Moldovan president: EU supported us from candidate status to official launch of accession negotiations

Chisinau, Oct. 10 /MOLDPRES/- President Maia Sandu hosted President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Chisinau today, the presidential press service has reported.

The official pointed out that Ursula von der Leyen's visit, just a few months after she took her second term at the head of the Commission, is a clear message that Moldova is strongly supported by the European Union.

"The European Union has been with us every step of the way, from obtaining candidate status to launching accession negotiations. Today, President von der Leyen reconfirmed this support by announcing the Economic Growth Plan, an investment plan that will speed up the modernization of our country", said the Head of State.

The President said that the investments will be directed towards improving the national infrastructure - the construction of Iasi-Chisinau-Odesa road, bridges across the Prut, support for 25,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, access to quality water for over one million citizens, two modern hospitals in Cahul and Balti and new jobs. The plan also provides for elimination of roaming charges with EU countries, bringing direct benefits to all Moldovans.

"For living standards to rise faster, Moldova needs a strong economic boost and significant investment. The Economic Growth Plan - a true Marshall Plan for Moldova - provides exactly this boost and brings us closer to our goal of preparing the country for EU membership by 2030", Maia Sandu said.