29 Jun 2023 09:44

EU announces additional support package for Moldova

BRUSSELS. June 29 (Interfax) - The European Commission and the European External Action Service on Wednesday announced a package of additional measures to support Moldova in order "to bring the country closer to the European Union."

"With today's package, the EU shows we stand by Moldova and we will work to accelerate your European integration and reforms. Moldova's future lies in the EU," European Commission President Ersula von der Leyen said.

The support package for Moldova has five priorities, the European Commission said in a communique.

They are aimed at facilitating economic development, supporting Moldova's reforms, ensuring energy security, enhancing Moldova's security, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation.

"Moldova has been tackling significant challenges, including large numbers of refugees, inflation, threats to its energy supplies, violations of its airspace, as well as a multitude of hybrid actions such as disinformation and cyber-attacks," the European Commission said.

The announced measures are expected to be financed by redeploying funds following the European Commission's June 20 proposal for a review of the EU's 2021-2027 budget.

The EU has already mobilized 1.2 billion euros "to help Moldova in facing multiple crises since the autumn of 2021," it said.

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