Peter Michalko on the Difference between Assistance Offered by Russia and the One Offered by the European Union

The head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko recalled that the EU provided Moldova with non-refundable development grants, supported reforms and provided software to modernize the country. In an interview with Europa Libera Michalko emphasized the difference between Russia’s recently promised loan to Moldova and the financial assistance provided to Moldova by the European Union.

Speaking about the promise of Moscow to open a $500 million credit line to Moldova, Michalko noted that when obtaining a loan you should always consider the conditions under which it is granted.

He recalled that the EU provided Moldova with non-refundable grants for Moldova’s development and supported for reforms and standards that open Europe and the global market for Moldovan products.

Michalko also noted that the EU allocated Moldova programs from € 610 to € 740 million grants for the implementation of bilateral programs. In addition, tens of millions of euros come to Moldova through regional programs for the Eastern Partnership, for the countries of the Danube region and the Black Sea region.

“Millions of euros come from Romania as part of cross-border programs; they can be used for infrastructure. Ome cannot compare this financial assistance, because in these cases we are talking about grants,” Michalko said.

We rimind that on November 20, Prime Minister Ion Chicu made his first official visit as Moldova’s prime minister to Moscow. After his visit, Prime Minister Chicu held a press briefing regarding the results of the visit where he stated that Russia planned to lodge a credit for Moldova for $ 500 million. “The money will be granted to investment projects,” said Chicu adding that the finance ministries of the two countries would soon agree on loan terms. At the same time, he stressed that the government will take this loan “only if the conditions are suitable for Moldova”.

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