European Union provides 4 million euros for confidence building between two banks of Dniester

Chisinau, 24 October /MOLDPRES/- The European Union continues its support for improved cooperation between communities on both banks of the Nistru river through joint initiatives involving local partners, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.

In line with the previous phases, the sixth iteration of the EU Confidence Building Measures (EU CBM) Programme, implemented by UNDP, will help connect communities across the river with an allocation of 4 million euros until the end of 2025, focusing on the following main components:

Economic development and decent job creation;
Enhanced cross-river thematic cooperation between civil society organisations from both banks;
Community development and small-scale social infrastructure support;
Promotion of cultural heritage.

"Supporting social cohesion and grassroots level cooperation between communities from both banks of the Nistru river is more important than ever. Through this sixth phase of confidence-building measures, the EU and its implementing partners contribute to the promotion of joint initiatives for economic development and decent job creation for women and men, as well as community development and continued promotion of culture as a key driver for resilient, fair and inclusive societies,” said Jānis Mažeiks, the European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.

The EU CBM programme will contribute to improving the living conditions on the two riverbanks and consolidate cooperation for business development, enhancing the competitiveness of small and micro enterprises. At least 50 jobs are expected to be generated through the project, in 20 SMEs (10 from each bank) that will be supported through capacity development and tailored business support opportunities.

"I am delighted that the long-lasting EU-UNDP partnership, that promotes confidence building among both banks of the Nistru river, will continue to build on strong results contributing to improved livelihoods of the population on both banks. This new phase will further expand thematic cooperation and will advance engagement in key areas, from health to tourism and environment protection,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

Since 2009, the EU CBM programme has empowered 720 companies on both banks of the Nistru River, creating over 1,900 jobs. More than 125 social infrastructure projects have been completed, including repairs of schools, kindergartens, and cultural centers located on both sides, along with 12 projects dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage through conservation and restoration efforts.