The funding is part of the EU’s Reform and Economic Growth Instrument for Moldova, established in line with the European Commission’s proposal from October 2024.
Aid for the Transnistria region
Costa reiterated the EU’s existing offer of €60 million in energy assistance for Transnistria, which lost its Russian gas supply on January 1 when Gazprom halted deliveries.
Moldovan authorities previously accepted EU support for the country’s broader energy system, but Transnistria turned down the offer, reportedly to avoid “provoking Russia.”
Instead, Hungary’s foreign ministry said in mid-February that a Hungarian firm would supply gas to the region at Moscow’s request.
Countering Russian energy “blackmail”
At a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Costa condemned Russia’s use of energy as a weapon, labeling it “unacceptable” economic coercion.
“Some are trying to undermine Moldova’s path to progress and stability through energy blackmail, disinformation, and hybrid attacks,” he said, pledging that the EU and its member states stand ready to help Moldova achieve “full energy independence.”
The announcement came on the third anniversary of Sandu’s signing of Moldova’s official application to join the EU.
“Three years ago, Moldova chose peace, freedom, and democracy,” Sandu wrote on social media, adding that her meeting with Costa centered on securing safety and “new opportunities” for her country’s citizens.
(jh)
Source: PAP