Moldova is an active participant within the Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Program 2007-2013 (Black Sea JOP), stated Minister of Regional Development and Constructions Marcel Raducan at the opening of Project’s annual conference, reports Info-Prim Neo. According to the Minister, of the 56 projects, which were selected through contests announced in the summers of 2009 and 2011, Moldova became a partner in 12 projects, the cumulative cost of which is €3.4 million. “Here we must highlight that, through these project, Moldova has, for the first time, gotten access to financing from European funds”, specified Raducan. The annual conference discusses the evolutions within the active Program, and ideas for the new Program (years 2014-2020), possibilities for partners’ joint efforts, the synergy of efforts, and the improvement of projects results based on the aforementioned. The goal of the Program is to support the economic and social development of the countries that are members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, creating long-lasting partnerships between people and the organizations they represent. Priorities are identified mutually, and the projects proposed promote economic activities, of environmental protection, creating networks for stimulating tourism, preserving historical patrimony, and developing intercultural dialogue. Partners within the Program are local authorities from the frontier regions and other regions of the respective countries, agencies for regional development, environmental protection, tourism, and NGOs. 8 out of the 10 members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation participate at the 2007-2013 Black Sea JOP, Russia and Azerbaijan being non-participants. Hopes are put into attracting these countries into participation at the new 2014-2020 Program. The EU contribution is not very large, but, as Head of the European Union Delegation to Chisinau Dirk Schuebel mentioned, the EU considers the Black Sea region as a strategic region, and the financial assistance for the new Program will be increased. “It is important that the impact of the projects completed within the Program goes across borders, providing benefits for people from several countries, improving communication and mutual acquaintance, contributing to the solution of some problems concerning the development of border logistics, the preservation of historic and cultural monuments, and the development of tourism networks. These projects teach people to seek common solutions, and instruct them, an important aspect for level to the European standards”, said Schuebel.