Moldova Launches ‘Green Agenda’ Project to Accelerate Sustainable Development

Today, in Chișinău, the project “Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine” was launched. The project is implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, with financial support from the Swedish Agency for Development and International Cooperation (Sida). The action aims to harmonize national policies in line with the European Green Deal (EGD), thus contributing to accelerating the transition to sustainability and facilitating the country’s accession process to the European Union.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, the international community, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the academic community.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Minister of Environment Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov mentioned, “The Republic of Moldova is committed to implementing the Paris Agreement and its goal of keeping global warming within safe levels. In addition to the necessary efforts to ensure a transition to green economic development, it is imperative to integrate environmental protection aspects into all areas of socioeconomic development. We aim to adopt economic growth models based on environmentally friendly approaches so that decarbonization and efficient use of natural resources are the driving forces behind the country’s development.”

On the occasion of the project’s launch, Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, conveyed a message to the Republic of Moldova: “The purpose of the project is to support targeted reforms and strengthen institutional capacities to manage socioeconomic issues and identify funding for the green transition. Additionally, the project will enhance efforts to join the EU by aligning and implementing EU acquis, which will contribute to bringing Moldova closer to European environmental and economic standards.”

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Katarina Fried, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova, emphasized, “Moldova’s commitment to climate neutrality and integration into the European Union is a strategic step that will bring numerous benefits to both the country and its population, including access to a larger market, new trade opportunities, and growth prospects. This will provide Moldovan businesses with opportunities for expansion and innovation while benefiting from advanced technologies and best practices from the EU. Sustainable development and EU integration will also create employment opportunities for Moldovan citizens as new sectors and industries emerge.”

Veronica Arpintin, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, who also serves as the project’s focal point, stated, “Sustainable economic development is one of the important objectives of the EU, as well as of the Republic of Moldova, implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization at the national level. Thus, the ministry I represent is implementing the National Program for Entrepreneurship Promotion and Competitiveness Growth 2023-2027, with one of its priorities being the green transition. Through the project launched today, we will work on setting the most efficient path toward a greener economy. We hope to receive support for developing institutional capacities for generating relevant policies. At the same time, companies in our country need know-how and financial resources that we aim to diversify. Currently, ODA supports entrepreneurs through the eco-upgrade program as well as the 373 Investment Stimulus Program, but there is a need for a stronger focus on the green transition, and donor assistance is welcome.”

The project “Green Agenda” will be implemented from September 2023 to March 2026, with the national implementing partner in the Republic of Moldova being the EcoContact Association. The action will encompass various policy areas aligned with the EGD, addressing climate change, energy efficiency, construction and renovation, smart mobility, the circular economy, pollution reduction, the food system, and ecosystem conservation.

The project envisages a comprehensive assessment of the green transition in the Republic of Moldova, serving as a basis for the development of an Action Plan to achieve the 2050 climate neutrality goal. Furthermore, activities will be carried out to raise awareness and promote understanding of the need to implement the plan, involving various actors and enhancing their capacities to effectively contribute to the project’s objectives.