Strategic transport infrastructure projects to benefit from faster authorization procedures in Moldova

The authorization procedures for transport infrastructure projects of national and international strategic interest, included in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), will be streamlined. The parliament today adopted, in two readings, a legislative initiative that establishes national mechanisms for coordinating and accelerating the implementation of these projects.

The document was presented by the State Secretary of the Infrastructure and Regional Development Ministry, Nicolai Mindra. The official emphasized that the initiative aims to harmonize national legislation with the European Union’s one and to simplify the administrative procedures applicable to road, rail, naval and multimodal transport infrastructure projects.

"The document provides for mechanisms of cooperation between the authorities involved, under the coordination of the Infrastructure and Regional Development Ministry, as well as a maximum period of four years for carrying out authorization procedures. Incomplete or insufficiently substantiated notifications will be rejected with justification, within at most four months," noted Nicolai Mindra.

In the case of cross-border projects, the legislative initiative allows the establishment of joint entities responsible for coordinating implementation, including aspects related to public procurement. The measure is meant to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a clear and predictable legal framework.

"The draft law also provides for periodic reporting to the European Commission on the duration of authorization procedures and the number of projects included in the TEN-T network. This obligation will become applicable once Moldova joins the European Union. The new law will enter into force on January 1, 2027, with the exception of the provisions concerning notification and reporting to the European Commission, which will apply from the date of entry into force of our country's EU Accession Treaty," added Nicolai Mindra.

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) aims to develop interoperable transport infrastructure at European Union’s level. It consists of the core network, which includes infrastructure of strategic importance and is to be completed by 2030, and the comprehensive network, which will ensure connectivity for all regions by 2050.