Investments in modernization of 20 schools, ten medical institutions: financial support provided by EU, European Investment Bank

A total of 20 educational institutions from the model-schools’ network of Moldova will be renovated and equipped with modern facilities, providing better learning conditions for about 40,000 pupils. At the same time, ten medical institutions will benefit from modernization and energy-efficiency works, to the benefit of over one million patients and about 10,000 medical employees. The works will be carried out under two projects implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The project, Rehabilitation and Modernization of Schools in Moldova, has a total value of 51.5 million euros. The European Union will support this initiative through a grant of 3.5 million euros, in addition to the 40 million-euros loan provided by the European Investment Bank and the contribution of 8 million euros from Moldova, supported through the Growth Plan for Moldova. At the same time, the project, Energy Efficiency in Moldova, is supported by a 10 million-euros grant provided by the European Union. The financing agreements were signed in Chisinau today.

Present at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu thanked the European Union and the EIB for their support to Moldova, stressing that the investments would be reflected in energy-efficient hospitals and modern schools.

“Any project starts with mutual trust. This is how we make the European dream come true. We are discussing new modernization projects. We will continue to work for the benefit of citizens,” said Alexandru Munteanu.

European Union’s Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko said that the European Union stood by Moldova, with unprecedented financial support being mobilized.

“The modernization projects discussed today target 20 schools, providing better conditions for about 40,000 children. We are also investing in health and infrastructure. Energy efficiency stays a key priority for Moldova. We are providing grants worth 10 million euros. This additional support will help us modernize 10 public hospitals, where we will have around one million patients and 10,000 medical specialists. Energy consumption will be reduced and the energy resilience of Moldova will be strengthened. Today’s project shows that Moldova is preparing for its European future,” the ambassador said.

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer noted that the two projects were different in nature, but shared a common goal – they invest in people.

“For citizens, Europe becomes meaningful, when it improves their daily lives. Europe is not built only in Brussels; it is built in every classroom where children learn, in hospitals where patients receive care and in businesses that create jobs,” the official underlined.

Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun said that the implementation of the Rehabilitation and Modernization of Schools in Moldova project allows the achievement of an objective set by the Education and Research Ministry (MEC) back in 2023, when the idea of creating the Model Schools’ Network was launched.

“The institutions were selected, so that we can provide study conditions at European standards in each district,” Dan Perciun specified.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu emphasized that estimates showed that the works carried out under the project to modernize the ten hospitals would allow energy costs to be cut by about 40%.

“These investments mean better insulated buildings, modern heating and ventilation systems, efficient lighting, locally produced solar energy and lower operating costs for hospital institutions. But perhaps the most important thing is that every euro saved on the energy invoice can be redirected to what matters most – better medical services, modern equipment and improved conditions for patients and medical staff,” Dorin Junghietu concluded.