Valeriu Chiveri in Brussels: EU should help manage and fund the convergence fund
The Republic of Moldova is seeking greater European Union involvement in resolving the Transnistrian conflict. This includes establishing a convergence fund to bridge the gap between the two banks of the Nistru. Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri stated this intention during his first visit to Brussels.
"We have received assurances that the European Union will carefully consider our requests, including our proposal for financial contributions to this fund. Our goal is to ensure the European Union's active participation in managing the fund and securing financial support. The involvement of the European Union is important to us for several reasons: it enhances the credibility of the fund, ensures transparency, and allows the EU to influence political, economic, financial, and security processes, including those in the Republic of Moldova," explained Valeriu Chiveri.
The Convergence Fund is expected to become operational on August 1, 2026. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that implementing this initiative will be quite challenging. He noted that discussions regarding the European Union's financial contribution will take place once the implementation mechanism is finalized. Additionally, internal contributions to the fund will be assessed, including revenues from customs and tax duties collected from economic agents in the Transnistrian region following the gradual removal of certain benefits.
"Our goal is to utilize this fund for social and infrastructure projects, which are our two main focus areas. As the initiative progresses, we may also expand the scope of its implementation," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
Valeriu Chiveri dismissed the criticisms made by Vadim Krasnoselski, the unrecognized leader from Tiraspol, regarding Chișinău's plan to eliminate tax incentives for companies based in the Transnistrian region.
"This is not the first time that leaders from Tiraspol have criticized initiatives from Chișinău aimed at fostering rapprochement between the two banks. We believe that returning to normalcy is the right path. All economic agents, whether on the left bank or the right bank, should operate under the same conditions and have equal opportunities," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
Chiveri held several meetings today in Brussels, including one with Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement. During these discussions, they reviewed the current situation in the Transnistrian settlement process, the promotion of the country's reintegration policies, and bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union in light of the accession process.
