Moldova makes significant progress in aligning transport sector with EU standards, director of Transport Community Permanent Secretariat says

The Republic of Moldova is making significant progress in aligning its transport sector with EU standards, but further work is needed on implementing EU legislation and ensuring the presence of qualified specialists in the field. Director of Transport Community Permanent Secretariat Matej Zakonjšek made the statements at a joint press conference with Radu Marian, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance.

During the conference, the two officials presented the achievements and challenges faced by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in aligning with European Union standards.

According to Radu Marian, Moldova has already submitted an assessment report on legislation and the progress made in the transport sector:


"Moldova has submitted an assessment report on the legislation and the progress made in the field of transport. I refer here to road transport, rail transport, road safety and waterborne transport. This type of report helps us understand where we stand and what stages and steps we need to follow in order to align with the European Union’s standards in terms of infrastructure and safety, as well as the EU legislation that we must adopt. We currently have several strategic infrastructure projects underway: two in the rail sector and five in the road sector."


Matej Zakonjšek added a detailed analysis of the progress made and the reforms needed.


"The Republic of Moldova is taking important steps in aligning its legislation with the EU acquis, especially in the road and maritime sectors. With the support of the Transport Community, we have established that there is steady progress, but there is still much work to be done, particularly in implementing EU legislation and ensuring that we have qualified specialists in the field. The rail sector has been more neglected in the past, but it is now making significant progress and requires the training of domestic specialists for modernization. Rail transport is a complex sector, involving not only training but also restructuring. It is essential that we plan these projects in the context of integration into a wider European network, so that connectivity is real and brings direct benefits to citizens. We must keep in mind that what happens in one country affects the entire region, and only through cooperation and common standards can we ensure safe, efficient and sustainable transport," stated Matej Zakonjšek.


The officials emphasized that the process of cooperation between the Moldovan authorities and the Transport Community has enabled significant and steady progress.

The Transport Community is an international organization in the field of mobility and transport, bringing together 36 participants: the EU Member States (represented by the European Commission), six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – as well as three observer participants: Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Its goal is to support the integration of the transport markets of non‑EU countries into the EU transport market by adopting and implementing European legislation (the EU acquis) in the road, rail, maritime and inland waterways sectors.