The 13th edition of the conference designed to boost the absorption of European funds took place on April 16 in Brussels. In a news conference hosted by IPN, the president of the Institute for Project Development and Expertise (IDEP) Iurie Calestru said that the event was aimed at supporting the central authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process by establishing interinstitutional partnerships.

Iurie Calestru noted that the event managed to create a place for debates between decision-makers from the Romanian and European space to build the necessary framework for the invitees from both banks of the Prut River to borrow good practices. The exchange of information and opinions with European Commission officials allowed clarifying many questions asked by participants, while laying the foundations for future cooperation between representatives from Moldova and Romania and the EU.

“At the Institute for Project Development and Expertise, we analyze the most appropriate ways to support the Moldovan authorities in the European integration process by establishing interinstitutional partnerships that will boost the absorption rate of European funds, borrowing the good practices of counterparts from Romania and the EU. IDEP is an apolitical organization recognized at national, regional and European levels for its initiatives with major impact discussed with key actors in European and regional public policies during extensive debates organized at high level,” said the IDEP president.

He added that Romania had an impressive absorption rate of European funds in the previous multiannual financial year, of over 91%. In this respect, specialists from Romanian and EU institutions could pass on their pro-active experience and best examples to follow to their Moldovan counterparts.

Iurie Calestru stated that IDEP, anticipating the submission of the application for EU membership, has organized courses for acquiring skills in the field of project management since January 2022. The purpose of these training courses with management teams of key institutions in the Republic of Moldova was and is to create skills, exchange good practices with counterparts from Romania and expand the cooperation network for future partnerships.

The creation of a cooperation network and interinstitutional partnerships, together with good training of potential Moldovan implementers, will boost the absorption and implementation process with good results, ensuring a 100% absorption of European funds, including prompt aligning of the Republic of Moldova with the European standards.

Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider themselves targeted in the news made from the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.