In Chișinău, the final conference of the Romania-Republic of Moldova Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2014-2020 took place. The event brought together the structures that managed the program from both countries, project beneficiaries, diplomatic missions in Chișinău, and representatives of the European Commission.

The conference aimed to officially mark the completion of the Joint Operational Program Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020 and to highlight to the public the results achieved by the funded projects.

Over 20 projects presented materials produced with European funds, including equipment for emergency interventions, technical equipment, informational materials in various fields (obesity prevention, social inclusion, entrepreneurship, etc.). During the thematic panels organized throughout the conference, several beneficiaries spoke about their experience with cross-border projects, the challenges encountered, and the importance of the financial support provided by the program.

The 81 projects funded by the Romania-Republic of Moldova program total €99 million, funds invested in road rehabilitation, school, university, and hospital modernization, preparation of institutions and populations for emergencies, as well as restoration and promotion of tourist attractions on both sides of the Prut River.

The program provided funding to the counties of Iași, Vaslui, Galați, Botoșani, and the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova.

Dignitaries from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the representative of the European Union Delegation in Chișinău, the Embassy of Romania in Chișinău, the Secretary General of the Chișinău Government, the head of the program's Management Authority, and the representative of the European Commission spoke at the opening of the conference, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two countries and the desire of all involved parties to continue this collaboration.

"Romania and the Republic of Moldova share over 20 years of cross-border cooperation experience, supported by the European Union. We have invested almost €100 million in modernizing medical units, rehabilitating and equipping schools and universities on both sides of the border, repairing roads, and streamlining border crossing points.

We are preparing to invest a similar amount in the period 2021-2027, and we hope to have projects at least as good, to the benefit of local communities," said Aurel-Dragoș Drăghescu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration of Romania, present at the event.

"The impactful results achieved within the Romania-Republic of Moldova cross-border cooperation program, supported by EU funds, confirm this strong partnership that generates growth opportunities, tangible benefits for people, and a better life on both sides of the Prut River," added Artur Mija, Secretary General of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

Approximately 250 participants from both countries (central and local public authorities, funding beneficiaries, institutions managing the program from both countries) attended the event.

The Joint Operational Program Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020 is funded by the European Union through the European Neighborhood Instrument. The EU's financial allocation is €81 million. The program targets the area at the border between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and contributes to achieving the overall objective of the European Neighborhood Instrument: the evolution towards a region of prosperity and good neighborliness, achieved through cross-border cooperation actions for the benefit of EU member and non-member states neighboring the EU.

All information regarding the Joint Operational Program Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020, funded projects, and useful information for funding beneficiaries can be found on the dedicated program website, www.ro-md.net. (Photo: Freepik)