MOLDPRES REPORT: Romania, Moldova, two twin hearts, rewrite fraternal history, build stone bridges instead of flowers ones

Saturday, April 26, 2025, will undoubtedly go down in the history of Moldova. It will enter the annals of our country, which is increasingly making its mark, both literally and figuratively, in the itinerary of the civilized, open, democratic and progressive world. Emblematic, with a deep message for a different kind of future, Moldova has confirmed its European option, with a beautiful start given today, called the Bridge of Flowers.

The petal bridge will become a modern, sturdy four-lane bridge

The Bridge of Flowers from Ungheni is not just a visual expression; it is a phrase full of content, longing, dreams and hopes for most Moldova's citizens. For all people of good faith who want to stand beside their brothers across the Prut, not just with heartfelt affection, but with efficient, quick, functional routes, from 'home to home'.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Moldova Vladimir Bolea: In Ungheni, today we laid the foundation of the stone bridge that will connect Moldova with the European Highway. This is not just any event; it carries colossal significance for all who claimed their right to live in a democratic state and confirmed their identity 35 years ago. The petal bridge will become a modern, sturdy four-lane bridge. At Ungheni, we are writing history, and we write it all together!

Two Romanian hearts beat in unison in Ungheni

In a festive atmosphere, all of Moldova gathered in Ungheni today. With much confidence, people from all corners of the country experienced moments they will surely recount to future generations. Even more moving were the groups that brought together generations, with people who were at the Prut River 35 years ago, struggling to hold back tears as they saw opportunities returning.

Vladimir Bolea: We have begun the construction of the first road bridge across the Prut in the last six decades – the Bridge of Flowers 2025. This is not just a construction site. This is the beginning of a new bridge between people, between economies and destinies. This is our way of saying that Moldova is not standing still, but is building roads to the future. Today, we once again witnessed the power of collaboration and common vision.

The Ungheni–Ungheni Bridge will be part of the Union Highway and will directly connect the road networks of Moldova and Romania, bringing Europe even closer. And this is just the beginning: by the end of this year, feasibility studies for four more bridges across the Prut are expected to be completed, and in 2026, the design phase will begin.

Sorin Grindeanu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania: We are witnessing a historic moment - the first bridge across the Prut built after the Revolution! Work has commenced on the ensemble of bridges across the Prut, a project valued at over 150 million lei (excluding VAT), funded through European funds (CEF). The contractor must complete this modern 261 m highway-profile bridge by the end of next year (18 months).

The contract also includes the establishment of a border crossing point equipped with parking for large vehicles and cars. The new bridge at Ungheni is part of the Union Highway (A8) project and will interconnect the road infrastructures of Romania and Moldova, which will bring forth new economic opportunities for both Romanian-speaking states on the two banks of the Prut.

Moldova is developing with each completed project

Moldova is developing with each bridge, each kilometer of road and each project completed. Thus, Moldova is building not only infrastructure, but also the future of a country that has chosen to move forward.

The today’s event in Ungheni proved that many believe in this vision and work to turn it into reality. A vast multitude of people place their hope not only in a concrete structure, but also in the hope that this structure is the bridge to a new life.

Attending the event, Adina Ioana Valean, member of the European Parliament, said that this was a project very close to her heart, which she financed during her mandate as European Commissioner for Transport.

Adina Ioana Valean: It is not the only one, but I believe it is symbolically the most important for us. It is a bridge between the two economies of Moldova, Romania, and, why not, the European Union. It is an expression of freedom of movement, an opportunity for development.

For me, it means something enormous. I've been waiting for this Bridge of Flowers since '89, finally being able to cross it as my grandparents and great-grandparents did. To cross the Prut freely. For me, it means the beginning of the Union. That's all I want. And 35 years ago, as a child, I was at the Bridge of Flowers and could not miss this historic, emotional event that is full of respect for the people who are, in fact, a brother. I want a beautiful future for Moldova and for Ungheni. Tied with Romania as brothers, as sisters.

According to the MEP, beyond this project, many other infrastructure projects are planned, with tens of millions of euros earmarked for Moldova's border with Romania, Moldova's border with Ukraine and within Moldova. Also, Adina Valean noted that, in terms of transport, Moldova was already part of the European Union.

Adina Valean: We have managed to expand the European Union's infrastructure maps, by including Moldova. Moldova is sitting equally at the table with other EU member states when funding for transport infrastructure is allocated. Moldovan carriers can travel more easily, without transport quotas in the European Union. All this was done during my mandate as European Commissioner. Now, I am a member of the European Parliament and I promise to continue to care for and support all ongoing projects and new ones, up to the full integration of Moldova.

The Bridges of Flowers Becoming Bridges of Stone

The Bridge of Flowers refers to actions on the banks of the Prut River in the early 1990s, specifically 1990 and 1991, and then in 2015. On these occasions, for the first time since World War II, the Romanian-Soviet border could be crossed without documents.

Symbolically, during these events, flowers were launched on the Prut's waters from both banks. This detail gave the name to these manifestations.

The first Bridge of Flowers took place on May 6, 1990. During the event, Romanians were allowed to cross the Prut into Soviet Moldova without passports and visas between 1 PM and 7 PM on that day.

After this action, the procedures for crossing the Soviet-Romanian border were considerably simplified.

The second Bridge of Flowers occurred on June 16, 1991. This time, Moldovan residents could cross the border into Romania without documents.

Igor Grosu, Moldova’s Parliament Speaker: I feel honored to witness this truly historic event, because 35 years ago, our forebears created a bridge of flowers, a bridge of emotion full of spirit, long-awaited. They removed the barbed wire from the Prut. Yet, our generation rightfully bears the obligation and honor to build stone bridges.

Marian Neacsu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Romanian government: In the 1990s, it was the time of the bridges of flowers, in the 2000s, and recently, it was the time of the bridge of soul, now it is time for bridges sturdily and seriously constructed. True, they are made of concrete and iron, but they are bridges that represent not only a destination, but a destiny.

The Bridges of Flowers are becoming Bridges of Stone. Flowers are transformed into something material, secure and steadfast. Hundreds of Moldovans relived today in Ungheni the emotions from 1990, when Romanians on both banks of the Prut could embrace freely. Today, fraternal embraces have become natural, so it is time for them to turn into a common path, full of love, respect, mutual support and something much more than friendship and partnership, something that is reflected in those flowers carried by the waters of the Prut. Flowers that will lay the foundation of an unshakeable development programme.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii

Photo: Andrei Mardari