Visit of the EU Commissioner for Economy in Chisinau

"Prime Minister Recean and I have had a very good conversation about Moldova’s economic situation and the state of play and next steps as regards EU support", said the EU Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, during his visit to Chisinau on 6 July 2023.

During his visit, the EU Commissioner met with President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Ministers Alaiba and Popescu, Governor Armasu, the President of the Parliament Mr Grosu and other senior policymakers  in Chișinău.

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Press remarks of the EU Commissioner for Economy after the meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean

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Moldova has faced an immensely challenging few years. First the pandemic, then the energy crisis and Russian “weaponisation” of energy resources. Lastly, the impact of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and the hybrid threats to the sovereignty of Moldova. I know how severe the cumulative impact of these shocks – coupled with that of the summer’s drought – has been for the people of Moldova.

The EU has supported Moldova throughout this period, providing more than €1 billion since October 2021. This includes €295 million in macro-financial assistance for this year. I want to recognise here the efforts undertaken to implement the ambitious reform agenda linked to this assistance. These efforts are all the more impressive considering the fallout from the war, the energy crisis, and the high number of refugees from Ukraine that Moldova has been hosting and integrating into its socio-economic life.

Moldova has truly proven to be a “small country with a big heart”.

The conditions that we have agreed together will further help to reinforce energy security, improve the business environment, support the fight against corruption, bolster the rule of law and improve public sector governance.

These actions are also in line with the nine steps included in the Commission’s opinion on Moldova’s application for EU membership. We look forward to seeing swift action to fulfil these policy commitments, so that we will be in a position to disburse the additional instalments, jointly worth €145 million, by the end of the year.

On top of this ongoing bilateral assistance, the Commission is stepping up support with our Economic and Investment Plan to leverage funds towards the target of EUR 1.6 billion, as announced by President von der Leyen here in Chișinău a month ago. This will be a direct investment into the economy and will bring great opportunities for Moldova's companies.

I also welcome the ongoing work on the implementation of the new Moldovan Customs Code, in line with the Union Customs Code. This is a positive result of our common work, paving the way for future customs cooperation and trade facilitation.

Let me conclude by congratulating Moldova on successfully hosting the second European Political Community summit just over a month ago. This put Moldova at the epicentre of important strategic discussions and served as a compelling showcase of our unity and our resolve, as Europeans, to protect and promote shared values and principles.

The Commission will continue to stand resolutely by your side. Not only to weather the current storms, but to help progress steadily and as swiftly as possible towards EU membership.

Thank you