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,

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.