The European Union and Moldova have agreed on an energy security plan to wean the country off its dependence on Russian gas supplies and integrate it into the 27-nation bloc’s network.

The European Commission on Tuesday offered up to €250 million ($258 million) to Moldova to help the struggling population and reduce the country's energy dependence from Russia. "We will help lower rising energy costs for all Moldovans,

Chisinau: The European Union said Tuesday that it would support Moldova with 250 million euros ($258 million) this year to help bolster the country

The European Union (EU) announced a EUR 30 million "targeted support to Moldova, including the Transnistrian region," to finance the purchase and transportation of natural gas for the region that is facing an acute energy crisis "provoked by Gazprom.

The document, seen exclusively by Euractiv Czechia, argues the measures will help the two countries "resist the malign influence of Russia".

The EU will provide 250 million euros ($258 million) to Moldova this year to bolster energy security following Russiaэs decision to cut off gas supplies, officials said Tuesday. Russia's state-owned Gazprom halted gas deliveries to Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria on Jan.