At the Global Gateway Forum, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi and European Investment Bank (EIB) President Werner Hoyer formalised a financial package under which the European Commission will provide an investment grant of €12 million for the EIB Global project to rehabilitate and modernise two key sections of railway line in Moldova.

Supported by a forthcoming loan of €42 million from EIB Global, the upgraded railway infrastructure will not only enhance internal connectivity within the country, but also offer a crucial export route for Ukraine, fostering regional stability and economic resilience.

The rehabilitation of Moldova’s north-south railway corridor will be central to this project. It provides a critical link from western Ukraine to key Danube and Prut River ports with access to international waters. The improved existing railway connection between Moldova and Ukraine aims to boost trade and is set to benefit both Ukrainian exports and the Moldovan economy, particularly in the context of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative.

The project will be implemented by the Moldovan railway operator Calea Ferată din Moldova and will cover the rehabilitation of railway infrastructure on Moldova’s Vălcineț-Ungheni-Chișinău-Căinari corridor. It is part of an overarching countrywide reform to improve the existing rail infrastructure and to bring Moldova’s railway network in line with EU standards and practices in the longer term.

Beyond immediate infrastructural improvements to Moldova’s key railway infrastructure, the project supports Moldova’s efforts to act in the spirit of solidarity with its neighbors and improve the crucial route of Solidarity Lanes. It also demonstrates the commitment of the EU and its bank, EIB, to supporting neighbouring countries in times of need.

EIB President Werner Hoyer said: “The €12 million contribution to Moldova’s rail infrastructure, to be complemented by an EIB loan, is a sign of the partnership and shared goals between Moldova and the European Union. It will improve Moldova’s economic prospects, and support regional connectivity with Ukraine in these difficult times. Moldova can count on the EU bank’s financial and technical support to upgrade its infrastructure through quality projects.”

EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Olivér Várhelyi said: “I am pleased to see our Solidarity Lanes initiative delivering in Moldova. This project is a great example showing where our joint efforts lead to tangible results. As Moldova becomes an integral part of the circulation of goods, people, and services, upgrading the country’s transport infrastructure is imperative. Therefore, I am glad that this investment will strengthen the resilience of Moldovan railway infrastructure, improve Moldova’s connectivity with Ukraine and Europe, and benefit the Moldovan economy. In the context of our Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership, we will continue to upgrade all the necessary routes.”

Observing the signing of the investment grant for Moldova at the Global Gateway Forum, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Recean said: “We are grateful to both the EU Commission and the EIB for supporting our efforts in developing a modern and efficient rail network in the Republic of Moldova. The rehabilitation of the north - south rail corridor in the country, which is a project of particular importance in the context of the Solidarity Lanes, will bring long-term economic benefits to the whole region. The project represents a well-integrated part of our endeavor to fully integrate the Republic of Moldova into the European rail network. In view of achieving this objective, we further strongly rely on the EIB and EU support.”
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