Romania

    Development/Implementing Agency

    Romania was the first state to recognize the independence of the Republic of Moldova, just a few hours after the proclamation of the new state's independence (August 27, 1991).

    The Romanian Agency for International Development Cooperation - RoAid is the national institutional mechanism dedicated to Official Development Assistance, established by Law 213/2016 under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Contact Details

    Embassy of Romania in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

    Address: 66/1 București St., MD 2012, Chisinau

    Tel: +373 22 211 813, +373 22 213 037

    Website: https://chisinau.mae.ro/

    Legal Framework for Cooperation

    On August 28, 2013, in Bucharest, the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania on the general framework and conditions for development cooperation was signed. The Agreement was ratified by the Republic of Moldova through Law No. 317 of December 20, 2013, and entered into force on January 24, 2014.

    Strategic Programming Documents

    Through providing and implementing non-reimbursable official development assistance funded by the Government of Romania, as well as setting principles and conditions for drafting, financing, and implementing projects and programs of common interest regulated by specific agreements, Romania promotes a pragmatic approach oriented towards: strengthening democratic institutions and the resilience of the Republic of Moldova; increasing economic, cultural, and educational exchanges between both banks of the Prut River; infrastructure and energy connectivity with the European Union; and reducing economic and security vulnerabilities.

    Priority Sectors / Areas of Cooperation

    Essential sectors for society, such as:

    • Energy sector, transport, and transport infrastructure
    • Environmental protection and climate change mitigation
    • Agriculture, public works, and infrastructure
    • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
    • Media independence and cybersecurity
    • Justice and public administration reform
    • Internal affairs, health, and education
    • Culture, heritage, research, and tourism
    • Competitiveness, industry, and public finances
    • European funds, trade, and investments
    • Cooperation via Ministries of Foreign Affairs

    Type of Funds / Financial Instruments and Assistance Modalities

    The support provided by Romania is carried out through a complex and diversified financing mechanism covering all priority areas of bilateral cooperation, implemented via complementary instruments, including:

    • The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Romania on the implementation of the technical and financial assistance program based on a non-reimbursable financial aid of 100 million euros granted by Romania to the Republic of Moldova (signed on February 11, 2022, and ratified by Law No. 43/2022).
    • Romanian Agency for International Development Cooperation – RoAid.
    • Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova within the Government of Romania.
    • Department for Romanians Abroad.
    • Direct cooperation initiatives / twinning arrangements between local public authorities from Romania and local public authorities from the Republic of Moldova.
    • Cross-border cooperation programs funded by the European Union that contribute to the development of regions situated at the EU external borders, by granting awards to local public authorities, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova. One of the main active instruments is the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Program, which finances projects in education, health, culture, environmental protection, and border management, covering the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova (https://ro-md.net/ro/program-2021-2027).

    Project Programming, Approval, and Implementation Procedures

    Projects are developed and approved bilaterally, based on Agreements and Protocols of Government Negotiations.

    Additional Information

    The Republic of Moldova represents the main beneficiary of the development assistance granted by Romania, benefiting over the years from constant support for the implementation and extension of projects of common interest. Special attention has been given to strategic interconnection projects, which are essential for ensuring sustainable development, reinforcing resilience, and deepening the irreversible European integration of the Republic of Moldova.

    Concurrently, Romania supports the reform process and alignment with the European Union by providing technical assistance, legislative expertise, and implementing institutional and parliamentary cooperation projects.

    Regulatory Framework