Prime Minister Iurie Leanca attended the national conference entitled ‘Cross-border cooperation: achievements of the Republic of Moldova during 2007-2013’, held in Chisinau today. The prime minister said that for the Republic of Moldova, CBC consistently affirmed as an area of ​​real actions and deeds that bring tangible results for communities and people.

‘There are vital projects to our good neighborly relations with Romania and Ukraine, and proximity to Europe. Due to the fact that these are programmes that help improve people’s lives – either rural development or by the application of new practices in agriculture, enhancing quality of health care or tourism development’ said the Prime Minister.

Iurie Leanca was referring to some of the projects under the CBC Programme mentioning the creation of emergency service SMURD, Ungheni – Iasi gas pipeline construction, renovation of Costeşti-Stinca dam, Soroca Fortress restoration, construction of a modern agricultural complex in Sângerei and a modern exhibition complex in Ialoveni.

‘There are projects that are not seen, but which will have a solid impact in increasing capacity of state institutions to manage certain processes. It mainly focuses on border management and internal affairs’ said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the next stage of CBC Programme in the years 2015-2020, will be a very productive one and development projects and modernization of the country, carried out with the support of European partners, will bring Moldova closer to meeting its main objective – accession to the European family.

Attending the event, Head of EU Delegation in Chisinau, Pirkka Tapiola congratulated the Prime Minister Iurie Leanca for the way he was involved in promoting cross-border cooperation, which ensured effective coordination to achieve successful projects in the field. The official said that the European Union will continue to support cross-border projects directed to Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. ‘In the coming period we are talking about a total of EUR 81 million, only component Moldova-Romania. It is a grant that should be used effectively and I am sure that, given past experience, it will be so’ said Pirkka Tapiola.

The conference is organized by the State Chancellery in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction and supported by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ. The event, which is a platform for communication and exchange of experience, aims to examine the results obtained in 2007-2013 and to project future CBC programmes for the years 2014-2020. The conference was attended by representatives of programmes and institutions involved in the management of cross-border cooperation projects.