EU supports implementation of pilot regional development projects in Moldova

The Ministry of Regional Development and Construction and the EU Delegation to Moldova agreed the areas that will be financed within pilot regional development projects, Info-Prim Neo reports. The regional development programs are a new financing instrument launched by the European Commission within the European Neighborhood Policy to deal with the social and economic disparity in the countries covered by the Eastern Partnership, according to the models used for the EU’s cohesion policy. According to the preliminary conclusions of the consultancy mission of the EU Delegation, which were presented in a workshop by expert Colm McClements, Moldova needs assistance mainly in such areas as water and sewerage, solid waste, regional roads, business infrastructure and energy efficiency in the public sector. There will be designed projects and technical documents and made feasibility studies and an analysis of the projects’ impact on the environment. The financial assistance will be aimed at improving the regional statistics, updating the Regional Operational Plans, identifying regional development projects and planning and devising projects. Minister of Regional Development and Construction Marcel Raducan said the discussions within the workshop will help better inform the persons from ministries and the local and central public authorities involved in the implementation of regional development policies about the components that will benefit from assistance within the pilot regional development projects. Some of these projects will be implemented by the two regional development agencies that will be created this year – the Agency for Regional Development Chisinau and the Agency for Regional Development Gagauzia. The European Union is ready to provide €7 million to Moldova over 2012-2013 for implementing regional development projects.