The European Commission has launched the Connectivity Agenda Platform and the first regional dialogue on Europe–Asia transport corridors, aimed at strengthening links in transport, trade, energy, and digital infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
The initiative was announced by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during the launch conference and is designed to enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia via the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
The Republic of Moldova, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, is participating alongside regional states and international financial institutions in discussions on improving transport integration and regional connectivity.
During the panel discussion titled “Future Perspectives of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in the Black Sea and South Caucasus Region,” participants focused on the 2030 outlook and the conditions needed to make the corridors faster, more coherent, and better integrated.
Vladimir Bolea outlined Moldova’s priorities in strengthening connectivity with the European Union and the wider Black Sea region, including transport liberalisation and the development of key infrastructure routes across all transport modes. These plans include the development of an electrified railway, a highway, a bypass belt, full use of port infrastructure, and the creation of logistics hubs for freight handling.
Discussions also addressed Moldova–Ukraine cooperation in the context of integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), as well as ongoing progress and bottlenecks affecting regional transport corridors. Bolea referred to ongoing projects, including the modernisation of border crossing points and feasibility studies for strategic routes such as Ungheni–Chișinău–Odesa, which are expected to significantly reduce transport times and increase logistics capacity.
At the end of the meeting, Moldova, the European Commission, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signed a Memorandum of Intent expressing EU support for the modernisation of strategic road corridors within the TEN-T network and for reforms in the road sector.
The project will support the development of a national road master plan, a long-term road financing strategy, the implementation of a multi-annual contract for the National Road Administration, improved corporate governance, and measures supporting e-mobility.
Separately, Moldova, the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank launched preparations for a feasibility study on the development of an electrified standard-gauge railway between Ungheni and Chișinău, with technical assistance expected through the EU’s EPIC facility.