Moldova-Romania bridge to cut travel time by 3 hours
The cross-border connection between Moldova and Romania is evolving from historical symbolism to strategic infrastructure. The Ungheni–Golăiești road bridge, the first built in nearly six decades, is now 45% complete.
Once operational, the bridge will reduce travel time to Bucharest by up to three hours. Mircea Păscăluță, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure, estimates the first vehicles will cross by April 2027.
Regional development through Interreg NEXT
Beyond major transit routes, the Interreg NEXT Romania-Moldova program is financing essential community projects. In Risipeni, Fălești district, local authorities are currently evaluating bids for school thermal insulation and modernization.
Mayor Dmitri Mosoreti emphasized that twinning agreements with Romanian communes like Holboca must yield tangible results. "We want cooperation to go beyond official visits and provide visible benefits for our citizens," he stated.
Cultural and energy modernization
In Ungheni, a key border hub, a €1.19 million (approx. 23M MDL) investment is revitalizing the local Palace of Culture. The project, supported by €388,000 (7.5M MDL) municipal co-financing, focuses on energy efficiency.
Mayor Vitalie Vrabie noted the building’s advanced wear, stating the funds will transform it into a "modern, decent cultural center." This initiative aligns with broader EU goals to reduce regional development gaps.
A space for joint cooperation
According to Marina Preteca-Neaga, contract manager at the Antenna Office, these investments target health, education, and risk management. The objective is to create common solutions for shared challenges on both sides of the Prut River.
Thirty-six years after the symbolic "Bridge of Flowers," the relationship has shifted toward concrete integration. This transformation turns the border into a corridor of development, connecting institutions and infrastructure directly to the European Union.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
Author: Svetlana Bogatu
