Bogdan BUHĂIANU, Deputy Mayor of Botoșani Municipality, at FERM 2025: “Infrastructure is the foundation of sustainable economic development in the Moldova Region”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Thematic Panel:

The Role of Infrastructure in Economic Development

Speaker:
Bogdan Buhăianu – Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Botoșani

Topic of the intervention:
“The Infrastructure of Botoșani Municipality and Its Relationship with Suceava”

Bogdan Buhăianu, Deputy Mayor of the Botoșani municipality, delivered a relevant intervention in the panel dedicated to infrastructure and its role in regional economic development. The discussion took place within the context of a broad debate on financing and implementing strategic projects that can revitalize both the municipality of Botoșani and the entire Moldova region.

Financial Perspectives and Realities in Infrastructure Development

The Deputy Mayor opened his speech by emphasizing the good cooperation between Botoșani and Suceava counties and expressing appreciation for the forum organizers, who manage to bring together local administration representatives and entrepreneurs to find common solutions.

He drew attention to the current financial difficulties, reflected in a 9.5% budget deficit in Romania, which affects the capacity to co-finance infrastructure projects.

“It is very important to understand where this budget deficit figure comes from and the economic context we are in. For infrastructure development, each local authority needs money – both to co-finance European funds and government projects.”

Bogdan Buhăianu explained that, unlike Western EU countries, Romania now operates within a stricter European legislative framework that conditions access to European funds based on economic indicators such as inflation or external debt.

Still, he encouraged a balanced vision.

“I do not believe we should view Romania’s situation pessimistically. Today, Romania has the most infrastructure projects in its recent history, and these investments support the local economy and create jobs.”

Concrete Achievements in the Municipality of Botoșani: Major Funding and Projects

The Deputy Mayor presented impressive figures regarding the attraction of European and governmental funds during the current mandate (2020-2024), led by Mayor Cosmin Andrei.

• Over 202 million euros attracted from various sources (PNRR, POR, SALINI, government funds);

• More than 120 million euros from PNRR and an additional 58 million euros allocated through the new 2021-2027 financial exercise;

• Currently underway are 17 schools out of a planned total of 30;

• Construction of two social assistance centers for seniors;

• Over 100 housing units intended for young teachers and doctors;

• Purchase of 68 electric buses through a 25 million euro contract – the second largest after Bucharest – for local public transport.

These concrete examples reflect the ambition of the Botoșani administration to transform public infrastructure, from education to urban mobility, with direct impact on quality of life.

Strategic Priorities for Infrastructure and Mobility

Bogdan Buhăianu stressed a crucial project for the area: a expressway linking Botoșani to Suceava, facilitating access to the A7 highway and Salcea airport.

“This expressway will start from the Salcea airport area, covering approximately 20 kilometers, and will ease road traffic congestion in the Lebăda area of Botoșani.”

Additionally, the municipality has begun constructing an 11-kilometer bypass around the city, with a budget of 60 million euros, a project to be implemented in the upcoming months.

Moreover, a planned underground passage is in the design phase in the high-traffic “Veporul nou” area of Botoșani, aimed at improving traffic flow toward Suceava.

Regional Collaboration and Cross-Border Opportunities

The Deputy Mayor congratulated colleagues in Suceava on the reopening of five new airline routes, the result of investments in the modernization of the local airport. He expressed hope that authorities from Botoșani and Suceava will collaborate to develop a cargo terminal, an important project especially in the context of Ukraine’s future reconstruction.

“We are open to supporting colleagues from the Republic of Moldova, knowing how important our experience is in managing European and government funds.”

Conclusions and Perspectives

Bogdan Buhăianu’s intervention was a compelling plea for the importance of modern infrastructure, responsibly financed and efficiently implemented, as a pillar of local and regional economic development.

With a clear strategy, inter-county collaboration, and access to European and government funds, the municipality of Botoșani and the Moldova Region can become an example of sustainable growth.