Cohesion 2027+ // Deputy PM says Moldova does not come to EU as beneficiary, but as responsible partner

Moldova shows internal investment capacity through solid national programmes and does not come to the European Union as a beneficiary, but as a responsible and capable partner, contributing to the cohesion, resilience and competitiveness of the European Union. Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea has made statements to this effect, who participated in the high-level conference, Cohesion 2027+. The Moldovan official presented the progress Moldova had made in regional development and alignment with EU standards.

In his speech, Vladimir Bolea highlighted Moldova's strategic direction and full commitment to integrating into the European Union:

‘’Our way to the EU is a conscious and irreversible choice, grounded on the aspiration to contribute to the stability, democracy and prosperity of the region we are part of.'

The deputy PM noted that Moldova demonstrated internal investment capacity through solid national programmes, emphasizing the importance of the European Village, Europe is Close, European Yard and Development of Growth Pole Cities programmes. The official conveyed a firm commitment:

‘’Moldova does not come to the European Union as a beneficiary, but as a responsible and capable partner contributing to the Union's cohesion, resilience, and competitiveness.’’





At the same time, the deputy prime minister highlighted the progress Moldova had made in the accession process, including the completion of the bilateral screening for Chapter 22 on the EU's regional policy, a step confirming the country's ability to align with European legislation and mechanisms for managing and controlling structural funds.

Additionally, the minister referred to the reforms carried out in recent years, primarily regarding the modernization of the legislative framework in regional development and the strengthening of the institutional architecture created by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR), which ensures the coordination of regional policies, the Regional Development Agencies, which implement projects locally, and the National Office for Regional and Local Development, which provides direct support to local authorities.

Bolea also discussed the introduction of strategic coordination mechanisms similar to those in member states, such as the National Council for Regional Development Coordination and the Interministerial Planning Strategic Committee, as well as the implementation of a national training programme for local authorities, aimed at enhancing competencies for preparing competitive projects in the context of European funding.





The high-level Cohesion 2027+ conference, held in Bucharest, brought together representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, as well as ministers responsible for regional development and investments from EU member states, who discussed fostering long-term development, inclusive economic competitiveness and resilience across Europe.

The participants emphasized the need for a modern approach capable of addressing current economic and geopolitical challenges and highlighted the essential role of cohesion in reducing regional disparities and consolidating a more united and stronger Europe.

In his address, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said that Romania would continue to strongly support the European Union's enlargement towards Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkan states:

‘’The enlargement of the European Union is not an act of charity, but an investment in security. Countries that truly aspire to join the European Union - especially Moldova - must align with European standards, and Romania will be a strong supporter in this process,’’ emphasized the Romanian head of state, adding that an intense year lies ahead in terms of the European agenda.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Investments and European Projects of Romania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.