EU's Global Gateway: How Moldova became an 'active partner'
Coordinated investment in transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure helps deliver economic development and stability, while bringing the region closer to the European Union.
The Republic of Moldova is ready to become an active and predictable partner in the European connectivity network.
The declaration came from Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, the Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister, during the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels (October 9-10). The forum was held under the auspices of the European Commission.
"For a landlocked country, every meter of access to the Danube is tremendously important. Giurgiuleşti Port is a vital link in European connectivity—a logistics hub connecting Moldova to global maritime networks and supporting regional resilience. Even the smallest openings can create the greatest opportunities for a country that looks firmly toward Europe," Mr Bolea noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the transformation of the state-owned Giurgiuleşti Port into a logistics hub integrated into the European TEN-T network. The volume of goods transhipped there has tripled in the last four years.
This evolution, according to the Minister, confirms the efficiency of public investments and international partnerships, thereby strengthening Moldova's position in regional logistics chains.
Mr Bolea also stressed the importance of cooperation through European initiatives such as the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea and Solidarity Lanes. He said solidarity and infrastructure could become concrete instruments of security, stability, and integration.
"Moldova has transitioned from the status of a beneficiary to that of an active and predictable partner in European connectivity projects. Connectivity is not just a line on a map, but a political and moral commitment between states that are united by the same values," the official declared.
Furthermore, the Minister reaffirmed Moldova's commitment to continuing the modernization of its national infrastructure, reducing logistical and energy dependencies, and strengthening ties with the European Union through projects financed under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
The forum discussed strategic directions for developing regional infrastructure, creating resilient logistics chains, and stimulating public–private partnerships.
The event brought together high-ranking representatives from the European Union, Türkiye, the Eastern Partnership countries, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus, as well as international financial institutions—the World Bank, EBRD, EIB, OECD, and AFD.
The Global Gateway Forum is the European Union's main platform for promoting sustainable, digital, and green investments, in partnership with countries worldwide.
The EU Delegation in Chișinău stated that since the Global Gateway initiative began in 2021, the European Union and international financial institutions have mobilized €1.7bn for projects in Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
