Gherasimov: Moldova Received the First Tranche of the Growth Plan in the Amount of €270 Million

The first tranche of funds under the Growth Plan for Moldova, amounting to €270 million, has already been transferred. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov on the Pe Față programme on Moldova 1 television. According to the official, the money will go towards specific projects in the areas of infrastructure, education, energy, and support for young people and entrepreneurs. Particular attention is being paid to the energy sector, including improving energy efficiency in order to reduce energy costs during the heating season, reports moldova1.md. “Regional roads with a total length of more than 200 kilometers will be built, and roads in over 100 settlements across the country will be repaired. By 1 September, when schools reopen, pupils in grades 5-9 will find renovated canteens. Significant support will also be provided to young professionals who decide to stay and work in Moldova after graduating from educational institutions – they will receive a salary supplement for 12 months as motivation. In addition, funds will be allocated to the development of local business and entrepreneurship,” Gherasimov emphasized. According to her, this tranche is part of the funds promised at the beginning of the year, but bureaucratic procedures delayed the actual transfer of funds until July. At the same time, compared to other countries, Moldova received funding at record speed. “These funds are part of the first tranche, which is an advance payment. Although there were many discussions, the bureaucratic procedures in Brussels are complex and require the involvement of many institutions and stages. The plan was signed on 9 May by Prime Minister Recean and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. After the signing, the necessary administrative procedures for the transfer of funds followed, but the process was still quick,” explained the Deputy Prime Minister. According to her, the next tranche is expected this autumn based on reforms that have already been implemented and are currently underway. “Further tranches will be allocated depending on the reform schedule approved by the government for the next three years. Transfers will be made twice a year. The amount of funding will depend on the scope and quality of the reforms. A new tranche may be received by the end of the year, reflecting the achievements of reforms until the end of June. Since the transfer of the first tranche was delayed, the authorities now have additional time to promote reforms that were to be included in the next financing cycle,” Gherasimov outlined. Recall that on 4 July, the first bilateral summit between Moldova and the European Union took place at the State Residence in Chisinau, chaired by Maia Sandu and recognized by experts as a “historic event” confirming Brussels’ support for accelerating Moldova’s EU accession. During the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the transfer of €270 million – the first tranche of the €1.9 billion Economic Growth Plan.