Thousands of pupils to benefit from better conditions at school in Moldova: 20 institutions to be modernized with investment of over 50 million euros

Thousands of pupils will benefit from better study conditions, after 20 educational institutions will be modernized with an investment of over 50 million euros. Of this amount, 40 million euros will be provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The draft law for the ratification of the Financing Contract between Moldova and the EIB for the project, Rehabilitation and modernization of schools in Moldova, was approved by the parliament today, in the first and second readings, with the votes of 85 MPs.

The educational institutions included in the programme will benefit from extensive modernization works, ranging from thermal insulation of buildings and modernization of heating systems to renovation of classrooms, improved accessibility and the creation of safer learning spaces.

“The money will go to very concrete things, for major renovations, for energy efficiency, for modern equipment, for the arrangement of spaces and furniture,” said Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun, who presented the project in parliament.

Thus, the project is expected to include comprehensive upgrades of school buildings, heating and ventilation systems, lighting, fire safety systems and accessibility elements, as well as the renovation and modernization of educational spaces and equipment. A significant part of the investment will contribute to climate action goals through improvements in energy efficiency, thermal insulation measures and the integration of renewable energy solutions. The modernized infrastructure is expected to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Dan Perciun said that, of the 20 schools on the list, nine are in Chisinau and the remaining 11 are in other localities across Moldova. They were selected based on current conditions in the schools, with the aim of transforming them into model schools.

In addition to the loan provided by the EIB, the project will benefit from a grant of 2 million euros through the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP), as well as co-financing of 8 million euros from Moldova through the Reform and Growth Mechanism supported by the European Union. Thus, the total value of the investments will reach 50 million euros. Project implementation will begin in 2027, and the works will last about two years.

Dan Perciun noted that for the next four years, the investment portfolio for schools would be approximately 191 million euros.

This will be the first initiative of the European Investment Bank in Moldova, co-financed through the European Union’s Growth Plan for Moldova.

The network of model schools is one of the main reforms promoted by the Education and Research Ministry for the modernization of general education in  Moldova. The initiative was launched in 2023, when the first 35 educational institutions were selected, and in 2025, the network was expanded to 90 schools across all regions of the country. They are designed as regional educational centers, capable of attracting pupils from neighboring localities and offering study conditions that meet European standards.