On 11 March, the European Parliament approved a new support facility for Moldova to enhance financial assistance and democratic oversight. MEPs endorsed a provisional agreement from 19 February 2025 for the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, with 499 votes in favour, 117 against, and 44 abstentions.
This facility will provide €520 million in grants and €1.5 billion in low-interest loans to help Moldova tackle the impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, strengthen resilience against hybrid attacks, and support reform efforts without leading to unsustainable debt.
“Given recent geopolitical developments, the EU is ready to act. With today’s vote on the €1.9 billion Moldova Reform & Growth Facility, we are boosting pre-financing from 7% to 18% and adding an extra €100 million in grants. This is our commitment to doing more and acting swiftly to support Moldova and our neighbours in these challenging times,” Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Budgets, said.
“The Facility demonstrates our dedication to Moldova’s EU accession by providing crucial support for essential reforms. We are increasing the grant component to 20.5% and the pre-financing rate to 18%, securing €520 million in non-repayable aid and facilitating swift access to funding. This will empower Moldova to strengthen its democratic institutions, enhance energy security, stimulate economic growth, and improve the well-being of its people,” highlighted Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Key improvements include:
Increased Grant Support: Grants increased by €100 million for €520 million. Accelerated Funding: Pre-financing raised to 18% from 7% for quicker resource deployment. Capacity Building: 20% of grants will strengthen local institutions through governance and judicial reforms, and Oversight Framework: Regular parliamentary reviews to ensure transparency, with provisions for additional donor contributions.
Following Parliament’s approval, the agreement still needs ratification by the Council and publication in the EU’s official journal to take effect.
Additionally, a new European Parliament antenna office will open in Chișinău as a contact point for collaboration with civil society and local partners in the Eastern Partnership region, promoting democracy and supporting EU relations with neighbouring countries.
