VIDEO // EBRD and EU to support modernization of Moldova’s irrigation infrastructure

The Government of the Republic of Moldova today signed a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the implementation of Moldova – Sustainable Water Supply (Irrigation) Project. The event represents the first initiative of such magnitude in the country’s history, aimed at modernizing agricultural infrastructure and providing farmers with the tools needed to cope with climate change.

The project, supported through a joint effort by the Government, the EBRD and the European Union, targets the rehabilitation of central irrigation systems in the districts of Căușeni, Anenii Noi and Ștefan Vodă.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), during the first stage of the programme, two priority irrigation systems will be modernized, ensuring water supply for approximately 6,900 hectares of arable land. Around 300 local farmers will directly benefit from the investment. They have been actively involved since the concept stage and will contribute 3% of the total investment costs.



MAIA head Eugeniu Osmochescu highlighted the strategic importance of this public-private and international partnership.


“This is the first project in the history of our republic of such magnitude, laying the foundations for a new beginning in irrigation in the Republic of Moldova. The philosophy behind our approach is to involve farmers in the process of selecting and developing concepts, based on the simple fact that where there is demand, from the bottom up, that is where we need to intervene,” the official said.


At the same time, the minister dismissed rumours that had emerged in the public sphere, assuring agricultural producers that national exports are proceeding normally and are not being blocked by the transit of goods from neighbouring countries.

International support plays a central role in achieving this objective.

Mate Csicsai, Head of the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova emphasized that this funding is part of a broader effort to support the country and is included in the EU’s recently launched €1.9 billion Economic Growth Plan.


“Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the Republic of Moldova, but its future depends on using an increasingly precious resource more efficiently: water. This project will help farmers adapt to climate change, improve productivity and transition towards higher-value agriculture,” the EU representative said.


The project’s financial package is complex and includes a substantial loan from the EBRD, provided in two tranches, complemented by a €4.8 million investment grant from the European Union and a national financial contribution.

Giuseppe Grimaldi, Head of the EBRD office in the Republic of Moldova, noted that, in addition to the infrastructure itself, funds will also be allocated for technical assistance aimed at strengthening state institutions.


“The ultimate goal is simple: stronger rural communities, more opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses and, overall, a more prosperous Moldova on its path towards EU accession,” the EBRD head added.


This initiative represents only the first stage of a much broader plan. The authorities are already preparing other similar systems to expand farmers’ access to reliable water resources, transforming irrigation from a vulnerability into a cornerstone of food security and economic growth in the Republic of Moldova.