PHOTO // EU supports green transition of the Republic of Moldova

Green Moldova means a more prosperous, more resilient country that is better prepared for accession to the European Union, said European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall. The official noted in Chișinău that the European Union is ready to support the Republic of Moldova in implementing environmental projects and the green transition through the Growth Plan, which provides for the allocation of 1.9 billion euros for the country’s development.


“We believe that the green transition and all environmental actions that support these objectives are the compass guiding the Republic of Moldova on its journey towards the European Union, and that they are not only about ticking off certain commitments, but also about truly bringing benefits. We are genuinely pleased that the Republic of Moldova is meeting these standards. Of course, challenges remain,” said Jessika Roswall.




The European Commissioner underlined the importance of strengthening the administrative capacities of the Republic of Moldova for applying the EU environmental legislation and managing the challenges related to climate change.


“Administrative capacities are absolutely crucial if we want to implement all European legislation, and this is essential if we want to improve and address all the risks of climate change, improve infrastructure, wastewater treatment and others. We are ready to support the Republic of Moldova through the Growth Plan, which facilitates the allocation of 1.9 billion euros for the Republic of Moldova, in order to facilitate and speed up green projects for the Republic of Moldova,” added the European Commissioner for Environment.




Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder stressed that the green transition is more than just an environmental objective, being a process that concerns economic development, investments and the European future of the Republic of Moldova.


“The green transition is no longer just an environmental objective. It is about development, the economy, competitive investments and our European future. We have reaffirmed our goal to accelerate the transposition of European environmental legislation. However, changes will be made gradually so as not to put private companies and citizens in difficulty. For us, this process is not just about ticking off technical rules; it is essential that the new standards are explained in a way that everyone can understand. Our goal is clear: to have safer water, cleaner air and quality public services. We also discussed the reform of the Ministry of Environment and the strengthening of the capacities of the subordinate institutions. It is important that European legislation does not remain only on paper, but is applied correctly and efficiently to protect the environment,” said Hajder.




Among the priorities are the strengthening of environmental institutions, the digitalisation of registers of protected natural areas and obtaining additional technical support for Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change.


“We also discussed the need for additional support for digitalisation, especially for developing the registers of protected natural areas, and the need for greater technical support for Chapter 27. We need rapid, practical and direct expertise to maintain the pace of the reforms we have committed to. We greatly appreciate the support already provided by the EU through important projects in the field of air quality, climate resilience, green transition and institutional strengthening. Last but not least, I said that we are ready for the opening of Cluster 4 – Environment and Climate Change,” the minister added.




The European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, met today in Chișinău with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

The officials discussed the European path of the Republic of Moldova, the progress in aligning with the EU environmental acquis, as well as the investments needed for managing climate change, access to water, renewable energy, afforestation and waste management.