Moldovan government invests 628 million lei in roads' modernization in 132 settlements through Europe is Close programme

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR) today announced the approval of funding for 132 projects on local roads’ modernization, as part of the 2025 edition of the government programme, Europe is Close. At a news conference, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea has unveiled details of the first implementation phase aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of citizens.

The total budget allocated for this phase is 628 million lei, of which 568 million come from the National Fund for Regional and Local Development (FNDRL), and 60 million is the contribution of local public authorities. The projects cover the entire country's territory: 28 in the northern region, 65 in the center, 8 in the suburbs of the municipality of Chisinau, 30 in the south and one in Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) of Gagauzia.

According to Vladimir Bolea, the programme aims to bring European standards closer to each local community of Moldova.

‘’Roads mean access to essential services, education, health, and safety. Through this program, we aim to bring more comfort to people's lives,’’ the deputy PM said.

In total, 579 eligible projects were submitted, with an estimated value of 2.6 billion lei. The minister assured that all these projects would be funded in future editions of the programme. A second edition for 2025 is scheduled for the next autumn, after budget’s amendment.

The implementation of the 132 projects in the first phase involves 20 kilometers of roads of district and municipal interest; 105 kilometers of commune roads and streets in localities; 41 kilometers of pedestrian paths and access platforms to public institutions.

It is estimated that about 315,000 residents will directly benefit from these investments.

The Europe is Close programme is part of the government's strategy to reduce development gaps and modernize rural infrastructure, contributing to the gradual integration of Moldova into the European Union's infrastructure standards.