EU budget 2026 boosts Moldova funding by €25 million after US cuts
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU) have approved a €25 million increase in the EU budget 2026 allocations for the Eastern Partnership, with a specific focus on the Republic of Moldova.
This decision, announced by MEP Siegfried Mureșan, is intended to partially offset the United States of America's decision to withdraw financial assistance and vital support for local civil society groups in the region.
"Last night, we reached a final agreement in the negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union regarding the EU Budget 2026," Mureșan confirmed on his Facebook page. He emphasized that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an essential role in democracy consolidation in neighborhood states.
"This is especially true in candidate countries, such as the Republic of Moldova, which currently face anti-democratic pressures and aggressions from the Russian Federation," he added.
According to Mureșan, the withdrawal of American support makes it the direct duty of the European Union to sustain independent non-governmental organizations so they can continue their vital work.
The decision follows the temporary suspension of all foreign aid for a 90-day period, announced in January 2025 by the administration of President Donald Trump.
This move directly affected NGOs in the Republic of Moldova, many of which are highly dependent on international funding to carry out their essential activities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
