The Environment Cluster is one of the most complex chapters in the Republic of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union, according to Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder and EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, who discussed the issue at a joint conference.
Both officials emphasized that fulfilling the commitments under this cluster requires substantial investments in infrastructure, wastewater treatment plants, air quality monitoring systems, and carbon emission monitoring mechanisms, and that the process will take time.
“We need to find funding. We are talking about infrastructure that, once financing is identified, still needs to be implemented and built. And for these priorities, time is also required,” said Minister Hajder.
Because of these challenges, Moldova is currently negotiating transition periods with the European Commission for implementing certain environmental obligations.
Commissioner Roswall acknowledged that the chapter requires significant investment but stressed that the stakes go beyond EU accession alone.
“We are talking not only about challenges, but also about opportunities — not only in terms of EU accession, but also in terms of benefits for citizens,” she said.
Financing remains the main challenge. Roswall noted that, in addition to support from the European Commission, investments are needed from the government, the private sector, and international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank.