The European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a support package of €250 million package to help Moldova deal with the acute shortage of energy. She made this announcement during an official visit to the country on Thursday, November 11.
Moldova, which neighbours Ukraine has been severely affected after the Russian invasion due to their complete dependence on natural gas resources from Russia. The country which has a population of about 2.6 million, has been under pressure from Russia over its alignment with the West, according to a report published in the Associated Press. Due to this reason, the report states, Russia has halved its gas supplies to Moldova, resulting in a severe energy shortage during winter.
According to the report, The EU president said that the country will receive €100 million as grants. The same amount, she added will be provided again in the form of loans from 27 nations of the bloc to help Moldova meet the winter energy demands.
Speaking at a news conference in city of Chisinau, Von der Leyen said, ¨European solidarity with the Republic of Moldova is unshakable,” adding, ¨we assure you that we will do our best to help you through this crisis”. Von der Leyen also stated that an additional 50 million euros will help the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Von der Leyen later added that a donors’ meeting will be held in Paris later this month, to help Moldova purchase energy resources.
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