Prime Minister and European Commissioner discussed accelerating green agenda and advancing the Republic of Moldova on European integration path

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu held a meeting today with Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, in the context of the EU official’s participation in Green Finance and Investment Forum Moldova. The discussion focused on the progress made by the Republic of Moldova on the environmental and European integration agenda, as well as the support needed to accelerate green reforms and investments.

Munteanu underlined that for the Republic of Moldova, the environmental agenda is an essential part of the European integration process. “We are not only talking about transposing legislation, but about safer water, larger forest areas, cleaner air, better-protected communities and a more competitive economy,” said Munteanu.

The Prime Minister pointed out that legislative reforms must be accompanied by substantial investments, expressing appreciation in this regard for the support of external partners and, in particular, of the European Union. Among the Government’s priorities are the expansion of waste management projects in all regions of the country, the continuation of investments in the forestry sector, the development of water infrastructure, the digitalisation of the environmental sector and the strengthening of modern monitoring systems. At the same time, the need to mobilise more private investment was highlighted, with reference to the positive outcomes of the Investment Conference recently held in Chisinau.

For her part, Jessika Roswall stressed that financial resources directed to the environmental sector are not costs, but investments in sustainable development, competitiveness and quality of life. The EU official noted the importance of strengthening institutional capacities in the field of environment, developing the necessary framework for the implementation of environmental policies and promoting green investments.

The officials also discussed the severe environmental impact of the war in Ukraine, including the pollution crisis of the Dniester River, generated after the Russian Federation’s attack on the Novodnestrovsk Hydropower Complex in Ukraine. Another important topic of the dialogue concerned climate change, decarbonisation efforts and ways to increase the level of environmental education.

Both sides reconfirmed their joint commitment to deepen cooperation in the field of environment and to support the Republic of Moldova’s transition towards a greener, more resilient and more competitive economy.