European Investment Bank (EIB) and Moldova’s government signed two agreements to improve the country’s economic and environmental resilience at the Moldova Partnership Platform conference.
These agreements were presented by Jānis Mažeiks, the EU ambassador to Moldova, Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova, and Teresa Czerwińska, Vice President of the EIB.
In the first agreement, an EU grant of €12 million would modernize Moldova’s railway infrastructure, while an EIB loan of €200 million would be used for forest development.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen regional trade routes, boost connectivity, and advance Moldova’s green transition.
The National Forest Extension and Rehabilitation Programme in Moldova will benefit from the €200 million funding from the European Investment Bank and sustainable forestry development.
With this project, Moldova will be able to solve issues like soil erosion and biodiversity loss while adding 145,000 hectares of new forest land.
The EIB investment will support the rehabilitation of 63,000 hectares of degraded land and forests, reinforce the regulatory framework, and enhance forest governance as part of this endeavour.
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The EU for Ukraine Advisory Program is also receiving a €500,000 technical assistance grant from the EIB.
Maia Sandu, Moldova’s President said, “Our development strategy goes hand-in-hand with tackling climate change. One project especially close to my heart is our ambitious afforestation effort to add 145 000 hectares of forest over the next decade.”
Teresa Czerwińska, the EIB Vice-President added, “The agreements signed today reflect our commitment to enhancing Moldova’s environmental resilience, improving infrastructure and fostering economic stability.”
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The EIB and Moldova agreed upon the EU investment grant of €12 million, which was in addition to the €41.2 million loan that was signed in 2023 for forestry.
A portion of Moldova’s railway network will be renovated and maintained with the help of this fund, enhancing internal connectivity and giving Ukraine an export channel.
This project aligns with the Solidarity Lanes program, which aims to improve Moldova’s connectivity with Europe and Ukraine to strengthen economic resilience and regional stability.