In the next three years, the European Union will allocate €1.8 billion to the economy of the Republic of Moldova. The funds will be directed towards infrastructure, the energy sector, and business development. These objectives are integrated into the Republic of Moldova’s Economic Growth Plan. The announcement was made today by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during a press briefing held jointly with the head of state Maia Sandu in Chișinău.
The European official highlighted that the investments will create more jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve public services. Additionally, the funds will facilitate the implementation of projects, support Moldovan companies in the market, and strengthen existing infrastructure.
The investments will contribute to the implementation of necessary reforms and the improvement of the business environment in the Republic of Moldova. Moreover, they will prepare the energy sector for the ecological transition, ensuring sustainable development adapted to new environmental requirements.
“You have a very ambitious economic plan and the European Union will support you. We believe we can help you double the size of your economy over 10 years, which will mean more jobs and a better quality of life. We will invest €1.8 billion in Moldova’s economy over the next three years. We have several projects in the pipeline, we will renovate schools, we will build hospitals, we will invest in connections with our neighbors, we will provide support for the construction of the energy network, which will connect you to the European grid,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
The official noted Moldova’s achievements and efforts in its European path.
“It is always a great pleasure to be here in Chișinău with you. I enjoy coming here. I feel the European pulse beating here. You have demonstrated how committed you are to the country’s European path. Very soon, citizens will go to polling stations to decide the future of the Republic of Moldova and the Constitution. I encourage people to make use of this vote and express their free choice. Moldovans are the ones who decide what to do with their country; no one can interfere with this choice. As President of the European Commission, I believe that your place is in the EU. You have already obtained candidate country status. In 2022, you made remarkable progress. You managed to initiate important reforms in the justice sector, intensified the fight against corruption, and worked hard to eliminate oligarchs from the economy and society. All these demonstrate your commitment to our shared values—respect for democracy and the rule of law, the supremacy of law. I believe that Moldova will remain as strong and resilient. The European Union stands by Moldovan society. Dear Maia Sandu, for Moldova, we stand by you,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
In turn, the head of state Maia Sandu thanked for the assistance provided. The official noted that this support will contribute to building a strong economy that offers well-paid jobs.
“It is a consistent and symbolic aid called the Economic Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova. It is not just an investment program but also a symbol of the European Union’s confidence in our potential for transformation and development. This growth plan will help us build a strong economy that provides well-paid jobs at home, allowing us to develop our localities and country. I am sure that together with you, we will achieve even more, advancing on the path of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Here in Moldova, we have a proverb that says, ‘Man sanctifies the place,’ and the European Union provides us with all the support we need to succeed. It is our mission to make the necessary transformations to build the European Union here at home,” affirmed Maia Sandu.
The President also emphasized that today’s visit, made just a few months after Ursula von der Leyen began her second term as President of the Commission, sends a clear message that we are strongly supported by our friends in the EU.
“The European Union has stood by us through all the important stages, from obtaining candidate status to officially launching accession negotiations. Today, President von der Leyen has reconfirmed this support. The Economic Growth Plan is a true Marshall Plan for Moldova—it provides exactly this boost and brings us closer to our goal of preparing the country for accession to the European Union by 2030. Your visit takes place at a crucial moment for our country,” noted Maia Sandu.
The official emphasized that the EU is not only an important economic partner for the Republic of Moldova but also a true family of peace and security. “We work tirelessly to become part of this family. I want to thank you, Madam President, for your personal role. The European Union’s support over these not-so-easy years has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate that solidarity is the foundation upon which the European Union was built and operates. Citizens of the Republic of Moldova, regardless of ethnicity, language spoken, or political vision, desire a safe life in a peaceful and free state. That is why we want to be part of the EU, which primarily represents a family of peace and unity, where member countries are treated with respect,” mentioned Maia Sandu.
Ursula von der Leyen is making a visit to Chișinău on Thursday, marking her first official trip to the Republic of Moldova since her re-election in July 2024 as President of the European Commission for a five-year term. This visit represents the beginning of her five-year mandate, strengthening the relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova.
