Moldova unveils 2026 infrastructure roadmap: Bridges, rails, and "European courtyards"
Vice Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea has outlined a massive infrastructure agenda for 2025 and 2026, headlined by the "Europe is Close" and "European Courtyard" initiatives. These programs form part of a broader strategy involving over 1,600 active projects across the country.
Speaking on Radio Moldova, Bolea emphasized that the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development will exceed 3 billion MDL (approx. €155 million). This funding is earmarked for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's transport and local living standards.
Modernizing the national road and bridge network
The government plans to construct over 150 kilometers of national roads and perform capital repairs on eight major bridges by 2026. Additionally, 133 local roads are slated for modernization to connect rural communities to economic hubs.
"We are going into villages to build roads where they have never existed before," Bolea stated. He noted that the state is committed to a balanced investment strategy, ensuring that every region benefits from the national budget.
Strategic restructuring of Moldova Railways (CFM)
A major pillar of the 2026 plan is the reorganization of the state railway enterprise, Calea Ferată din Moldova (CFM). The entity will split into two specialized agencies: "CFM Infrastructure" and "CFM Freight" (CFM Marfă).
To support this transition, the government has already allocated 1,000 tons of diesel and 85 million MDL (approx. €4.4 million) for critical track restoration. Key segments, such as the Fălciu bridge, are expected to resume operations in January, followed by the Văleni sector in March.
Empowering communities through bottom-up funding
The "European Courtyard" program has introduced a decentralized approach to urban development in the capital, Chișinău. Each selected courtyard receives a budget of 5 million MDL (approx. €258,000), with residents deciding exactly how the funds are spent.
"It was an important exercise in democracy," Bolea explained. "Residents discussed their needs and reached a consensus on how to prioritize modern urban furniture and landscaping within their specific budgets."
Scaling the "Europe is Close" initiative
The third edition of the "Europe is Close" program will soon expand to 133 additional localities. This brings the total number of supported projects to 353, backed by a total investment of 1.6 billion MDL (approx. €82.5 million).
While the national government provides the bulk of the funding via the National Fund for Regional and Local Development, local town halls are contributing 190 million MDL to the effort. The focus remains on essential services, including water supply, sanitation, and modernizing local infrastructure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
