Moldova has five “Smart Villages”, backed by millions in EU funding
For the first time, five localities in the Republic of Moldova have become “Smart Villages” after the European Union invested over 20 million lei to modernize infrastructure and improve public services.
The localities include Larga in Briceni district, Coșnița in Dubăsari, Sipoteni in Călărași, Lozova in Strășeni, and Mereni in Anenii Noi district, where teams implemented modern solutions tailored to the communities’ basic needs.
Projects targeted public service digitalization, sustainable infrastructure such as smart lighting and green energy, high precision agricultural technologies, waste management, and the installation of video surveillance systems in public spaces.
Lozova became “smart” after building a 150 kW photovoltaic park that supplies green energy to public institutions and essential services, from water and sewage systems to street lighting.
Local authorities say these investments have visibly improved how the community operates while also raising residents’ living conditions.
“This project has greatly changed how our community operates. We introduced modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions that meet people’s needs and create real prospects for local development,” said Lozova mayor Viorel Jardan.
In addition to green energy, the locality has installed other advanced technologies that, in some cases, exceed the level found in cities.
Farmers can now use real-time weather data to manage crops more effectively, and over 200 households have smart water meters that allow remote consumption readings.
Public transport has become more comfortable thanks to modern stations, and schools now use ventilation systems that ensure cleaner air for children.
Representatives of the European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova say such projects support sustainable local development.
“I am impressed by what I saw in Lozova. European Union investments in smart villages reflect our continued commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development in the Republic of Moldova,” said Julda Kielyte, Head of the Competitive and Inclusive Growth Sector at the EU Delegation.
Lozova is among the five localities selected by the Solidarity Fund (PL) in the Republic of Moldova to become "Smart Villages."
Local authorities took part in specialized training and study visits to Spain and Estonia to develop medium- and long-term strategies tailored to community needs.
“We implemented a pilot project that can be scaled nationally. This initiative shows that strategic investments, community involvement, and modern technologies can transform Moldovan villages into resilient, efficient, and future-orientated communities,” said Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.
Each community received grants of up to 1.5 million lei for smart projects and around 3 million lei for photovoltaic park construction, with local municipalities contributing about 10% of the total cost.
The works were carried out under the project “EU4Moldova Resilient: Secure State, Strong Communities", funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in the Republic of Moldova.
