The relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was never just a simple geographical neighborhood, but a deep bond of history, culture and common aspirations. This connection materialized through concrete actions and uninterrupted support. While much has been accomplished, looking to the future shows us that there are still roads to travel and bridges to build to further strengthen these bonds.
Today, Romania and the Republic of Moldova are two countries that are more and more easily making their way to each other’s hearts. And not just with bridges of flowers like in the 90s, after the fall of communism and the disintegration of the USSR, but through a pragmatic approach, with good economic and diplomatic nuances. The undoubted opening of Romania to the neighboring state already dates back almost two decades, but the Republic of Moldova did not always have leaders determined to orient the country towards the European Union, it is enough to remember the frequent presence of presidents Vladimir Voronin or Igor Dodon at the Kremlin for to get an idea.
Romania, as the first commercial partner of the Republic of Moldova, surpassed the Russian Federation, standing out with exports worth 1.3 billion dollars – almost a third of the total Moldovan exports. Moreover, with over 1600 active Romanian companies and an invested capital of 6.7 billion lei, Romania represents the backbone of foreign investments in Moldova.
We are talking about an important investment in education by allocating more than 6 million euros for rural development programs under the auspices of the “European Village” and 4 million euros for “Development of school transport”, which facilitated the purchase of new school buses. This infusion of resources not only boosts education, but also literally builds the future by renovating nearly 1,000 kindergartens.
In the field of health, Romanian solidarity is manifested through the 52 doctors and nurses from Romania who helped in the fight against COVID-19, through donations of medicines and medical equipment and by supporting the Moldovan medical system with over 2 million euros in doses of vaccine.
In addition, investments in energy and transport infrastructure are vital. Romania becomes a main supplier of energy, replacing the importance of Gazprom through projects such as the management of the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau pipeline and the gas networks that supply many towns in Moldova.
At the diplomatic level, the election of President Maia Sandu in 2020 meant a decisive turn for Moldova towards the European Union, with unconditional support from Romania. This change of course was reinforced by the European Council’s granting of candidate country status for Moldova in 2022, with Romania playing the role of lead advocate in this historic trajectory.
Despite all these efforts, we still have a lot to do. It is crucial that the memorandums signed for the construction and renovation of bridges over the Prut and highways do not remain only on paper. Transport infrastructure – a vital artery of integration – requires prompt action, especially with regard to the execution of works on Autostrada Unirii. Basically, Autostrada Unirii from Tg. Mureș to Ungheni, on the Prut river, would solve the main need for union not only between the Romanian regions, but also between Romania and Moldova.
It would also mean a fast road between the Albîta customs that intersects with the A7 highway that is being intensively worked on and that connects Ploiesti to Suceava.
Energy infrastructure is already a step forward as we have seen, and building a common capital market could be the third area through which the two countries tighten ties to an unprecedented level.
Romania is, like the Republic of Moldova, in a “win-win” situation because it has the opportunity to make investments, and these investments should be more important than simple statements of appreciation. The investments have a double role, an economic one to develop Romania’s regions and on the basis of which, in the last instance, money comes to the budget – and a diplomatic role because these investments de facto record probably Romania’s most cherished goal, that of making connections closer than a union with the Republic of Moldova.
Romania and the Republic of Moldova are at a turning point, and Romanian investments are not only a proof of brotherhood, but also a pragmatic way to support economic development and stability in the region. In this landscape of close collaboration, both nations not only thrive, but also strengthen their European identity, thus cementing an unshakable relationship for generations to come.
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