Access to European funds for regional development: Moldova can join EGTCs
The Republic of Moldova is advancing towards greater integration with European regional development mechanisms. A draft law, recently approved by Parliament in its first reading, permits local, district, and central public authorities to become full members of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), a framework commonly utilized within the European Union.
Action and Solidarity Party MP Larisa Voloh highlighted that these groups are established between public authorities from different countries to implement joint projects of regional and cross-border interest, funded by European resources. European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) can undertake initiatives in areas such as transportation, environmental protection, health, education, tourism, and local economic development.
“The adoption of this law in the Republic of Moldova will facilitate local authorities' access to European funds, accelerate regional and cross-border development, and enable the implementation of joint projects with European Union member states. It will also strengthen the capacity of local public administration and help reduce regional disparities,” the parliamentarian stated during the meeting on May 7.
Sergiu Suharenco, the interim director of the EAST GATE EGTC—the first European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation registered in Romania—chaired by Florin Mitroi, the President of the Constanța County Council, welcomed the Chișinău Parliament's vote. He noted that this vote represents “a defining moment for European territorial cooperation in the Republic of Moldova.”
Delegates from Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine participated in the official establishment of the EAST GATE EGTC on March 19 at the Palace of the Parliament in Romania.
“The future of our communities—from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine—is being built together within the same European framework of cooperation,” stated the EAST GATE EGTC director, who expressed confidence in the successful completion of the procedure, including the adoption of the project in the second reading and the promulgation of the law.
The mission of the EAST GATE EGTC is to facilitate cooperation among member authorities from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria, and Ukraine in areas of common strategic interest, such as regional connectivity, environmental protection, health, education, digitalization, economic development, cultural heritage, and emergency management. The official registration procedures for the grouping are expected to be completed by autumn this year.
