The Republic of Moldova, alongside eight states of the Black Sea Region, will be able to apply to a program of grants with a budget of €49 million. The financing agreement between the Government of Moldova, the European Union and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration of Romania on the Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Program 2014-2020 was ratified by Moldova’s Parliament, IPN reports.

The money provided by the EU in the form of grants is intended for public authorities, nongovernmental and education organizations of Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

The financing will be used to improve the living standards of the people. The beneficiaries must contribute 10% of the financed costs. Financing is intended for activities to promote the businesses of entrepreneurs in the Black Sea Region, to promote a coordinated environmental policy and to reduce maritime waste in the Blas Sea Region by joint efforts.

The second accord, to the value of €81 million, is a financing agreement between the Government of Moldova, the European Union and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration of Romania on the Joint Operational Program Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020 for the Transfrontier Cooperation Program of the European Neighborhood Instrument for 2014-2020, which was signed in Chisinau on December 12, 2016. This is design to support the implementation of joint border projects between Romania and Moldova in such areas as education, conservation and protection of historical heritage and border security.