Gherasimov Unable to Explain How €157 Million in EU Aid Was Allocated: “I Was Not Prepared for This Question”

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov was unable to specify how the €157 million in EU assistance to Moldova had been allocated or what share consisted of grants versus loans. The official explained that the amount falls under the European Union’s €1.9 billion Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, which provides for both non-repayable grants and loans. When asked what proportion of the €157 million consisted of loans and how much was provided as grants, Gherasimov was unable to answer, bani.md reports. “I cannot give you the exact share of loans at the moment, but I am sure that my colleagues at the State Chancellery will be able to provide these figures, or I will pass them on to you after this meeting,” the deputy prime minister said. According to her, the State Chancellery is responsible for monitoring and implementing the Growth Plan. The allocation mechanism is more complex because not all the funds are placed directly at the government’s disposal. “Not all the funds provided under the Growth Plan are managed directly by the government. They are channeled through the Delegation of the European Union,” Gerasimov explained. The deputy prime minister noted that some of the funds are used as guarantees for loans raised by the government, while other amounts are distributed through programs managed by the EU Delegation. The recipients include civil society organizations and representatives of the private sector. However, the official was unable to specify the amounts allocated to each category of recipient or identify the specific projects financed from the €157 million. To clarify how the funds had been used, Gherasimov suggested inviting representatives of the EU Delegation, who could provide detailed information on the programs and activities receiving funding. “I cannot provide you with any further details at the moment because I was not prepared for this question,” Cristina Gerasimov admitted. The €1.9 billion Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova is the European Union’s main financial instrument for supporting the country, intended to accelerate reforms and economic development as part of the European integration process. Disbursement of the funds is conditional on implementing reforms and meeting targets agreed upon with Brussels.