EU4Moldova investment brings clean water to 30,000 people
Over 30,000 people in the districts of Edineț, Leova, and Strășeni now have access to drinking water, sewage, and modern sanitation services, thanks to the EU4Moldova investments from the European Union.
The total investment, exceeding €25 million, was specifically designed to directly improve the lives of citizens in rural areas, significantly strengthening rural infrastructure across the Republic of Moldova.
These impressive results were presented as part of the Team Europe Initiative, “EU4Moldova: Local Communities,” which has been implemented over the last four years with the support of the EU and the governments of Germany, Austria, and Poland.
The program, launched in 2022, aims to elevate the standard of living, modernize infrastructure, and empower local communities in Moldova to become stronger and more united. "Research, innovation, and investment only make sense when the results reach the ground and tangibly change people's lives," stated program representatives.
Access to clean water and sanitation: Thousands of households connected
Improved access to water and sanitation in Moldova is one of the program’s most important outcomes. Over 30,000 residents across Edineț, Strășeni, and Leova now benefit from these modern services.
Crucially, 35 public institutions—including kindergartens, schools, health centers, and cultural centers—were connected to functional water and sewage networks. Additionally, schools received efficient water filtration systems.
In the Leova district, investiții UE Moldova also transformed waste management. Approximately 13,000 people gained access to a modern waste collection and transportation system. The purchase of new specialized vehicles and 5,000 bins by the Iargara City Hall visibly improved the appearance of streets and the overall quality of life.
More opportunities for youth and a stronger rural economy
The European Union also invested substantially in education. With program support, student dormitories were modernized, laboratories were equipped, and the curriculum was updated for five key professions. This created better learning and working conditions for over 1,200 young people and teachers.
In the economic sector, 80 new businesses were either created or expanded, generating over 100 new jobs, 30% of which are held by women. These projects provided vital support to small entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand operations, purchase essential equipment, and offer new products and services within their communities.
Rural Moldova goes green via the LEADER method
The “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” program actively supported the development of Local Action Groups (LAGs) through the European LEADER method.
Using this model, 198 projects were successfully implemented across 430 localities. Almost half of these projects focused on environmental goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, waste management, and responsible resource use.
"Beneficiaries contributed 39% of the project value. This signifies that communities truly believe in change and are actively making it happen together," explained the program coordinators.
Funding breakdown: €25 million for modern villages
The total funding for the program was sourced through grants from the following partners:
- European Union: €16 million
- Austrian Development Cooperation: €7.7 million
- German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development: €953,000
- Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: €500,000
The program is currently implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
