Over 200,000 citizens from 22 communities will benefit from newly built or rehabilitated water pipelines, while dozens of institutions will become more energy efficient following the implementation of regional projects supported by the EU, Prime Minister Pavel Filip stated in a news conference held jointly with European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, who is paying a visit to Chisinau during May 17-19 at the invitation of the Premier, IPN reports.
Pavel Filip noted that the interest in implementing economic projects in the regions has increased during the past few years. In this regard, the good practices of the EU member states and the implementation of new technology are welcome. “The assistance for Moldova within the regional development programs could be much larger if we were an EU member state. I’m sure we will come to such a moment and the citizens of Moldova will see what cooperation between the states means. Until then the EU offers us the possibility of accessing funds, but the utilization of these funds depends on our potential,” he stated.
As to President Igor Dodon’s announcement that Moldova was offered the status of observer at the Eurasian Economic Union, Pavel Filip said the Government will not allocate money for assisting the observers at this Union even if this status does not run counter to the Association Agreement with the EU.
Commissioner Corina Cretu noted that the EU will remain a reliable partner for Moldova’s development, including in regional development. “A powerful regional policy can contribute to creating the same conditions and opportunities, including as regards jobs for all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, regardless of the place where these live,” she stated, referring to the discrepancies in the development of the capital city and the other regions of the country.
The interlocutors also spoke about Moldova’s participation in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, alongside another 13 states. During the last few years, Moldova strengthened its contribution to implementing the document, especially in investing in people and capacities. Good results were thus obtained in adjusting the vocational education to the needs of the market and the business sector and in identifying new opportunities of academic mobility.
Also, this year the EU intends to support regional development projects in Cahul and Ungheni, which will be later extended all over the country. In the future, emphasis will be placed on the encouragement of the young people to remain in the country through the Erasmus program. “The reform steps that the Republic of Moldova took so far are recognized in Brussels. It is important for the Republic of Moldova to further concentrate on the robust implementation of reforms in key sectors, such as economic development, business sector, energy and justice,” stated the Commissioner.
On May 19, Corina Creru will travel to Ungheni to take part in a series of public events.
