The European Union has pledged 1.8 billion euros in economic support for Moldova ahead of a referendum on EU membership this month, the biggest aid package ever offered since its independence.
The pro-western government called for the vote in the face of efforts by Russia to derail its efforts. The small former Soviet republic’s economy has been hit by the effects of Russia’s war against neighboring Ukraine, disrupting energy supplies and trade.
The results have dented the popularity of its pro-EU government as it implements reforms needed to achieve EU membership.
The European Commission’s “Growth Plan”, announced on Thursday, will tie financial aid to reform efforts and help fund road and rail infrastructure and power grid upgrades.
The aid program is the biggest ever since Moldova declared independence from the Societ Union in 1991.
It comes less than two weeks ahead of a referendum to make EU membership part of the country’s constitution and presidential elections in which pro-Western leader is seeking a second term.
Russia has repeatedly threatened Moldova and compared Mrs. Sandu’s government with Ukraine’s government, suggesting further aggression if Chișinău does not give up its goal of joining the EU.
Moldovan officials accuse Moscow of paying for influence campaigns and financing pro-Kremlin opposition parties that aim to oust Mrs.Sandu and replace her with a pro-Russian candidate. Moscow has denied seeking to influence the elections
“Europe stands firmly by Moldova’s side, today and every step of the way on the path to our union. We can start bringing the Moldovan economy closer to ours already now,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said during a visit to Chișinău on Thursday to unveil the support package.
She said the aid had “the potential of doubling the size of the country’s economy in a decade.”
She also called on Moldovans to go to the ballot box on October 20: “It is your sovereign choice what to do with your country and no one can interfere.”
Moldova’s president said the EU package was “a symbol of confidence in Moldova’s potential for transformation and development”, which came at “a crucial moment” for the country.
An iData opinion poll last month show more than 66 percent of respondents indicated they would back EU accession, up from 57 percent in April.
Mrs. Sandu is also polling ahead of several pro-Russian candidates and is expected to win a second term.
Moldova applied for EU membership soon after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and began formal accession negotiations in June, at the same time as Ukraine.
