Moldovan president receives European Commission President on visit

Chisinau, 13 October /MOLDPRES/ - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen came to Chisinau on 12 October. The head of state said this represented a strong signal of support for Moldova’s efforts of accession to the European Union, the presidential press service has reported.  

„I confirmed to the European Commission’s president that Moldova does its utmost to fulfill all commitments, in order to start the negotiations on accession as soon as possible,’’ President Maia Sandu said. 

The Moldovan president also said that the European Union’s support meant concrete benefits. Starting from 1 January, the Moldovan citizens will be able to speak cheaper by phone when travelling to the European Union states. Also, Moldova has already access to the EU’s joint gas purchasing platform, which means that new sources of gas can be accessed at competitive prices. ‘’In the last two winters, the EU’s assistance allowed us providing compensations at the payment of energy invoices to low-income citizens. This assistance will continue,’’ the head of state said.       

Also on 12 October, Director General of the Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) of the European Commission Gert Jan Koopman and Economic Development and Digitalization Minister Dumitru Alaiba signed an amendment to the financing agreement between Moldova’s government and the European Commission at the Presidency’s headquarters. Under this amendment, 105 million euros out of a package of assistance worth 250 million euros, announced in 2022, will be disbursed. The money is meant for the energy vulnerability reduction fund, through which compensations are provided at invoices during the cold season.   

„The European Union’s support during these difficult years has proved and proves in continuation that the solidarity represents the foundation on which EU was founded and works. We want much to be part of this community, in which the countries are in solidarity with each other, and to contribute to the promotion of these values which we share,’’ President Maia Sandu added.    

Photo: Presidency