Prime Minister at Digital Connectivity Platform meeting: For small country like Moldova, digitalization - competitive necessity

For the Republic of Moldova, digitalization is essential for increasing economic competitiveness, attracting investment, and integrating into the European market. The message was conveyed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan at the opening of the first meeting of the Digital Connectivity Platform, which he attended alongside President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The event is taking place on November 9–10 in Chișinău and is organized by the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Commission.

“For a small country like Moldova, digitalization is a competitive necessity. We cannot compete based on the size of our domestic market. We must compete on speed, simplicity, and ease of doing business,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the recent cyberattack on government infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for more effective protection mechanisms, including through the use of artificial intelligence and expanded international cooperation. At the same time, the official supports accelerating the digitalization of public services and simplifying procedures for entrepreneurs so that the Republic of Moldova can become a regional platform for trade, investment, and innovation, facilitating companies’ access to the European market.

“Moldova is open for business and ready to test innovative digital solutions in line with European standards. We must protect what we build, but we must not stop building,” Prime Minister Tofan added.

Attending the event, President Maia Sandu highlighted the country’s strategic role in connecting the European Union with Ukraine and the opportunities that infrastructure development offers investors. “Moldova is a country that knows the price of isolation and has chosen connections, Europe, and peace,” the head of state said.

For her part, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized the importance of investing in secure digital connectivity and strengthening regional cooperation. During the meeting, 10 declarations of intent were signed with partner countries, European companies, and international financial institutions, aimed at developing digital infrastructure, including satellite connectivity, as well as strengthening research and innovation.

Two important initiatives were announced for the Republic of Moldova. The first concerns the launch of a call for participation in WiFi4Moldova program, funded by the European Union with €1 million, through which free and secure Wi-Fi access points will be created in at least 30 localities, with a focus on underserved communities.

The second initiative concerns the preparation of a project for the development of a secure, resilient, and sustainable data center in the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the European Commission and Swedfund, the Swedish development finance institution. The data center is expected to contribute to the security and continuity of digital public services, the development of cloud storage and artificial intelligence capabilities, the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European digital ecosystem, and the strengthening of regional digital resilience.

“We want Moldovans to see and experience more Europe, even before full accession,” Marta Kos said.

The Digital Connectivity Platform brings together officials from the European Union, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, Türkiye, and Central Asia, as well as representatives of the business community and international financial institutions. Over two days, participants are discussing cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and opportunities for investment and regional cooperation. The agenda also includes sessions dedicated to the business community, aimed at identifying new opportunities for collaboration and developing regional partnerships.