Estonian project to help attract more investment to northern Moldova

Estonian project to help attract more investment to northern Moldova

The “IMPACT North” programme, launched in northern Moldova, draws on Estonia’s extensive experience in regional development, local government management and preparing projects for EU funding. The programme aims to help Moldova reduce regional development disparities and strengthen the capacity of local governments to attract investment and implement initiatives needed for community development.

According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, supporting Moldova is part of Estonia’s broader goal of strengthening the European values-based community and contributing to the development of the EU’s neighbouring countries.

“European Union enlargement makes Europe as a whole stronger and enhances our security. By supporting the accession of countries that share the EU’s values, the single market grows, opportunities for economic cooperation expand and the EU becomes an even stronger geopolitical force. Supporting Moldova’s path towards the EU is an investment in a stronger and more secure Europe, and Estonia is ready to share its reform experience and knowledge of the EU accession process with Moldova and provide practical support along its path towards membership,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

The project focuses on developing the practical skills of local governments and regional development agencies. More than 150 local experts and leaders from local governments, business centres, civil society organisations and universities will take part in the programme. As a result of the project, at least 15 project concepts meeting the requirements of international funding programmes will be developed.

According to ESTDEV CEO Andrea Kivi, Estonia knows from its own experience how important strong local-level capacity is for making use of the opportunities offered by the European Union.