The European Union will support the economic development of Moldova with €1.8bn, the largest financial package so far announced by the Union for the EU candidate country, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on October 10 while visiting Chisinau.

The money will be used for business development, school renovation, hospital construction and infrastructure projects, she said.

“I know that you have an ambitious economic plan, and the European Union will support it. We believe that we can help you double the size of your economy in the next 10 years. This means more jobs and a better quality of life for Moldovans. […] We will invest €1.8 billion in your economy over the next three years," Ursula von der Leyen said.

The European Union’s money will be used to renovate schools and build two new hospitals in Balti and Cahul, she explained.

The EU wiill also will invest in expanding the country's connections with its neighbours, for example, in the Chisinau-Iasi-Odessa road, will build bridges over the Prut River, will invest in the country’s energy sector with power lines that will connect it to the European network.

In addition, the EU will promote the spread of broadband internet throughout the country. It will also help local business operate on the single market. For example, they will get access to a single payment space.

At the same time, the EU will support Moldova’s reforms – in order to modernize the economy, improve the business environment and prepare the energy sector for the green transition, the head of the European Commission added.

The Moldovans are expected to confirm their country’s European orientation in a double ballot on October 20, when pro-EU President Maia Sandu seeks to get a second term and at the same time pass a constitutional amendment in favour of the country’s EU membership. Russia is mounting a massive disinformation campaign to try to block the country's shift westwards.