Maia Sandu invites Greek companies to invest in the Republic of Moldova, citing reduced financial risk
The Republic of Moldova seeks Greece's support for EU accession and aims to enhance bilateral relations in renewable energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, digital services, and tourism development.
The message was conveyed to the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, by President Maia Sandu, who is visiting Athens on December 15.
The head of state emphasized, in a joint press conference with the Greek Prime Minister, that the dialogue between the two countries has reached an authentic dynamic, the visit representing a concrete step towards transforming good political relations into tangible economic projects.
A central point of the discussion was the European Union Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, worth 1.9 billion euros.
In this context, the President invited Greek companies to invest in the Republic of Moldova, taking advantage of the reduced financial risks due to European co-financing.
"For Greek companies, this means access to projects co-financed and supported by the European Union, a reduced financial risk and the opportunity to invest alongside European institutions. Also, it involves operating in a market with growing demand, an infrastructure in a continuous process of modernization and expanding connectivity at the regional level. We encourage Greek companies to get involved early and capitalize on these opportunities, in the context in which the Republic of Moldova is positioning itself as a reliable destination for long-term investments in the European economic space", declared the head of state.
Energy security and regional infrastructure
Another major topic concerned Greece's role in the energy security architecture of South-Eastern Europe, where it is positioned as "a key pillar of regional energy security, thanks to the rapid expansion of renewable sources and strategic investments in infrastructure, which allow for the supply of diversified and reliable energy".
Maia Sandu highlighted the importance of the transit of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece through the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine, noting the reduction of transit tariffs to support this flow.
Furthermore, the President expressed her interest in Moldova being connected to major European transport corridors:
“Moldova is on its way to becoming a transit route for regional energy flows, including for liquefied natural gas from the United States that reaches Greece and continues to Ukraine. We have supported this effort by halving transit tariffs, making this route even more attractive and commercially viable. This is a practical contribution to supporting Ukraine and strengthening regional energy security at a time when resilience really matters. (...) We welcome the new strategic agreement between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania on the Black Sea-Aegean Corridor. (...) We would be delighted to see this corridor extended further to Moldova and Ukraine, connecting our wider region and increasing trade, mobility and resilience for all.”
European integration – a “survival strategy”
At the same conference, Maia Sandu thanked Greece for its constant support in the EU accession process, describing this path not only as a political objective, but as a vital necessity in the context of security threats in the region.
“EU accession is the most important national project since gaining independence. It is a strategic necessity and a survival strategy at a time when an aggressor continues to threaten our sovereignty and security. It is about firmly anchoring the Republic of Moldova in a system of shared rules, values and solidarity. Europe itself also benefits. A Moldova firmly anchored in the European family — dedicated to democracy, reforms and cooperation — strengthens the Union as a whole,” Maia Sandu pointed out.
The head of state added that Moldova is determined to take the following steps toward EU accession.
"Our citizens have clearly opted for a European future, and we are fully committed to achieving it through reforms, responsibility and results. We are particularly grateful to Greece for its constant support, solidarity and friendship along this path. (...) The Republic of Moldova is ready to deepen our ties and contribute to a stronger, safer and more united Europe", concluded the head of state.
