03/03/2025 (Agence Europe) – The President of the European Council, António Costa, held talks with the Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, on Monday 3 March in Chișinău and reiterated that Moldova could count on the EU as “a predictable and reliable partner” through thick and thin. He pointed out that the EU was about to approve macro-financial assistance to Moldova for the period 2025-2027 worth €1.9 billion (see EUROPE 13584/2). A first payment of around €300 million could be made by the end of April if the regulation is adopted in the next few weeks, according to Mr Costa. Finally, on behalf of the EU, he pledged to support Moldova in reducing energy prices, particularly for the most vulnerable households. He recalled that the European offer of €60 million for Moldovan citizens of Transnistria, subject to conditions, was still valid (see EUROPE 13572/2). (LM)