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The Delegation of the European Union to Moldova organized a photo exhibition to highlight the assistance of the European Union provided to Moldova. At the launching event, held today, 3 December, H.E. the Ambassador of the European Union to Moldova Mr Dirk Schuebel declared that donors' assistance to Moldova altogether makes up 1/3 of its GDP, EU being the biggest donor.

'I am often asked, who is deciding about projects,' told Mr Schuebel. 'It is, of course, a joint decision - of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. But the proposal, nevertheless, comes from the Government. The financial support of the EU is constantly increasing - since 2006 it increased by almost 5 times (from 25 ml.Euro provided to Moldova in 2006 to over 120 ml. provided this year).'

According to H.E. Dirk Schuebel, Moldova is considered a frontrunner in the Neighbourhood and is thus likely to benefit from even more assistance from the Union, being among the leaders in the utilization of the 'more for more' principle (more resources for more implemented reforms). 'One of the key areas of our cooperation is the preparation of institutions for the future signing of Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area - in this respect, the Comprehensive Institution Building Programme is essential to Moldovan institutions.' Good governance and rule of law are also one of the strong elements in EU-Moldova cooperation, along with the economic sector. Energy efficiency is gaining more and more weight in Moldova's development path, and, with the EU support, many state institutions have been able to reduce their heating costs by almost 50%.

'We have to distinctly differentiate between loans and grants - loans are funds offered on attractive conditions, but which will have to be returned; whereas grants are not subject to reimbursement. The EU, even when providing loans, still adds usually a grant rate - with the loans of EBRD and EIB used for procurement of trolley-buses in Chisinau, there was also a grant component of 10%. The same scheme will be used for the city of Balti in the near future', stated Dirk Schuebel.

'That sometimes people do not see immediate results does not mean that funds are not spent accordingly. It is determined by the fact that some projects' results will be seen in the mid- or even long-term. Moldova, however, is on the right track and EU is there to support the efforts in making it a truly prosperous and democratic country,' concluded H.E.

The photo exhibition of the European Union assistance to Moldova is open for visitors in the Europe Square.