Antonio Costa in Moldova: prefinancing package of around €300 million can be disbursed by end of April

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, confirmed the EU’s support to Moldova, visiting Chișinău on 3 March on the third anniversary of the signing of Moldova’s formal application to join the European Union. 

Antonio Costa told journalists at a press conference with President Maia Sandu that Moldova had undergone “a transformative journey, moving steadily closer to the European Union” and that Moldova could count on the EU as “a predictable and reliable partner”.

“Moldova is living a defining moment on its path to the European Union – one that will profoundly shape its future for generations to come,” Costa said. 

He reminded that last week, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the financial pillar of the Moldova Growth Plan. Once adopted, and based on Moldova’s reform track record, the European Union will provide €1.9 billion to Moldova to boost its economy, to attract investment and to promote growth. This will be the largest European Union financial support package since Moldova’s independence. 

“The prefinancing package of around €300 million can possibly, therefore, already be disbursed by the end of April,” Costa suggested.

He also said the EU and its member states would support Moldova in achieving full independence on energy. 

“Most importantly, as a first step, the priority is to reduce energy costs for all Moldovans, particularly for the most vulnerable households, as well as for schools, hospitals and businesses. We will help. Just as we helped in Moldova’s Transnistrian Region. Together, we averted a humanitarian crisis. The European Union’s offer of €60 million for Moldovan citizens on the left bank remains on the table,” Costa told journalists. 

In a post on X, the European Council President thanked Moldova for hospitality, adding: “You are truly a ‘small country with a big heart’.”

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