Moldova demonstrates strong internal investment capacity through solid national programmes and aims to join the European Union not as a beneficiary, but as a responsible and capable partner contributing to the EU’s cohesion, resilience, and competitiveness. These statements were made by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea at the high-level Cohesion 2027+ conference in Bucharest, where he presented Moldova’s progress in regional development and alignment with EU standards.
In his address, Bolea reiterated Moldova’s strategic vision and full commitment to European integration:
“Our path to the European Union is a conscious and irreversible choice, grounded in the aspiration to contribute to the stability, democracy, and prosperity of the region we belong to.”
He highlighted the country’s robust national initiatives—including European Village, Europe is Close, European Yard, and Growth Pole Cities—as clear evidence of Moldova’s capacity to invest internally and deliver sustainable development outcomes.
Bolea also emphasized advances in the accession process, noting the completion of the bilateral screening for Chapter 22 on the EU’s regional policy. This milestone confirms Moldova’s increasing ability to align with EU legislation and the mechanisms required for managing and controlling structural funds.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed to major reforms carried out in recent years, including the modernization of the legislative framework for regional development and the strengthening of institutions coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR). This system includes Regional Development Agencies, responsible for implementing projects locally, and the National Office for Regional and Local Development, which provides hands-on support to local authorities.
He also referenced the introduction of EU-style strategic coordination mechanisms—such as the National Council for Regional Development Coordination and the Interministerial Strategic Planning Committee—along with a national training programme that helps local authorities prepare competitive project proposals for European funding.
The Cohesion 2027+ conference gathered senior representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, and ministers from EU member states. Discussions centred on long-term development, inclusive economic growth, and strengthening Europe’s resilience amid current economic and geopolitical challenges. Participants reaffirmed the key role of cohesion policy in reducing regional disparities and advancing European unity.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan voiced strong support for EU enlargement toward Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans:
“EU enlargement is not an act of charity, but an investment in security. Countries that genuinely aspire to join the European Union—especially Moldova—must align with European standards, and Romania will firmly support them in this process,” he said, noting that the coming year will be a demanding one for Europe’s agenda.
The event was organized by Romania’s Ministry of Investments and European Projects, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.