The lawmakers adopted the bill to ratify the agreement on Moldova’s participation in the EU Program for the Competiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME 2014-2020). Thus, Moldova became the first EaP country that joined this program, IPN reports

The program has a budget of €2.3 billion. In the legislative body’s sitting, Deputy Minister of Economy Tudor Copaci said the participation in COSME ensures access to different projects, such as the Enterprise Europe Network, and represents a new step in the economic cooperation between Moldova and the EU. The program will offer Moldova assistance in developing and enhancing the competitiveness of the SME sector, contributing thus to the successful implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU, which includes the DCFTA.

The annual dues that Moldova will pay for taking part in the activities of the program are €52,040 for 2014-2017.