EU signs transport infrastructure grant agreements to better connect Moldova with EU

The aim of these agreements is to improve the transport links between the Republic of Moldova and Romania along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The projects will modernise the transport infrastructure at the border crossing points Ungheni, Albita-Leuseni and Reni-Giurgiulesti-Galati. These investments will strengthen the EU-Ukraine solidarity lanes – the routes that are being used, since Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, to transport goods exported and imported by Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.   Transport Commissioner Adina Valean said: “Thanks to the close cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, we can start today the implementation phase of three very important projects that will significantly increase capacity and facilitate traffic flows along the border between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. It is important that these projects are implemented quickly, as they will bring the Republic of Moldova, a candidate country, closer to the European Union, giving its citizens and businesses easier and faster access to our internal market.”   On the Romanian side, 18 km of road will be upgraded to improve customs services at the Ungheni border crossing point. The Republic of Moldova will build a new access road and a new border crossing point. The existing infrastructure on both sides of the Albita-Leuseni border crossing point will be upgraded to improve the management of traffic flows. The final project will expand the parking spaces in Giurgiulesti and will purchase equipment necessary for customs control.   Transport links between the EU and the Republic of Moldova were discussed during yesterday’s meeting between Commissioner Valean and Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Recean.   In addition, a new call for proposals under CEF Transport has just been launched, which will make more than EUR 7 billion available for rail, road, inland waterway and maritime or inland ports infrastructure projects. For the first time, Moldovan entities can apply directly to apply for EU funding under this call, following the signing of  the CEF Association Agreement earlier this year.