“Today more than ever, we need strong political support and a clear European perspective. We remain firm and determined on the path of European integration,” Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița stated in a meeting with the High Representatives of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, who paid a visit to Chisinau, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.

“The people of Moldova showed incredible unity and solidarity, combing forces to help the Ukrainian refugees in our country. We need assistance to manage the refugee crisis and concrete support to maintain our economic and financial stability. We bank on the European Union in this regard and, given the emergency, we ask for flexible and simplified assistance mechanisms,” stated Natalia Gavrilița.

The Premier reiterated that the Republic of Moldova condemns the military attack on Ukraine and the EU officials’ visit to Chisinau is a powerful signal of support for the authorities’ efforts aimed at helping Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to overcome the war and its consequences.

Natalia Gavrilița underlined that Moldovan authorities’ decisions are based on the principle of neutrality and are now aimed at maintaining stability in the country and at managing the flow of refugees. About 130,000 Ukrainian refugees entered Moldova since the start of the war and over 50,000 of them chose to stay here.

The two European officials assured that the European Union will soon provide €15 million in immediate assistance for managing the refugee crisis and €5 million in humanitarian aid for the refugees.