Since the Republic of Moldova became a member of the Central European Initiative (CEI), it has benefitted from nine technical assistance projects in such innovative areas as transport, connectivity, green energy, infrastructure, support for the SMEs and institutional capacity, to the value of over €1.2 million. The results were presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Moldova’s accession to the CEI, which is considered the largest intergovernmental forum for regional cooperation in Central and Southeastern Europe, IPN reports.
The Know-How Exchange Program (KEP) is the most valuable instrument for the exchange of experience between the CEI member states. After its launch, Moldova’s institutions and NGOs in 2004 – 2020 co-participated, together with other non-EU member states, in the implementation of interstate projects chosen as a result of KEP calls for proposals, to the total value of over €1.3 million, the organization’s contribution being of over €420,000.
The CEI swiftly adjusted to the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by launching calls for proposals that would assist the member states in identifying optimal solutions for coping with difficulties related to the pandemic. Two projects financed by the CEI are now under implementation in Moldova’s health sector.
“The Republic of Moldova will continue to support the CEI strategic objectives to strengthen the political and economic relations at regional level and will ensure the fulfillment of the commitments it undertook through strategic documents, in accordance with its status of CEI member. The result of the 25 years of cooperation with the CEI is based on the common aims: European integration, peace and solidarity through regional cooperation,” noted the Ministry.
Moldova became a CEI member on November 8, 1996, during the Graz Summit of Heads of Government of CEI Member States, adhering this way to the European principles and values shared by the member states through this flexible regional cooperation platform.
