EU to allocate €7 million to Moldova for regional development plans

The European Union will allocate to Moldova €7 million for regional development activities that are to be carried out in during 2012-2013.

The launching of a pilot Regional Development Program, under which the funds will be allocated within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, was discussed today, June 28, by the Moldovan Ministry of Regional Development and Construction and the European Commission’s Regional Policy Directorate.

The National Regional Development Fund consists of 1% of the incomes to the State Budget (approximately 10 million euros in 2011), which isn’t enough to cover the costs of regional development projects, said Marcel Raducan.

Charles White, the representative of the EC’s Regional Policy Directorate General, noted that the it is important that regional development projects are based on a sectoral strategy and with the contribution of the beneficiaries.