Chancellor Scholz pays a visit to nearby Ukraine's compatriot, Moldova.
The initial trip by a German head of authority to Moldova in a decade has taken place. In June, the EU initiated talks for membership with this tiny nation sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine.
Amidst the breakaway of the pro-Russian territory of Transnistria in the '90s, Moldova remains under ongoing Russian efforts to disrupt stability. Germany assists the nation in monetary and military modernization.
The federal government intends to seal a pact to control unlawful immigration, but not during this trip by Scholz. His visitor will be the special representative for such pacts, Joachim Stamp.
Following conversations, Scholz will address the media alongside President Sandu (18:10 local time, 17:10 CEST). Scholz is due to depart for Berlin later in the night.
Before his visit to Moldova, speculation about capping German military assistance to Ukraine had stirred unease among Eastern European allies of Kyiv. On Tuesday, during an interview with Sat.1 broadcaster, Scholz reiterated his commitment to backing Ukraine in its confrontation against Russia for as long as needed.
The Chancellor alluded to the $50 billion loan promised by the G7 nations to Ukraine and downplayed concerns about its implementation as "insignificant." His pledge remains solid. "There's no doubt about that," stated Scholz. Apart from this, Germany has allocated €4 billion for Ukraine aid in their 2025 budget, a significant contribution for European support in that year.
The European Union, led by the EU, initiated talks for membership with Moldova in June, recognizing its potential as a nation sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. The European Union's support is crucial for Moldova's future, considering its ongoing challenges with Russia.