Moldova & Romania boost EU fund cooperation
Moldova and Romania are strengthening their cooperation in accessing European funds. To this end, a joint declaration was signed to cooperate on programs and initiatives centrally managed by the European Commission.
The signing took place today, July 16, in Chișinău, during a joint conference between the Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Vladimir Bolea, and the Romanian Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragoș Nicolae Pîslaru.
Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea emphasized that signing this declaration represents a clear signal for Moldova's European path.
"I am firmly convinced that what we signed today is the next step in the accession process. The agreement represents close collaboration and an exchange of experience that will help us avoid past mistakes and strengthen our capacity to absorb and implement European funds," the minister emphasized.
The Moldovan official mentioned that Moldova has taken concrete steps in this direction since 2022, when it launched, using its own funds, the programs "European Village 1," "European Village Express," and "European Village 2."
"All these programs have contributed to strengthening the capacity of local authorities to develop quality projects. In 2025, for the first time, we also received direct financial resources from the European Union, offering ministries the possibility of reallocating funds for additional projects, with citizens directly feeling the effects," Bolea explained.
Romanian Minister Dragoș Nicolae Pîslaru reaffirmed Romania's full support for Moldova's European integration.
"Romania is Moldova's main ally and friend on its journey towards the European Union. The joint declaration signed today reflects our commitment to share Romania's experience of over two decades in the field of European funds with Moldovan authorities."
He emphasized that the signed document comes in a symbolic context, coinciding with the launch in Brussels of the debate on the new multiannual financial framework 2028–2035.
"We want Moldova to become an EU member state within this new budgetary exercise. This collaboration is not limited to training; it also aims at Moldova's participation in joint consortia, technical assistance, and access to existing European-level funding opportunities," said Dragoș Nicolae Pîslaru.
Both officials highlighted that this collaboration is natural and organic, based not only on common interests but also on a deep sense of shared national identity.
The joint declaration paves the way for strengthening institutions, training public servants, and Moldova's active participation in European initiatives, with direct support from Romania.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
