The feasibility study for connecting the Moldovan and EU railway networks is almost ready and will be presented to the EU in May.
Adina Valean, European Commissioner for Transport said this in an interview with Radio Moldova, recalling that this feasibility study was initiated by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission. The study will allow Moldova to have access to other tools of financing. At the same time, the EU is preparing new support packages and infrastructure investments in Moldova, as well as a review of transport corridors to Ukraine and Moldova. "We attach great importance to Moldova's and Ukraine's connection to the EU's internal market. We also proposed a review of our transport corridor policy to extend the 4 corridors to Ukraine and Moldova. We also looked at technical discrepancies between our networks, and here you know very well that I am referring specifically to the different gauges on the railroads, historically inherited. We have already started a pre-feasibility study to identify long-term strategic solutions that would ensure an uninterrupted railway link between Moldova and Ukraine and the EU. In the case of Moldova, our goal is to upgrade to EU standards the corridor from Ungheni to Chisinau and down to the Black Sea to Ukraine to Odessa. We expect the results of this study in May this year," the Commissioner said. Adina Valean also said the fact that the study has been done sets the stage for the projects to be acceptable and work well. "The fact that we are now helping with this study already creates a very good starting point for Moldova's future participation in what we call new infrastructure financing projects, already in EU instruments," the Commissioner continued. As it was reported earlier, the EU will provide Moldova with a grant of 20 million euros for rehabilitation of railroads. According to the EU Delegation, the grant shall be meant for Moldova's connection to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The European Commission and the European Investment Bank have launched a preliminary feasibility study for linking the Moldovan and Ukrainian railway networks to the EU, a strategic investment which will also boost global food security. // 31.03.2023 – InfoMarket
