I woke up at 5. I went with my team from the ministry to the railway station and took the Chișinău - Iași (Romania) train. I talked to the people on the train about Europe. I strongly suggest going to Iași by train: less pollution, coffee on board, and a little help for this sector. We got off the train in Ungheni (Moldova), where people celebrated peace, Europe Day. This is the atmosphere and the mood I want to see in every village and every city in Moldova. 

Who are we? 

From the 90s, when Moldova became an independent country, until today, the country oscillates between multiple identities. On the one hand, many of our co-nationals live and work abroad in Europe and understand the advantages of having European living standards. On the other hand, there is intensive Russian propaganda from external agents, but also “made in Moldova.” 

And yet, the truth does not stand in the middle this time. Moldova breathes Europe. Moldova is Europe. 

What does EU in Moldova: Infrastructure

Most of the big projects launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development are supported by EU investments. With EU support, more than 600 kilometers of roads have been built or renovated, and this is just the beginning. 

By 2026, with the help of the European Union, we will rehabilitate our railways.

• Southern corridor Tighina - Causeni - Basarabeasca - Etulia - Giurgiulesti - 244 km of railway. The investment cost is €113 million

• Northern corridor Valcineț-Ocnița-Bălți-Ungheni-Chișinău-Căinari where 128 km out of 442 km are being repaired. The investment cost is €119 million. 

We are receiving assistance for regional development and have managed to renovate schools in all regions from north to south. 

European Union is about PEACE

With a war at the borders, Moldova needs peace now. And this is what the EU is promoting and assuring. No EU country attacked another EU country. There is reciprocal respect and collaboration. We all stand for the same values of socio-economic freedom, justice, and transparency. Our way to being fully part of the EU is still long, but step by step, together, we build the European Moldova.

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Brussels. Every time I go to Brussels, I know Moldova belongs to the European Union family. I attended the informal Council of EU Transport Ministers. Step by step, we are doing everything we need to be integrated into the European transport market and system.

• In 2023, we became the first country outside the EU to join the CEF mechanism, which provides co-funding for large infrastructure projects.

• Trans-European transport maps have been extended to Moldova. The most important roads and railways are now part of the European transport network.

• Some weeks ago,  we signed the extension of the liberalization agreement for road freight transport, which means that until December 2025, Moldovan haulers can move freely without special authorizations in EU countries;

We have much to do, but a lot has been done, and there is no way back. Moldova is on the right path towards the EU.

The European Village 2024

The applications for the European Village 2024 are closed. The response to our latest call for projects has been positive. We have received 748 project submissions, with more than 80% participation from municipalities nationwide. These projects span crucial areas such as water supply, public building renovations, recreational infrastructure, and cultural heritage preservation—each reflecting the needs and objectives of our communities. The numbers show that mayors care about their villages. The numbers also show that the European Village is Moldova's most ambitious and concrete infrastructure project. 

In the past two years alone, we have achieved monumental milestones:

• We've constructed nearly 800 kilometers of water supply systems, now serving over 130,000 citizens.

• About 100 kilometers of sewage systems and 12 new sewage treatment plants have been established, benefiting more than 120,000 residents.

• Over 700 kilometers of new street lighting have been installed, brightening the lives of 200,000 people.

• We have also renovated over 330 social infrastructure facilities, including kindergartens, schools, sports fields, and cultural centers, positively impacting over 560,000 citizens.

And this is just the beginning. Through this program, launched by our President Maia Sandu in 2022, we are improving the lives of our citizens across both rural and urban areas.

#PentruReferendum

Talking about Europe, we launched an information campaign about the EU referendum. Every weekend, I go to cities and villages and talk to people. Most of them know very well what this referendum means for Moldova; others say there is no need for a referendum as Moldova is already European, and many others need to be informed. And this is what we do. 

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Launched.

The Railway Forum in Chisinau is an inaugural event drawing ambassadors, business leaders, and experts. Discussions focused on the current state of Moldova's railways and the future ahead, spurred by international insights and collaboration. We welcomed the insights shared by Adina Vălean, the EU Commissioner for Transport, during her virtual opening message. Her emphasis on infrastructure as a critical pillar for Moldova's integration into the European Union set a strategic tone for the forum's discussions and outcomes.

But why?

The railway sector in Moldova has been going through a complicated period for several years. The infrastructure is obsolete, the company is struggling operationally, private investment is lacking, and rolling stock such as wagons is at its limits. In 2021, we said we would invest in railways, and that is what we are doing:

• The Railway Code has been approved, which has led to attracting private investment in the sector;

• We have started the rehabilitation of the Tighina - Basarabeasca - Etulia - Giurgiulesti section;

• We have identified resources for the rehabilitation of the northern corridor from Vălcineți - Ocnița to Căinari. 

The pre-feasibility study for a high-speed railway linking Moldova to the EU and Ukraine has been completed. However, it is not enough. The forum presented the actual situation of the railways. The calculation is simple. We need about €3 billion to rebuild all the infrastructure and 15-20 years to complete this program. At the same time, we need to be precise. This work would not be possible without the European Union and our partners.

Today, trains run on Moldova's tracks at 38 km per hour, far behind all trains in Europe, where the speed is 100 km/h for cargo and 150 km/h for passenger transport.  

Signed.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the French Embassy in Moldova - a significant step towards international collaboration. This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to enhancing the railway sector, marking a new chapter in our journey towards a dynamic and interconnected future.

Presented.

Here is a summary of the forum's key outcomes and the next steps. The discussions and collaborations at the forum are just the beginning. With a clear path for Moldova's railway sector, we are on track to develop this sector. 

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Approved. 

The 303 law changes were approved. This is the basis for the water and sanitation system in Moldova. We will have a better legal framework for providing people with water and sanitation services. The main provisions of the project are:

✅ The National Agency for Energy Regulation - ANRE Republic of Moldova will be responsible for the control of unlicensed operators and the agency will also create and manage an automated information system to monitor the activity of all operators in the sector.

✅ LPAs will be able to set a development quota in the service tariff structure, which will be used for the modernization of infrastructure related to the public water supply and sewerage service.

✅ We will have a clear mechanism for the authorization, construction, registration, control, operation, and maintenance of individual wastewater collection and treatment systems in rural areas.

Visited.

Ialoveni, the center of Moldova, where an agreement space is being built for the 16,800 people living in the city, but also for other 11,000 residents of the neighboring villages: Costești, Hansca, Mileștii Mici, Molești, and Sociteni. The urban revitalization project includes a Green Theatre, pedestrian walkways, and a sports field. The park has also been designed for small local producers, craftsmen, artisans, and economic agents, such as the rustic-style spaces for street trade.

Horești,  where thanks to the National European Village Programme, the House of Culture has a new roof, benefiting over 3500 inhabitants of the village. Under the roof of the building work also the employees of the town hall, the councillors, the librarians, and the employees of the post office. Sports and extracurricular activities are also held at the House of Culture. 

Regional Development. 

The citizens of 10 towns in the center of the country will enjoy the town planning projects implemented by the Regional Development Agency Center. I went to Ialoveni on Thursday and discussed it with colleagues from the Agency. They told me how important it is to provide people with clean, efficient spaces where they can spend their time and how important these projects are for the economic development of the region. 9/10 contracts for urban revitalization and mobility have already been signed, and the tenth will be signed next week. This is a great step ahead of transforming our cities into better places to live.

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Airport.

After Lufthansa announced that it is back in Chisinau, Wizz Air is opening two new routes from Chisinau International Airport (RMO). From 31 March 2024, our citizens will be able to travel to Budapest and Venice on Thursdays and Sundays.

Signed.

We have taken the first step towards the construction of the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau-Odesa Highway - Moldova's corridor to the #EU. At the end of January, together with the Director of the State Road Administration, Sergiu Bejan, I signed a Cooperation Agreement with the European Investment Bank through which the Eastern Partnership Countries Connectivity Investment Facility (EPIC) finances the pre-feasibility (2024) and feasibility (2025) study for the road construction project. Closer to #EU also from an infrastructure point of view.

Launched. 

I have been in Strasbourg where I launched together with European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean the High Level Dialogue between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on transport. It is clear, that the road of the Republic of Moldova leads to the European Union and the launch of the High-Level Dialogue between our country and the EU shows us once again that we have reliable partners and that together we will succeed!

Visited. 

The south of Moldova. I went to see the progress of the bridge repair works on the public road M3 Chișinău - Comrat - Giurgiulesti - border with Romania, km 41.96.  I also went to Cenac, Cimislia district, where thanks to the National Programme "European Village" 512 households, 13 economic agents, and 5 social-cultural objects have access to drinking water. We also visited the sewage treatment plant in the city of Causeni, where the second phase of work is taking place: i.e. the sewage system is being built in the "Causenii Vechi" sector that will give access to 16000 people. Water remains one of the top priorities. 

Politics.

On the political side, I had a meeting with the team of local elected representatives of the Action and Solidarity Party. We discussed the development of the localities, but especially the European integration of our country. I was happy to see my colleagues again and to see their dedication to the European future of our country. Together we are stronger, together we will succeed.

The photography of the week

Happy New Year everyone, hope it will exceed your expectations. For many, January is the month of reflection: what has been done and what opportunities we have ahead. 2023 was a good year for our country, as the continuous commitment to becoming a member of the EU gave results. On 15 December, in a very interesting political period, where there was a lot of skepticism dictated by some EU leaders, the Council gave us an opportunity. And this is one of the strongest messages for our people: Moldova is on the right path. It will not be easy, but it is indispensable.

Thank you, EU.  2024 will be a good year.

But going back to the last days of 2023 and the first days of 2024

Opened

The road traffic at the road junction (bridge) on the M5 road km 133, at the exit of Balti city. 

The road junction on the M5 is the most important junction in the north of Moldova and its rehabilitation means creating infrastructure and economic connections between the centre and the north of Moldova.

Visited 

 Floresti, where a new wastewater treatment plant was built, is the most modern plant in northern Moldova. Thanks to the treatment system, more than 30,000 inhabitants will have a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment. This is how it should be throughout the country. 

People from Volovita, Soroca now also have access to drinking water. Through the national European Village program, more than 450 households and public institutions have access to drinking water in their taps. Before the implementation of the project, only 20 households could enjoy this right. 

 One of our priorities in the Moldova Infrastructure Reconstruction Plan 5+ is that all households in the country have (good) water at the taps. And that's what we will do in 2024 as well. 

#ConnectingEurope

We have signed a high-level Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on indicative maps of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the Republic of Moldova. This means that two road segments R7 (Soroca-Drochia-Costești, border with Romania) and R30 (Anenii Noi-Cauuseni-Stefan Voda, border with Ukraine) have become part of the Trans-European Road Network. Similarly, the railway sections Chisinau-Cainari-Basarabeasca and Balti-Ocnita will be part of the #TEN-T. A huge step in interconnecting Moldova with Europe. 

Heavy Snow on our roads

Last weekend, we had heavy snow, with snowdrifts and ice on the roads. This usually happens in Moldova, as we are used to long winters with average temperatures of - 20. In recent years, because of climate change, we don't have the joy of seeing snow every year. Anyway,  what I would like to highlight was the common effort of my colleagues from the Road Administration, the Police, and all the institutions involved to manage the situation. Road workers will be on duty and will do their best to limit the consequences of the weather situation and ensure the smooth circulation of the transport. 

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Visited.

The national public road G118 G110 - Căinari - Sălcuța - R26, where a section of 3.4 km is being rehabilitated. There are a lot of wineries in the region so an adequate infrastructure is needed.

The Matei Basarab High School in Basarabeasca, thanks to the support of the European Union and the German Embassy in Moldova, has been rehabilitated. The project carried out made the building energy efficient, 35 photovoltaic panels were installed, the lighting of the high school and its grounds was changed, and a pathway for disabled access was built. The 266 pupils, 18 teachers, and 14 auxiliary workers are now working in better, European conditions.

Analysed

The progress of the construction works on the bypass road of Vulcanesti, on the route M3 Chisinau - Comrat - Giurgiulesti - border with Romania. This segment of almost 9 kilometers will help carriers and companies exporting our products through the port of Giurgiulesti. Once the works are completed, the road to the port will be faster, and more convenient and will reduce transport costs.

The repair works on the national road G141 Vulcănești - Colibași - R34. The road workers are now installing rainwater drainage systems and by mid-December, all the work will be completed. The repair of this sector will facilitate the transport of goods and passengers to and from the village of Colibași in Cahul and the town of Vulcănești.

Participated.

In the second edition of the Romania - Republic of Moldova Economic Forum. I told the audience that in order to attract more investment, the Republic of Moldova must be rebuilt. Through the Moldova Infrastructure Reconstruction Plan 5+: we are building roads, bridges, developing Chisinau International Airport and the State Port of Giurgiulesti. These are big, ambitious projects, but strictly necessary for the economic development of the country and for the process of integration into the European Union.

Presented

The first parliamentary reading of the Road Transport Code has been approved. The new Code simplifies the conditions for carrying out road transport activities, decentralizes several processes, and ensures greater participation of local public authorities in the process of organizing road passenger transport by regular services. Our priority is to give access to modern transport to all citizens and this is what we will do, even if not all the “actors” agree on that.

The Picture of the Week

The map is yellow - /pas/ party won in 19 districts out of 32, and we have more than 240 mayors nationwide. The highest number of mayors after the first round. Good. I am confident about the second round on the 18th of November. But let's give a chronological order to the events.

Participated.

At the GAD World (Global Airport Development) Conference, the most important annual event for the airport industry in the world. We are continuing our efforts to attract a strategic partner to develop Chisinau airport.

The construction of a new terminal, the repair of the runways and apron, and the construction of an additional car park are just a few points in our modernization plan. 

Thanks to IFC for the support in this journey. 

Approved. 

The adjustments of road transport legislation. Our priority, as announced in the Moldova Infrastructure Reconstruction Plan 5+, is to provide all citizens with modern and safe transport services. The changes we are making are primarily geared to the interests of passengers.

Welcomed. 

The European Commission's recommendation for the European Union states to start accession talks with Moldova. It is a long journey and a lot of work, but we can do it thanks to our partners' support!

Visited.

The village of Peciște, Rezina, where the water supply network construction project is being completed. As in many other villages, people had no water on tap. Thanks to the project implemented through the European Village Programme, 170 out of 235 households have water on tap today. A second tower will provide all 235 homes with good water.

Talked to 

The people from Gordinești and Solonceni about the problems of the localities and how we can solve them together. Together with my colleague from PAS, Radu Marian, we expressed our support for the candidates for mayor. 

Good news from Brussels. 

Last week, I joined the delegation of the Prime Minister in Brussels, where the EU Commission announced they will provide an investment grant of EUR 12 million for the rehabilitation and modernization of two critical sections of the Vălcineț-Ungheni-Chișinău-Căinari railway line.

I also enjoyed meeting with Miss Adina Vălean, the EU Commissioner for Transport, who supports Moldova in the CEF projects.

Voted.

The Parliament voted on one of the most important documents that will finally regulate the Construction and Urbanism sector. It was a very long journey. 

It is a complex document, but it presents all the necessary notions, laws, and regulations so that the Republic of Moldova can build respect for the rules.

Inspected.  

The state of work at the Bender- Căușeni - Basarabeasca - Etulia - Giurgiulești railways site. The rehabilitation of the railways gives employment to more than 170 people with a decent job. By 2030, Moldova's Railways must be in good and excellent condition, and we will work for that.

The public road G124 connecting Ivanovnca, Carabetovca, Sadaclia, Iserliea, Bogdanovca to Basarabeasca, where rehabilitation works occur. The construction site was opened in September, and the roadmen and the contractor have assured me that by the end of November, we will have a good, repaired road with all markings and signs in place.

Moreover, on Monday, the rehabilitation work on G108 - a strategic connecting corridor linking the southeastern part of the Republic of Moldova with the M5 expressway, which passes through the center and north of Moldova. 

We will rehabilitate and asphalte more than 100 kilometers of roads this autumn.

Politics. 

As we were amid the electoral campaign, I visited more villages where I talked to people, explaining why we must vote for the pro-European parties. People have children, nephews, relatives, and friends who work and live in the EU, so they know what Europe means for Moldova and its people. 

I  met the locals from Ialpujeni, Javgur, Ecaterinovca, Valea Perjei, Nisporeni ( Brătuleni,  Boldurești, Bălăureșt), Dubăsari (village of Marcauti and village of Molovata Noua) and  Orhei (village Gheltova and Seliste).

The Picture of the Week

Presented.

The Ministry's Plan of Reconstruction of Moldova Infrastructure was presented in front of a broad delegation of 50 countries committed to supporting our European Journey. If you want to know more about how Moldova will look in the following years, here is an interactive map available in English and Romanian: https://msp.gov.md

The Urbanism and Construction Code. 

During a press conference, I presented - a new document that puts together the laws and guidelines regarding the construction and urbanism sector coherently and transparently. We want to assure citizens of sustainable buildings and well-settled villages and cities. The project will be presented in Parliament on Thursday, so that you can stay tuned. 

Visited. 

The village of Pîrîta, Dubăsari district. The project to build a sports field for children financed by the European Village program was completed at the village kindergarten.

Village of Stolniceni,  Hincesti. I talked to people about the village's water supply and sewerage project. The mayor, also the candidate for mayor, Sergiu Sîrbu, has already managed to complete a large part of the project. We will continue to support villages through the European Village program to bring water to every home.

Last week, I also visited the villages of Cotiujenii Mici, Drăgănești, Rădoaia and Sîngereii Noi. I met wonderful people everywhere, and we talked about our projects and how important it is to integrate our country into the EU.

On Sunday, I spent the day in the Criuleni district. I talked to people from the village of Mașcauți, Boșcana, or. Criuleni, Izbiște village and Ișnovăț village. I was happy to see that the regional road from Mașcauți to Brănești is being built. Criuleni and Ișnovăț, water supply systems, have been made through the European Village program.

Politics. The Censure Motion.

The opposition asked the Government to report on our activities. The Socialists were somehow annoyed by what this Government was doing. Why? Because it is doing well. During my speech, I had the opportunity to report on all the activities to develop our country and rebuild Moldova's infrastructure from North to South and from East to West. The motion failed!

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Airport.

As I mentioned last week, I went to Paris, where I met with several companies that design, build, finance and operate airports worldwide to understand under what conditions Moldova could attract such a company as a strategic partner for the development of Chisinau Airport. I had discussions with Vinci, Aéroports de Paris, and Bouygues Group. We will improve our airport capacity.

Approved.

Finally, we will start the rehabilitation of the Valcineț-Ocnitsa-Balti-Ungheni-Chisinau-Cainari corridor. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will allocate 23 million to repair and upgrade the most damaged sections of the 446 km. This means more passengers, freight, and economic opportunities for our country.

Voted.

The law on road infrastructure safety management was voted in the parliament. In 2022, there were 2,312 road traffic accidents in Moldova. We want to decrease this number and ensure our people don’t lose their lives or health on the road. 

Politics.

We launched the election campaign for the local elections: Team Pas - Team Europe. There is no other solution for the Republic of Moldova than integration into the European Union. I am confident that our people want what is best for their country and know that our future is European. May we be in luck!

Picture of the week.

Announced.

Last week, we announced the development plan for the state port of Giurgiulești. We decided to expand the public terminal at Giurgiulesti port by attracting a competitively selected strategic investor.  It is an objective of national importance that will create jobs, help farmers export their products more efficiently, and become an engine for the country's economic development. As promised, step by step, we will implement the projects of the Moldova 5+ Infrastructure Reconstruction Plan.

Attended.

The e-DNC portal (regulatory documents in construction) was launched.  A platform where construction professionals, local authorities, and all citizens can access up-to-date information quickly, for free. It is a crucial step towards the digitization of the construction sector. Thanks to our partner from USAID for supporting this.

Approved.

The owners of cars with foreign number plates who have been on the territory of the Republic of Moldova for more than 180 days will present the vignette payment only for the last 90 days. For the diaspora, the application period for tax facilities on return to the country is extended until October 2025.

Politics.

The first 532 candidates for mayor from the Action and Solidarity Party have submitted their documents. We are many, united, and we will integrate Moldova into the European Union.

Picture of the week

Checked.

The construction sites of the G141 and G125 roads and the Leova-Bumbata customs access road are almost ready. In short, having European roads is our number one priority, and we are working on it.

The junction near Balti on the M5 road is one of Moldova's most essential and complex road junctions, linking the national roads to Ukraine and Romania. Workers still have to install the kerb, pavements, and drainage system and finish the retaining wall.

Approved.

The government approved the law on road safety. In 2022, we had 2312 accidents and more than 200 road deaths. We want to reduce this number and ensure people don't lose their lives or health on public roads. Road safety audits will ensure that we plan, design, and build the road infrastructure with security as a top priority.

Visited.

Covurlui and Tomai villages in the Leova district, where two cultural centers are being built thanks to the European Village projects. Also, thanks to this project, the kindergarten in Negureni enjoys new furniture and digital tools that create a friendly and comfortable environment for children and employees.

During my visit to Bălți city, I attended the inauguration of Dimitrie Cantemir High School, which was supplied with renewable energy by installing 25 photovoltaic panels, the walls were insulated, the roof was rebuilt, and a toilet for disabled people was built: all the necessary conditions for students to feel good and comfortable when they come to class. All this was possible thanks to the European Union partners.

Picture of the week

1️⃣ European roads throughout the country - all express, national, and regional roads: almost 6000 km, must be of good or excellent quality;

2️⃣ European rail and sea transport - we need to increase the speed of trains on the territory of Moldova and develop the state port of Giurgiulesti – this became even more crucial with the war in Ukraine

3️⃣ Modern road transport - our primary goal is to ensure that people feel comfortable, arriving safely and on time wherever they travel, at home or abroad.

4️⃣ Water for all - all localities in the country must be connected to a public water distribution network. Every single citizen has the right to have good water on tap.

5️⃣ The European Village - arranged and well-kept localities. This is the project launched by our President Maia Sandu and the project that has a long-term positive impact on every one of us. I aim to implement all the initiatives so that future generations will have decent learning and living conditions.

PLUS ONE

As I said before, the Plan for the Reconstruction of the Infrastructure in Moldova contains a Plus One. It's about Big Projects - of National Importance: ambitious, large-scale projects but essential for moving forward towards Europe.

↗️ Construction of the Ungheni - Chisinau - Odessa highway.

↗️ High-speed railway, on European line gauge, connecting Bucharest to Chisinau and Chisinau to Odessa

↗️ Modernization of Chisinau Airport: a new terminal at European standards

↗️ Reconstruction of the Giurgiulesti State Port – an essential economic hub not just for Moldova but also for Romania and Ukraine

↗️ Construction of new bridges across Prut and Nistru, which will connect us to Ukraine and, of course, to the European Union

Finalized.

The construction of Troița Nouă bypass road, and Leuseni Albita bridge is done.

Approved.

The Government approved the New Urbanism and Building Code. We're going to bring rules in this area. This code aims to (1) clarify everything about how we plan and build our communities, (2) eliminate the illegalities that are being done in the building sector;

R.I.P. Moldova's first president Mircea Snegur

A leapfrog strategy is needed. Moldova needs a new plan for infrastructure development. In the following months, my team will put it on paper. The MIRD portfolio:

• roads infrastructure;

• transportation: railway, naval, aviation, road transportation;

• construction and urbanism;

• regional and local development in municipalities, cities, and villages;

• water and sanitation;

As I start (again) this blog, I will write my weekly updates on the work at the ministry. Stay tuned.

Good picture at the start

During the week, my colleagues from Energy, Regional Development, and Construction teams had the first rounds of consultations. In a nutshell, we have some big priorities for each sector:

• Energy - more renewables in 2023;

• Regional Development - further investments in local development. New call for European Village Government Program;

• Construction - a new Code for Urbanism and Construction will be approved during 2023;

Complete Annual Government Action Plan can be consulted here: ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w6KqIr (Romanian version).

I've been to Sîngerei rayon.

Met the local public administration and discussed the ongoing issues. On the way to Sîngerei, I drove on the brand new road finished in 2022 with the support of EBRD. Also, I stopped to see how local and regional projects improve the daily life of the communities. Sîngerei town and Bălășești village built playgrounds and sports facilities with the support of the European Village Governmental Programme.

Approved.

Moldova adheres to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic. It will improve national standards for maritime activity, reduce time, and save money for operators—a significant step forward for naval transportation.

Picture of the week.

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I will start by writing weekly updates about my work at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MoIRD).

1. Moldova's Energy front:

✅ Energy Community Secretariat statement: Moldova was the biggest mover in EU acquis implementation performance in 2022, accelerating energy sector reform under difficult circumstances and improving the security of supply for citizens. The full implementation report could be read here: ➡️ bit.ly/3iEyudE.

✅ Moldova's government finally approved backhaul gas transport regulation. The approval will open new opportunities to use the trans-Balkan pipeline to transport gas both to Moldova and Ukraine.

Note: Backhaul is the natural gas transaction, which involves the nomination and allocation of natural gas deliveries in the opposite direction to the main physical flow of natural gas, which takes place at certain unidirectional entry/exit points. This procedure is functional in European countries at the interconnection points.

✅ Energocom spent the 300 million EUR EBRD loan on gas storage. More than 100 tenders were conducted. Delivery points: USG Ukraine, IP Iasi (Ro) -Ungheni (MD), IP Budince Sk - UA. Average price: 91,4 EUR/MWh. Moldova has secured its gas need for the winter.

2. Transportation

✅ 233 km of the railway are under the process of rehabilitation. The works on the Bender - Causeni - Basarabeasca - Etulia - Giurgiulesti sector should end by 2024.

✅ The government approved a decision to digitalize the national network of transportation routes. The decision is part of the more extensive program for transport digitalization package and will increase the quality of intercity transportation.

✅ State-owned company responsible for roads started a partnership with the Waze application to help drivers on the roads. The company and Waze will work together to exchange live information about the critical info on the roads.

3. Picture of the week