In the current context, the economic and social cohesion between states has become a priority. The European Union offers instruments to strengthen this cohesion and the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation is one of these. There are currently 87 EGTCs registered in 13 Member States of the European Union. The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) is a tool through which partners – regional and local authorities from EU member states, but also third countries, such as the Republic of Moldova or Ukraine – can implement various cross-border and interregional projects, having direct access to the European Commission’s funds. Currently, the first steps are being taken to set up an EGTC that will involve the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. The subject was discussed in a public debate hosted by IPN News Agency.

Ina Coșeru, head of the commission for foreign policy and European integration of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, co-chair of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, said that the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation provides tools to strengthen cooperation between two states and to implement projects that enhance regional development for the citizens. Romania is the most important state for the Republic of Moldova in the process of joining the European Union. Only through Romania can those projects that will connect Moldova to the European space be carried out. Romania will help Moldova with all the experience it has. An advantage is the fact that Romanian is one of the 24 official languages of the European Union. Moldova, unlike Ukraine, will not have to translate 27,000 directives. These were already translated into Romanian thanks to Romania.

Alina Popa, executive director of the Euronest Intercommunity Development Association, Romania, noted that the European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation have legal capacity. Territorial cohesion is another important element that was brought into discussion together with the Treaty of Lisbon concerns the part. In addition to the economic and social cohesion that are part of the foundations of the European construct, territorial cohesion, in particular, in the current geopolitical context and not only, is one of the added values that cannot be overlooked when discussing EGTCs. It is important to host such a tool. It also has a participatory dimension.

Iurie Calestru, director of the Institute for Development and Expertise of Projects, IDEP Moldova, said that these cooperation groups differ from others by the fact that they are a legal entity. There is no need for them to wait for calls for projects as they can generate project ideas. Here we can discuss the multiannual fund, which totals €29 billion at European level and could be used to apply for this opportunity in the case of Moldova. Moldova must learn from Romania’s experience and bring European standards closer to the citizens. The creation of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation at the local level, between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, would unlock a solid range of funding opportunities. Iurie Calestru underlined the importance of the recent approval by the central authorities of a legal framework that encourages the formation of EGTCs. The next step is to create the legal framework regarding their rights and responsibilities, after which the eligible entities will have the duty to submit files and continue the partnerships.

The public debate entitled “Romania-Republic of Moldova, creation of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation” was the ninth installment of the project “Double integration through cooperation and information. Continuity”, which is funded by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova. The content of this debate does not represent the official position of the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova.