Settlements from both sides of the Nistru River can obtain financial assistance from the EU to modernize the social institutions or infrastructure. They can get up to €150,000 in financing per project on a contest basis through the Confidence Building Measures Program that is financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP, IPN reports.

According to a press release of UNDP, the contest is open to communities with a population larger than 1,500. Priority will be given to projects that will contribute to developing cooperation between the two sides of the Nistru. By March 2018, the Program will modernize 30 social infrastructure facilities. Eleven proposals will be selected within the current round. The first 20 projects that were chosen in 2015 are being implemented.

The EU offered over €7.5 million for modernizing social institutions through the Confidence Building Measures Program. There were renovated over 70 education, medical, cultural and sports institutions, community squares and infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply and sewerage systems, street lighting and waste management.

According to UNDP, the Program contributes to building confidence and cooperation relations between the people living on both sides of the Nistru River.