I stand before you today with a profound sense of gratitude and fortitude, as we gather for the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Moldova Support Platform. On behalf of the people of Moldova, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you. Your presence here is a testament to the enduring solidarity and shared commitment to Moldova's democracy, economic growth and development. Moldova, values your support.

Our journey has been marked by challenges that have tested our resilience,and with your generous supportwe were able to resist and rebound. But today, we come together not merely to take the stock of what has been done but to chart a course for a brighter, prosperous and peaceful future. It is my privilege to acknowledge the international community and our valued partners for standing by Moldova during these difficult times.

The continuing Russia’s aggression on Ukraine has left a lasting mark on our country. The repercussions have been profound and far-reaching. In 2022, the economy dropped by 6,5% followed by  another 2.2% decrease so far in 2023. Our country  still grapples with high inflation at 10% , and our expectations for fiscal improvement have not yet materialised. These developments have led to a financing gap of up to EUR 100 million this year and a projected gap of EUR 400 million for 2024.

The refugee crisis has put an unprecedented strain on our resources. Nonetheless, we ensured every Ukrainian had access to shelter, food, healthcare and, not least - education for children. Our economy was hit hard by the war, with markets lost and supply chains disrupted. Increased costs for essential inputs, transportation, and logistics have added to the burden borne by our businesses. The maintenance of transport infrastructure has seen escalating costs, affecting both transit and exports.

Despite all this, following a relative stabilisation, we have no choice but to invest in order to have a more prosperous future, one worthy to be called European.  We work very hard for this. We have made major progress since last year’s meeting in Paris:

-          We are prepared for the winter with enough gas in storage and improved infrastructure.

-          We export more to the EU, and now Moldovan companies are also benefiting from the EFTA agreement.

-          We are strengthening our security and defence; just last week, President Sandu outlined the vision for ensuring Moldova's national security.

-          We continue to counter all hybrid attacks and are increasing our investment in cybersecurity.

Moldova is not daunted by the challenge, we are resolute in our pursuit of economic growth and development. Today you will see the ambitious plans for boosting Moldova’s economy. My colleagues Minister of Infrastructure and Regional development Andrei Spînu and Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov will lead you through our plans to upgrade and develop our infrastructure and our energy security and efficiency.

You will be presented with the ambitious plans on our bridges with the EU and Ukraine, rail, road, and port infrastructure, and integrate them with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). This is essential for international trade, both ours and that of Ukraine. To bridge the financial gap, we propose the establishment of an Infrastructure and Solidarity Lane Investment Fund. This fund will not only attract financial resources and collaboration but also bring foreign expertise and international companies.

We are committed to enhancing our energy security and efficiency. We will present an ambitious plan to reduce energy imports and meet targets for climate and energy efficiency. An Energy Transition and Independence Fund will play a pivotal role in bridging the financial gap and engaging international companies in this transformation.

Our ambitions are realistic and we are working hard towards developing the needed capacities to implement several hundred million Euros per year worth in infrastructure, energy efficiency, green transition and climate adaptation.

These measures are not just about recovery but about a fundamental reconstruction of our nation but also supporting reconstruction of Ukraine. These actions will not only stimulate economic revival but also ensure that Moldova emerges stronger and more self-reliant than ever before.

In times of uncertainty, unity becomes our greatest strength. The challenges in the region have made it imperative to bolster our nation's economic growth, resilience, and development. We must move forward and adapt our instruments. I would like to invite all participants to take time and reflect on how we should adapt the MSP platform to the new needs. We need tompre and to put focus in the future on long-term development priorities and transform MSP, for example, into the Moldova Partnership Platform. This transition reflects our vision and will to take Moldova to the next level, to empower our people, and to create a more stable, prosperous, and safe nation. It is a testament to the maturity of our partnership and friendship, acknowledging the need to look forward and to strongly believe in a brighter, European future.

Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face are indeed immense, but so is our determination to overcome them. We welcome your continued support, partnership and honest friendship, as we embark on this transformative journey towards economic growth and development. A better Moldova also means a better Europe for all.