Valeriu Chiveri stated that the Republic of Moldova needs a strong international partner to support the reintegration process, especially in the absence of a functional negotiation format. He identified the European Union as the key actor capable of providing consistent political, economic, and financial support. He made the statements during a TV program on Jurnal TV.
Authorities in Chisinau are proposing a more active EU role, including participation in managing a future “convergence fund” aimed at reducing disparities between the two banks of the Nistru River through social and infrastructure projects.
Chiveri emphasized that, without an international negotiation mechanism, authorities must strengthen external partnerships. Currently, dialogue takes place in the “1+1” format and through sectoral working groups, without a broader negotiation framework. In this context, EU involvement could compensate for the lack of a functional format and support strategic projects.
According to the official, the EU could play a decisive role in administering the convergence fund by contributing financially and ensuring transparency in the use of resources. The fund would support projects such as rehabilitating roads and bridges connecting the two banks of the Nistru.
“Our intention is to discuss contributions that would make the fund more attractive for those on the left bank of the Nistru—not only through taxes, but also as an incentive for additional contributions that will be used to implement projects,” Chiveri said.
Regarding financing, authorities are considering both internal resources—including taxes collected from businesses in the Transnistrian region—and external support from international partners.
At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that authorities will implement projects without involving the de facto administration in Tiraspol, focusing instead on direct cooperation with citizens and the business community in the region.