The Moldova-EU summit: Ursula von der Leyen announces that Chisinau receives the first installment of the EU record financial support

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the Republic of Moldova receives the first installment, of 270 million euros, from the record financial support offered by the EU, the announcement being made in Chisinau after the first Moldova-EU summit.

The first Moldova-EU summit took place in Chisinau on July 4. Photo: Facebook

“We can hardly wait to see you within the European Union. For this reason, in parallel with the request for accession, we try to bring your economy as close to our economy. Today I can announce the release of the first 270 million euros in the economic growth plan for Moldova. You have presented results regarding the reforms, and we deliver results ”said the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The head of the European Commission also announced that, from October, Chisinau will be part of SEPA, ie “The single European market: faster, cheaper transfers and more opportunities for your business environment and your citizens. Finally, we will eliminate all the roaming costs. From our experience, belonging to the European Union is an extraordinary way to connect people and business. Dear Maia, once again I tell you how much we admire you, in Europe, you and your struggle for democracy. ”

In the end, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “Moldova has a place in our European family.”

Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, also present at the same event, said that this summit “It represents a true milestone in deepening our relationships. The Moldovans decided, in a democratic way, that the future of the Republic of Moldova belongs to the European Union. This is our goal, and the European Union is here to support the Republic of Moldova at every step it undertakes. ”

And the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said that the first summit of Moldova-European Union is an important moment for the relationship between Chisinau and Brussels and transmits that its country matters.

“The support and openness to us are firmer than ever. For the first time, we are regarded as the natural part of the European family. The first Moldova Summit – the European Union shows that our country's accession to the EU is already happening. It is no longer a distant dream or a vague promise. It is a process anchored in reality and built step by step, with the full support of the European Union, of all 27 Member States. Because Moldova matters. And because the whole European Union works side by side with us, so that our country will become a full member of this family ”, said Maia Sandu.

The leader from Chisinau emphasized that, in the margin of the summit, discussions were held about the moment of his country's accession to the Union, mentioning that the proximity to it has brought numerous benefits, including the economic growth plan, worth 1.9 billion euros, offered by the EU.

“In the next three years, the European Union will invest 1.9 billion euros in Moldova – from north to south, in cities and villages. From the first installment of European funds, we will repair about 200 kilometers of regional and district roads. The works will start in several localities in the country, among which: the road between Maximovca and Mereni; Corjeuți – old Caracușenii; Hârbovăț -Monişcani; Chioselia – Cărăncuța; Cărpineni; Ulmu; Vadul Rașcov -chief; Borceag -Chioselia Russian; Coșeni -Tescureni and many more. In over 100 localities, local roads will be paved for decades to be repaired. Corjeuți, Văleni, Rîșcova, Fetelița, Cişmichioi, Albota de Jos. Schools from all over the country will receive support to renovate their canteens, so that from September 1, 2025, students from the 5th-9th grades will benefit from free nutrition. We will support entrepreneurs through grants and financing programs that help them invest, develop their business and create jobs. For young people who choose to stay and work at home, we will offer a supplement of 3,000 lei for salary, for 12 months, in the first year of employment, in strategic fields such as: the electronic industry, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the construction of cars and car components, textiles and garments, building materials, food industry and creative industries. 130 localities will receive cars and equipment for waste collection, so that our villages are cleaner and well -cared ”, added President Maia Sandu.

Chisinau and Kyiv together to the EU

However, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said that the Kremlin is trying in various ways to remove its EU state.

“The Kremlin and its voices, strategically scattered, including in Chisinau, try to convince us that Moldova should not be helped. They do not respect the choice of our people, they do not see us as equal. I do not know what help and solidarity means – I only know blackmail and control. While Europe gives us the greatest development support in our history, these voices want to cut our access to funds, partnerships, hope. But Europe has shown that unity and mutual help can bring peace, prosperity and progress – regardless of language, geography or historical past. All EU states are more prosperous because they support each other. And Moldova will develop with the help of its friends, contributing, in its turn – as it is natural – to a union of free and prosperous states. Today we also discussed the neighboring country, Ukraine. We need to be united in support of Ukraine. Not only because it is natural to help a neighbor in suffering, but also because Ukraine is chest to an empire of aggression that threatens the entire region. We have peace in Moldova because our Ukrainian neighbors defend us. This must be understood and appreciated. We support a sustainable peace in Ukraine – a true peace, with clear guarantees that the war will not restart. We will continue to be a reliable security partner – for Ukraine and the European Union. Moldova and Ukraine go on the same road to the European Union, and the integration of both countries will strengthen European security ”, concluded the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Bomb

Prior to the beginning of the event, Chisinau International Airport (AIC) was the target of a bomb alert, after an unknown person called and informed the authorities about the existence of an alleged explosive object on the territory of the airogue. The specialized services went to the scene for checks, but they found nothing suspicious.

The first Moldova-EU summit took place on July 4 at the state residence in the center of Chisinaușui, the event taking place with the participation of European leaders, as well as the Moldovans.

It took place after 27 leaders of the Member States reunited within the European Council recently recommended to the European Commission to undertake the following steps to access the Republic of Moldova at the EU.

The Republic of Moldova filed the request for accession to the European Union on March 3, 2022, more than a week from the beginning of the War in Ukraine. She obtained the status of country candidate for the Union in July of the same year, at the same time as Kiev.

On June 15, 2024, the ambassadors of the 27 Member States of the European Union gave the “principle agreement” for opening the accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the announcement being made by the Belgian presidency of the EU Council.

Now, the diplomats from Brussels are considering the idea of ​​decoupling Kiev de Chisinau on the European road.