The Government of the United States will provide US$220 million in grant funding to Moldova for implementing investment projects in the energy sector. The bill to ratify the 15th amendment to the development objective assistance Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. Government for sustainable economic growth anchored in the European integration was given a final reading by Parliament, IPN reports.

Under the document, the U.S. Government will offer an additional financial contribution in the amount of US$220 million to help strengthen Moldova’s energy security and reduce energy dependence on Russia by connecting the national energy system to the European systems and by diversifying the natural gas supply sources and improving energy efficiency. As a result, the non-reimbursable assistance will exceed US$392 million.

The agreement also stipulates the conditions for providing US$76.8 million in budget support by the U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Government of the Republic of Moldova pledges to remain aligned with the European Union’s energy policy. In this connection, the authorities will continue harmonizing the Moldovan legislation with the EU Acquis.