The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced this Thursday, October 10 in Chisinau an unprecedented aid of 1.8 billion euros for Moldova, before an election and a referendum crucial for the future of the country.
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“ We will invest 1.8 billion euros » over the period 2025-2027 for “ renovate schools “, ” build two new hospitals “, develop the internet as well as transport and energy infrastructures “ connected to the European network “, declared Ursula von der Leyen alongside Moldovan leader Maia Sandu. In a press release, the European Commission clarified that it was “ largest EU financial aid program since independence » of the former Soviet Republic in 1991.
This announcement comes ten days before the presidential election, in which Maia Sandu is representing herself, who “ thanked » Brussels for this « growth plan symbol of the confidence of the European Union “. “ The rapprochement with the EU brings concrete benefits to citizens “, she told journalists, campaigning for her re-election and the referendum on membership of the EU. Described as “ Marshall plan », this vote will also be held on October 20.
“ An important milestone looms for the Moldovan people “, insisted Ursula von der Leyen, encouraging voters “ to use their vote and express their free choice “. “ It is up to you to choose sovereignly what you want to do with your country, and no one can interfere. », she clarified, in an allusion to the destabilization operations orchestrated by the Kremlin of which Maia Sandu claims to be a victim. In recent weeks, authorities have revealed several Russian interference attemptsincluding a vast system of buying votes. According to Moldovan think tank WatchDog, Russia has spent more than $100 million this year in the run-up to the polls.
In this tense context, EU member states gave the green light on Wednesday to the imposition of sanctions against five people and one entity, according to diplomatic sources. They are expected to be formally approved at a meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday.
Since last year, the EU has already targeted eleven people accused of “destabilization”, including the exiled oligarch Ilan Shor. He joked in reaction on Telegram against “ those who accuse us of being “agents of influence” while they meddle openly and shamelessly in our politics » interior to transform Moldova into a “ obedient puppet “. Moldova, long in the Kremlin’s orbit, nestled between Romania and Ukraine in the grip of the Russian invasion, has begun a turn towards the west under the presidency of Maia Sandu, favorite in the election.
Also readEuropean of the Week – Ilan Shor, fugitive Moldovan oligarch and voice of Moscow