The citizens from both sides of the EU’s external borders, including of the Republic of Moldova, will be offered assistance in developing health, education, research services and social inclusion and professional training programs through the agency of the European programs NEXT 2021-2027, IPN reports.

The EU cooperation programs with neighboring regions include 184 regions with 260 million people in 33 countries and support economic and social development of the border areas through joint actions, including in environment protections, public health services, safety and security measures, connectivity, support to SMEs and entrepreneurship.

The Interreg NEXT Romania-Republic of Moldova Program for 2021-2027 has a budget of €77.3 million plus the co-financing of participating states. The money will be used to prevent natural disaster, in such areas as education and training, in biodiversity conservation, contributing this way to the economic development of local communities.

The Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program 2021-2027 was officially launched in Istanbul on February 8, 2023. It aims to remain a platform through which the ties between the participating states are strengthened and where regional players can unite and contribute to the sustainable development of resources for the benefit of the citizens of Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.

The Republic of Moldova can also implement joint projects within the Interreg Danube Region Program 2021-2027 that aims to support the development and implementation of cooperator projects and contributes to the development of a more innovatory, sustainable and inclusive region from social viewpoint. It is also designed to improve regional governance by addressing joint challenges. Further information about the program is available on the platform of the Danube Region Program 2021-2027 and on the Interreg website.