The creation of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) at the local level, between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, would unlock a solid range of funding opportunities, the director of the Institute for Development and Expertise of Projects, IDEP-Moldova, Iurie Calestru, stated in IPN’s public debate “Romania-Republic of Moldova, creation of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation”. According to him, through this instrument the Republic of Moldova could directly have access to European programs that are currently not available to it.

“We, at the Institute for Development and Expertise of Projects, are looking for the most appropriate ways to support the public authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process by establishing institutional partnerships that will boost the absorption rate of European funds, borrowing the good practices of our counterparts in Romania and the European Union. In this regard, we previously organized 13 working visits involving over 1,280 managers of public institutions from the Republic of Moldova to Romania, between September 2022 and April 2024,” said Iurie Calestru.

The director of the Institute for Development and Expertise of Projects, IDEP-Moldova, said that about 300 applications were submitted at Interreg Romania-Republic of Moldova, which is very encouraging. The requested amount was several times higher than the value of the fund. There is competence, there is desire, there are partnerships and tools and concrete opportunities for application are needed. IDEP monthly organizes events in order to improve the skills in project management in various areas of knowledge that are of interest among managers who want and take concrete steps so as to carry out European projects, prepare technical documentation, adapt development strategies, introduce functions within the institutions or organizations they manage and think namely how to absorb European funds through various instruments. Therefore, the creation of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation would be beneficial as regards the possibility of rapid resolution of local, regional or even cross-border challenges.

Iurie Calestru underlined the importance of the recent approval by the central authorities of a legal framework that encourages the formation of EGTCs. The next step is to create the legal framework regarding the rights and responsibilities of these, after which the eligible entities will submit files and continue the partnerships. A year ago, the possibility of launching an EGTC based in Romania was discussed. Also, a series of meetings were held in the period, including with representatives of the central authorities of the Republic of Moldova, during which the possibility of creating an interstate EGTC was considered. Although there is no such experience for now, the legislation allows this.

The public debate entitled “Romania-Republic of Moldova, creation of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation” was the ninth installment of the project “Double integration through cooperation and information. Continuity”, which is funded by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova. The content of this debate does not represent the official position of the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova.