Moldovan cities are preparing to implement development projects supported by the URBACT IV program with total funding of €86.7 million
The State Chancellery announced this, noting that opportunities for accessing European funding for the implementation of various projects in Moldova were presented at an information session dedicated to the Transfer Networks competition under the URBACT IV program. The event was attended by representatives of cities, municipalities, regional development agencies, as well as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development. Participants were informed about the mission and objectives of the URBACT IV program, as well as the details of the Transfer Networks competition: terms for participation, partnership structure, available financial and technical support. The stages of the application process and the methodology for identifying European best practices that can be transferred to cities in our country were also presented. The aim of the event was to encourage Moldovan cities to join European transfer networks, learn from the experience of other countries, and take advantage of the opportunities offered by URBACT IV. The competition will run until June 30 and aims to create partnerships between cities wishing to transfer one of the 116 URBACT best practices to their local contexts. Applications for the competition can be submitted by cities from 27 EU countries, partner countries (Norway, Switzerland), cities from countries benefiting from the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), as well as Moldova and Ukraine. Earlier it was reported that Moldova will receive access to European grant funding of over €86.7 million to modernize the country's cities according to the European model. In particular, this is provided for by the Moldovan parliament- ratified Financing Agreement between Moldova, the European Commission, and the French National Agency for Territorial Cohesion for the URBACT IV program for 2021-2027. According to the government, under this Agreement, Moldova will gain access to European funding and modern solutions for urban development, infrastructure improvement, and quality of life. As part of this program, our country will be able to take advantage of specific projects that will transform cities and contribute to the creation of greener and more prosperous communities. Funding will be available for the modernization of public transport with a focus on environmental sustainability, the development of parks and other public spaces, the reduction of pollution, and the improvement of energy efficiency. At the same time, cities in our country will be able to receive support in developing effective public policies based on the exchange of best practices at the European level. The conclusion of the Agreement opens up the possibility for program beneficiaries from participating countries to access financial resources in the form of a grant of €86,769,799 for joint projects implemented on the basis of partnership. The agreement provides for the beneficiaries’ co-financing of the activities included in the projects in the amount of at least 10% of the project budget. Thus, the total budget of the program is €110,100,574. The national contribution of the participating countries is €23,330,775. The agreement is important for Moldova's economy as it facilitates access to external financing that can stimulate urban and infrastructure development. The financing Agreement opens up favorable prospects for the development of economic relations within the framework of territorial cooperation, opening up new opportunities for international cooperation. Direct benefits for Moldova's economy include investments in urban infrastructure and improvements in the quality of urban life. Indirect benefits include increased attractiveness of cities and potential foreign investment. At the same time, through specific objectives selected for funding by the program, projects that will contribute to environmental protection and the fight against the effects of climate change will also be financed. The Agreement provides a favorable prospect for the development of economic relations within the framework of territorial cooperation, opening up new opportunities for international cooperation. // 06.05.2025 — InfoMarket
