Vladimir Bolea: 25% of the "European Village" projects still blocked
Approximately 25% of the projects initiated under the "European Village" program are currently stalled due to a significant number of appeals submitted by businesses involved in public procurement procedures. Vladimir Bolea, the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, confirmed this information in a media statement. According to Bolea, economic agents participating in tenders organized by local authorities are disputing the results.
Vladimir Bolea stated that court cases can last months, which impacts project implementation. In this context, the minister mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding amendments to the legislation on public procurement. These conversations include the Ministry of Finance and aim to eliminate the obstacles created by "imperfections in the law."
“Every time we engage in discussions with economic agents, many appeals lead to significant delays in projects, ultimately affecting the implementation of initiatives that benefit the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. We are having extensive discussions, including with the Ministry of Finance, because the Law on Public Procurement, like any law, needs to evolve to meet the needs of the Republic of Moldova and the state itself,” explained the minister.
Regarding the capacity of local authorities to manage projects, the minister noted that city halls already possess considerable experience, having completed three similar initiatives: "European Village 1," "European Village Express," and "European Village 2." "All town halls are well-trained, and they understand how to submit projects and manage the process," he added.
“The town halls have in-depth competence and knowledge in submitting a project to participate in this exercise and therefore to succeed. Everyone is very well trained.”
Over 1,600 projects have been implemented under the program, mostly from “European Village I.” From the second stage of “European Village,” 24 projects have been completed, and the investments have been fully transferred to the town halls. Additionally, over 100 contracts are set to be signed, with tenders expected to begin shortly, concluded Vladimir Bolea.
We remind you that in March last year, the Government approved the National Program "European Village" for the period 2024–2028, with an estimated budget of over 5.3 billion lei, of which 2.5 billion lei will be allocated from the state budget through the National Fund for Regional and Local Development.
Thus, the project provides that, by 2028, about 200,000 inhabitants will have access to the water supply network, and 375,000 people will be connected to the sewage network. Also, 250 thousand people from 100 localities will benefit from an improved public lighting system.
The program also aims to ensure that, in four years, at least 250 localities will have renovated or rehabilitated public buildings, 375 thousand inhabitants will benefit from modern sports halls and fields, and 250 thousand inhabitants will benefit from improved infrastructure of cultural and tourist buildings. Also, in at least 65 localities, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumed will increase.
