace, stability and European democracy, together with our partners the past half a year we managed to handle and avoid a number of crises,” stated the Moldovan official.
He noted that the participants in the meeting discussed possibilities of directing the foreign assistance to projects to develop Moldova’s infrastructure, to improve energy security and to accelerate energy transition.
France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna said that they discussed long-term objectives. Among the priorities of the countries and international organizations that came together were connectivity, energy issues, and reforms. All the participants aim to help Moldova in these sectors, in doing key reforms. “France will continue to offer support to the Republic of Moldova. In a broader political context, on Moldova’s path of coming closer to Europe, France stands by,” stated the French official.
Secretary General of the Government of Romania Mircea Abrudean said the presence of the European officials in Chisinau points to the scale and firmness of the solidarity with the Republic of Moldova. The conference offered the opportunity of exploring new joint projects for bringing together resources and expertise for the benefit of the partners from Chisinau. ”Romania’s support for the Republic of Moldova is and will remain firm. We will stand by to strengthen stability and resilience in front of the hybrid pressure sponsored from outside. We will support with all the forces the reform process, strengthening of the rule of law and democracy in general. We will strongly support the economic and social development and modernization of the Republic of Moldova from all angles. We will support each step that the Republic of Moldova will take on the path of European integration up to the moment we all want – the accession to the European Union,” noted Mircea Abrudean
Germany’s Ambassador in Chisinau Margret Uebber stated that the Republic of Moldova remains a priority for the Federal Government of Germany. Due to the war in Ukraine, Moldova has also been affected by shockwaves and the Support Platform was created as a result. As Moldova was often the target of Russia’s disinformation campaigns, they cooperate to cope with the hybrid challenges. “Moldova showed that it is resilient owing to the support from which it benefits from the partners and friends. This proves that the international assistance and the persistent efforts can make a difference. Today, the discussions center on the transition to a long-term strategic cooperation form to support the Republic of Moldova on its path of European integration as Moldova’s path to the EU is a path we cover together,” said Margret Uebber.
“German Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock said that Moldova can count on Germany. We will further offer support. In 2024, the Federal Government will allocate at least €5 million. The solidarity lines we built last year remain robust and we will continue in this regard so as to build a common European future.”
FOTO Platforma de Sprijin
A number of 57 delegations from over 30 states, international organizations and financial institutions came together in Chisinau for the fourth Moldova Support Platform conference on October 17. The previous meetings of the kind were held in Berlin, Paris, and Bucharest.
