Moldova secures €344m EBRD loan to expand EU transport links
Moldova is set to secure a €344 million (approx. 6.74 billion MDL) loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to overhaul strategic national highways.
The Cabinet approved negotiations for the Road Sector Reform Project VI on July 29, focusing on key transport corridors integrated into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
Expanding European transport links
The funding will cover the rehabilitation, widening, and construction of roughly 134 kilometers of national roads linking Moldova to the Romanian border.
Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea emphasized that the project targets the vital R7 and M3 corridors, directly connecting the national network to the EU border.
Alongside the primary EBRD loan, the infrastructure initiative will benefit from supplementary European Union grants to enhance regional connectivity.
Boosting road safety and trade routes
Officials expect the project to significantly increase road safety, cut travel times, and reduce transport costs for goods and passengers across the affected regions.
Finance Minister Victoria Belous has been authorized by the Cabinet to sign the formal loan agreement on behalf of the Republic of Moldova.
Strategic bypass near Danube port opens
The announcement follows the official opening of the 16.6-kilometer Slobozia Mare bypass in Cahul district, built with a prior €24 million (approx. 470.4 million MDL) EBRD investment.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan commended the completion of the bypass segment, highlighting its role in modernizing domestic transit to European standards.
The new bypass diverts heavy freight traffic away from residential areas, accelerating cargo routes toward the strategic Giurgiulești International Free Port and the Romanian border.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
