The Republic of Moldova becomes the first non-EU country to join the Connecting Europe Facility
The Republic of Moldova has joined the Connecting Europe Facility by signing an agreement with the European Union in Chisinau on 9 May. The document will facilitate our country's access to European funds for major infrastructure projects to improve connectivity with Europe and within the country. Agreements for the rehabilitation/modernization/construction of the 3 bridges over the Prut River were also signed.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean and Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
European Commissioner Adina Vălean said that it is a source of professional and personal satisfaction that we can celebrate Europe Day by signing the Association of the Republic of Moldova to the European Interconnection Mechanism, the most important instrument for financing infrastructure projects. She also noted that this is an unprecedented moment, as the Republic of Moldova is the first non-EU country to join the Mechanism.
"From the moment of ratification of this agreement signed today, the Republic of Moldova will be able to access funds for transport and digital infrastructure together with EU member countries. Railways, bridges, connections with Romania, energy - all so necessary for the Republic of Moldova, can be financed through this mechanism. Moldovan authorities and companies can participate in calls for projects. The next call for projects will be made in the autumn, for €2.5 billion, I hope to have projects from the Republic of Moldova already", said the European Commissioner.
"Today we celebrate solidarity for the common values that Europe shares. The EU has always stood by the Republic of Moldova with programmes to generate more prosperity, more mobility for citizens, and modern infrastructure. I am glad that the Agreement on Moldova's accession to the Interconnection Europe Facility has been signed. The Republic of Moldova will henceforth have much more efficient access to the funds needed for interconnection of transport, energy and digital infrastructure," said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
The Prime Minister also noted that the agreements for the rehabilitation of three bridges across the Prut - the Sculeni-Sculeni bridge, the Leuseni-Albița bridge and the Cahul-Oancea bridge, signed today, will allow the Republic of Moldova to access funds for infrastructure in the interior of the country.
"It is important for us to build Europe at home, to build infrastructure like in Europe, so that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova feel Europe at home and the citizens of the EU feel at home in the Republic of Moldova", concluded Dorin Recean.
