Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
196. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners to support the Republic of Moldova in addressing the challenges it faces as a consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50060/23]
View answerTogether with our EU partners, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Moldova, which has demonstrated a firm commitment to its ambitious reform agenda and to realising its EU membership ambitions. This commitment is particularly laudable in light of the significant challenges that Moldova faces, not least in light of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
As you will be aware, Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement. This strategic priority has assumed heightened importance in the current context of ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine, which continues to have implications for Moldova and the wider region.
In its report of 8 November, the European Commission recommends to the European Council that EU accession talks are opened with Moldova in light of the progress that the country has made to date, provided certain key measures are adopted. This decision is set to be taken by the EU Member States at the December European Council and there must be unanimous agreement. Ireland’s position will be informed by the report’s assessment, which is currently under close review.
On 17 October, at the 4th meeting of the Moldova Support Platform (MSP) in Chisinau, Minister Burke, on behalf of Ireland, pledged €2 million in funding for Moldova to assist the Government in making critical investments and strengthening institutions in the context of its EU membership perspective and the challenges it faces as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The €2 million in funding will be channelled through the World Bank. It follows the €5 million provided by Ireland to Moldova in budgetary support last year, also via a World Bank Trust Fund, towards mitigating the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supporting the provision of essential public services, costs associated with hosting refugees, and efforts to increase resilience in the energy sector.
Irish support compliments broader EU support to Moldova. The EU is the largest provider of financial assistance to Moldova. For 2021-2024, EU funding for Moldova is expected to amount to €260 million to support Moldova’s reform agenda as well as key investments in the economy, energy security and climate resilience. Other EU support to Moldova includes: the sanctions framework introduced at Moldova’s request to combat actions aimed at destabilising the country; the assistance measures provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF), and; the establishment of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Partnership Mission (EUPM Moldova) to enhance the resilience of the country’s security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats.
In the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression, Ireland will remain unwavering in our support for Moldova as the country continues to make strides towards realising its EU membership ambitions.
