Parliament vote: From 2030, Giurgiulesti Port residents cover all financial obligations
The Parliament has approved amendments in its second reading, designating the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (PILG) as a strategic infrastructure project. Starting in 2030, the special tax and customs regime will be abolished. After the superficies rights expire, all constructions built by investors and residents will be transferred to the state property of the Republic of Moldova.
Radu Marian, the Chairman of the Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance and a deputy of the Action and Solidarity Party, highlighted in a report presented to the plenary session on March 26 that the draft law aims to establish a transparent, coherent, and predictable regulatory framework that aligns with the European Union's acquis communautaire.
"Through this draft, we are significantly improving the position of the Republic of Moldova, creating conditions for the state to renegotiate terms, including a higher royalty payment and applying the same fiscal rules within the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (PILG) as on the rest of the country's territory," declared Radu Marian.
According to the draft, starting in 2030, general investors and residents of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port will be subject to a regulatory regime in accordance with European Union legislation, which means they will no longer have a special tax and customs regime but will instead meet all financial obligations.
The royalty fee paid by the concessionaire will be adjusted to market prices and will increase alongside the expansion of the area included in the PILG, replacing the current fixed annual fee of 1,000 euros. Authorities estimate that, for the 55 hectares currently leased, the state could collect at least 25,000 euros annually.
The lease term has been shortened from 99 years to 49 years and will now expire in 2075, rather than 2104 as stated in the original investment agreement signed in 2024. Upon expiration of the contract, the general investor and residents will return all constructions built on the territory of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port to the state.
During the debates on the second reading, former Prime Minister Ion Chicu, a deputy of the "Alternativa" faction, proposed an amendment requiring that the general investor could only assign the investment agreement with the Government's consent. However, this amendment did not receive sufficient votes to pass.
We remind you that on December 31, 2025, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signed an agreement to sell Danube Logistics, the operator of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port, to the National Company "Administration of Maritime Ports" SA Constanța.
Authorities clarified that the Giurgiulesti International Free Port is a private investment, and the transaction does not require the approval of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova remains the owner of the land on which the port is located, and after the transfer term expires, the infrastructure constructed on that land will also revert to state ownership.
As of the end of last year, 74 companies were registered as residents of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The new investor has publicly announced investments worth 28 million dollars, which will be used to construct new berths, modern terminals, and develop naval infrastructure connected to the railway and road network.
