The Republic of Moldova became affiliated with the European Interconnection Mechanism as a full-fledged member and will be able to access European funds to develop infrastructure as the EU member states do, being the first non-EU member state that gains access to this mechanism. Moreover, even if this mechanism requires the states to pay co-financing, the Republic of Moldova is exempted from paying contribution this year, European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean stated in a news conference, IPN reports.
“Over the past year, after Moldova obtained the EU candidate status, we took important steps in the transport sector. We launched the process of adjusting the European transport network for Moldova and Ukraine. In less than a month, we hope to sign the agreement for the updated essential infrastructure maps. We have an agreement on the liberalization of road transport between the European Union and Moldova, which brought the Republic of Moldova’s economy closer to our common market. Today we signed the agreement on the Republic of Moldova’s association with the European Interconnection Mechanism, offering access to funds to which only the EU member states have access. This is a premiere and I’m glad that this premiere takes place in Chisinau, on Europe Day. I think that Moldova could access these funds already at the next financing stage that starts in September,” said Adina Vălean.
Asked by journalists to pronounce on Moldova’s infrastructure and the problems existing in this sector, the Commissioner said that the problems are similar to those witnessed in other countries and are related to the necessity of constantly making investments. “The EU has generous projects and wants to help further. On the other hand, in the European integration perspective, the Community acquis in the transport sector is very important. This is an important component of the general acquis. A lot of legislative approximation work is to be done. This will only bring pluses and grater language, financing, policy coherence between Moldova and the EU. So, this is something positive,” noted Adina Vălean.
The Commissioner also said that Moldova already benefits from three financing projects through the European Interconnection Mechanism, together with Romania. “I will sign in Constanta the financing for one of them. It goes to the Ungheni – Ungheni bridge project to the value of €16 million. The other two projects are also for bridges and they are being assessed, but I think the decision will be positive. Looking in the perspective, why should we not develop the bridge in Giurgiulești up to the capacity of a multimodal terminal? All these should be regarded as part of the ecosystems that mean internal transport with very good connection points to the European market, with Romania in particular,” stated the European official.
According to Adina Vălean, a team of EU experts will come to Moldova in June to explain in detail the selection criteria within the European Interconnection Mechanism and how to design a successful project. “The projects are assessed by an independent committee and are not assigned by the European authorities. In the EU, there is indeed stiff competition for infrastructure funds. Everyone needs money. But statistically, it can be seen that there is proper balance concerning the development needs in different parts of the network. Moldova is in this very stressful situation as regards infrastructure, namely the need to take part in the “solidarity corridors”. The infrastructure that serves the solidarity corridors is given priority in this period. We tried to devote increased attention to the infrastructure that ensures efficient conveyance of goods to and from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. For example, there is a project called “The Navigable Danube”. This is a solidarity corridor, but this should function. We are examining and identifying chains that are absent in these corridors so as to increase their capacity. I think Moldova has very good chances to come with its projects, if these are of a high quality,” stated Adina Vălean.
The agreement on the Republic of Moldova’s affiliation with the European Interconnection Mechanism was signed in the Government Building in Chisinau on May 9 by Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Lilia Dabija and European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean. This way, the Republic of Moldova will gain access to European funds totaling €26 billion for modernizing transport, energy and digital infrastructure.
