Work on the new U.S. Embassy building has been declared a public benefit

The construction of the new U.S. Embassy headquarters in Moldova on the site of the former Republican stadium will be declared a public utility of national interest. The cabinet approved this decision today.

According to the project, the land, currently state-owned, contains buildings belonging to private owners. The Government’s decision aims to facilitate their expropriation. The Public Property Agency (APP) stated that recognizing the project as a public utility allows the Government to initiate expropriation while respecting property owners’ rights.

“The expropriation process will strictly follow legal provisions and best practices. Affected owners will receive fair compensation from the Moldovan government, which will later be reimbursed by the U.S. government,” APP Director Roman Cojuhari said at the cabinet meeting.

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Once the law is adopted, technical procedures will transfer the land to the U.S. By the bilateral agreement, the U.S. will build a public park on part of the site, ensuring public access. Additionally, the gates of the former stadium will be restored and preserved as a historical symbol.

The Government will submit the draft law to Parliament for approval.

Moldova’s Parliament ratified the agreement with the U.S. government last summer, allowing the purchase of the property for the new diplomatic mission. The U.S. plans to construct its diplomatic campus and a public park on the 5.2-hectare site in central Chisinau at 12 Tighina Street.

The land, which has remained unused for 17 years, will be revitalized. Workers will restore the historical stadium gates and create new public art installations and park spaces. The U.S. has committed to providing open areas for public use, with planned investments totaling approximately $250 million.

Authorities stated that the land purchase price was negotiated under the law on the Onerous or Gratuitous Transfer of Real Estate, amounting to €18 million. These funds will be allocated to key projects, including school renovations, planning a future national stadium, and establishing the Univers Center for Contemporary Culture and Art. Additionally, the U.S. will reimburse up to €7.5 million for costs related to expropriation and clearing the site of existing structures.