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On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the final conference of the Romania-Republic of Moldova cross-border cooperation programme 2014-2020 took place in Chisinau. The event brought together the management structures, project beneficiaries, diplomatic missions in Chisinau and representatives of the European Commission.

The conference aimed to officially mark the completion of the Joint Operational Programme Romania-Republic of Moldova 2014-2020 and to bring to the attention of the public the results achieved by the funded projects.
Over 20 projects presented materials developed with European funds, consisting of equipment for interventions in emergency situations, technical equipment, information materials in different fields (obesity prevention, social inclusion, entrepreneurship etc.), and, during the thematic panels organized during the conference, several beneficiaries talked about the experience of running a cross-border project, about the challenges encountered, but also about the importance of financial support provided by the programme.
The 81 projects financed through the Romania-Republic of Moldova programme total 99 million Euro, funds invested in road rehabilitation, modernization of schools, universities and hospitals, preparation of institutions and population for emergency situations, as well as restoration and promotion of tourist attractions on both banks of the Prut River.
The programme provided funding to the counties of Iasi, Vaslui, Galati, Botosani and the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova.
Dignitaries from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the representative of the European Union Delegation to Chisinau, of the Romanian Embassy in Chisinau, the Secretary General of the Government in Chisinau, the Head of the Programme Managing Authority and the representative of the European Commission spoke at the opening of the conference, the general message highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries and the desire of all those involved to continue this collaboration.
"Romania and the Republic of Moldova share an experience of over 20 years of cross-border cooperation, supported by the European Union. We have invested almost 100 million Euro in modernizing medical units, in rehabilitating and equipping schools and universities on both sides of the border, in restoring roads and streamlining border crossing points. We are preparing to invest a similar amount during 2021-2027 and we hope to have projects at least as good, for the benefit of local communities," said Aurel-Dragoș Drăghescu, Undersecretary of State within the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration of Romania, present at the event.
"The results with impact achieved within the Romania-Republic of Moldova cross-border cooperation programme, supported by European Union funds, reconfirm this strong partnership that generates growth opportunities, concrete benefits for people and a better life on both banks of the Prut River," added Artur Mija, Secretary General of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.
About 250 participants from the two countries (central and local public authorities, beneficiaries of funding, institutions managing the program from both countries) were present at the event on Thursday.