TWO BORDERS. ONE NEW GENERATION.

Andreea Nicolaevici – CCT–CAPDR | Romania–Republic of Moldova
Miroslava Corhan – CCT–CAPDR | Romania–Ukraine

A simultaneous Moldova Invest interview on places, experiences, war, Europe, projects and the future.

They are 20 and 23 years old respectively and belong to a new generation of professionals involved in regional cooperation. Andreea is a Romanian and Moldovan citizen, while Miroslava is a Romanian and Ukrainian citizen.

The dialogue below explores their firsthand experiences of Chișinău, Gagauzia, Transnistria, Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Odesa, their studies in Romania, the impact of the war, access to European funding, the ro-md.capdr.ro platform, CAPDR projects, and their professional and personal plans.

I. Who you are and where you see the region from

You are 20 and 23 years old. If you had to introduce yourselves without titles or positions, who are Andreea Nicolaevici and Miroslava Corhan today?

Miroslava: I am a 23-year-old young woman originally from Ukraine, from a community with a Romanian minority. I chose to study and develop professionally in Romania in order to gain as much experience as possible, which, over time, I hope to use to contribute to the development of my community and my country of origin.

Andreea: Today, I define myself less by a title and more by the path I am building. I am someone shaped between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, two spaces that, for me, do not represent borders, but two parts of the same identity and of the same region that I want to understand and help develop.

I am a student, but also someone who is constantly looking to learn, discover and step outside my comfort zone. I have had the opportunity to gain new perspectives through my Erasmus experience, and I believe that experiences like these have taught me to look at Europe, mobility, education and the opportunities available to young people with a more open mind.

At the same time, I am very drawn to the idea of making a concrete contribution to the place I come from. That is why my involvement in regional cooperation projects is not simply a professional experience, but also a natural continuation of my connection with the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

I believe that at 20, you do not have to already have all the answers. For me, what matters is having the courage to ask questions, learn and gradually build the person I want to become. And today, that probably defines me best: I am at the beginning of my journey, but I want that journey to have meaning and to create an impact beyond my own career.

You both hold dual citizenship. When you cross the Prut or the Romanian-Ukrainian border, do you feel that you are entering another country, or that you are moving within a space that naturally belongs to you?

Andreea: For me, crossing the Prut has never meant simply crossing a border. I grew up with the idea that the Republic of Moldova and Romania are two spaces connected by language, culture, people and history, and holding dual citizenship has made this closeness feel even more natural to me.

Of course, when I cross the Prut, I am administratively entering another country. But on a personal level, I do not feel that I am moving away from “home”. Rather, I feel that I am moving between two places that are familiar to me and where I naturally feel at home.

I believe my generation has the opportunity to view these borders differently. For us, they can be less about separation and more about connection, freedom of movement and opportunities. For me, the Prut is more of a border on a map than one that I actually feel in everyday life.

Miroslava: When I cross the border, I feel like I am going from one home to another. For me, Romania and Ukraine are both “home”, and my connection to both countries is a natural part of who I am.

You chose to study and develop professionally in Romania. Why Romania? What has the university and professional environment here offered you in concrete terms, and what would you like to take back to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine?

Andreea: For me, choosing Romania came quite naturally. It is close to the Republic of Moldova, we speak the same language, and there are many things that feel familiar to me. At the same time, Romania has given me access to a broader academic and professional environment, where I have had the opportunity to meet different people, ideas and opportunities.

I believe one of the most important things Romania has given me is perspective. I have started looking beyond borders and understanding that, for a young person from the Republic of Moldova, opportunities do not stop at the place where they were born.

And if I were to take something back to the Republic of Moldova, it would be precisely this perspective: greater openness, more courage to access European opportunities and, above all, the idea that young people in the region can build projects together, without borders becoming a limitation.

Miroslava: I chose Romania because it gave me the opportunity to develop in a European environment and to see concretely how a European Union country functions. My experience here has helped me understand what we could improve in Ukraine as well, and it has given me ideas and experience that I would like to take forward.

II. Chișinău, Chernivtsi, Kyiv, Odesa – cities seen from within

For Andreea: Chișinău is currently a city undergoing rapid transformation. What do you see when you return: what has changed, what works, and what is still missing for young people to build their future at home?

Andreea: When I return to Chișinău, I can clearly see that the city is changing. It is more dynamic, more open, and I feel that there is an increasing desire to do things differently. I see young people who want to get involved, create and remain connected to what is happening in Europe.

I believe one of the things that works is precisely this energy among people and their desire for change. At the same time, there is still a gap between what young people want and the opportunities they can find at home.

I believe it is important to create more attractive professional opportunities for young people, better access to funding and projects through which they can develop and build their professional careers at home. Because when real opportunities exist, leaving can become a choice rather than a necessity.

For me, the question is not whether young people want to stay home, but whether we give them enough reasons to choose to stay.

For Miroslava: Chernivtsi has a special historical and human relationship with Romania. How do you see it today, and what could the Suceava–Chernivtsi relationship become beyond visits and official statements?

Miroslava: Chernivtsi and Suceava are very close, not only geographically, but also through traditions, culture and people. I believe we should be much more united and turn this proximity into concrete cooperation, in which we support one another and work together on things that benefit communities on both sides of the border.

For Miroslava: What does Kyiv mean to your generation during the war: a political capital, a symbol of resistance, a centre of opportunity, or all of these at once?

Miroslava: For my generation, Kyiv is a highly developed capital and an important centre of opportunity that continues to develop despite the war. If there had been no war, the pace of development would probably have been much faster, especially since a significant part of the country’s infrastructure and resources have been affected. Even so, Kyiv remains a symbol of resilience and the determination to move forward.

For Miroslava: Odesa is a strategic city on the Black Sea, but also a cultural and economic space with its own identity. How should Romania and the Moldovan region approach its relationship with Odesa in the coming years?

Miroslava: I believe the Odesa region is very open to cooperation with Romania and the Moldovan region. There are already important cultural and historical ties, including through the Romanian community in the region. I believe these connections can be further developed through concrete projects and partnerships in the coming years.

For Andreea: If you had to describe the Republic of Moldova today through three images, what would they be? And where does Chișinău fit into this picture?

Andreea: If I had to describe the Republic of Moldova today through three images, the first would be a Moldovan village – representing identity. We have a culture, a language, traditions and a history that continue to define us, regardless of how much we change.

The second image would be a bridge – representing connection. I believe Moldova is at a point where it is building more and more links with Europe, but also with its people living abroad. For me, development means not having to choose between who we are and who we want to become, but building a connection between the two.

The third image would be a road – representing the future. It is the image of a country that is still finding its direction, but that has a young generation capable of contributing to this change.

And Chișinău is present in all three. It is the place where identity meets change, where connections with the outside world are most visible and, perhaps most importantly, where the direction in which the country is heading can be seen most clearly.

III. Gagauzia, Transnistria and the complex realities of the Republic of Moldova

How does your generation view the identity and linguistic diversity of the Republic of Moldova, including Gagauzia? Can this diversity become an advantage for development and economic cooperation?

Andreea: I believe our generation is beginning to view diversity less as a difference that separates us and more as a resource. The Republic of Moldova has different identities, languages and traditions, and this is part of the country’s reality.

Gagauzia is a very good example. It has its own cultural identity, while at the same time being part of the same economy and the same development space. This combination can create opportunities for tourism, entrepreneurship, trade and joint projects.

I believe that for cooperation, it is important not to try to erase differences, but to learn how to work with them. If there is respect, communication and projects that bring concrete benefits to communities, diversity can become a real advantage.

Ultimately, in a Europe where people and economies are increasingly connected, the fact that we can understand different cultures and perspectives can be an asset rather than an obstacle.

Transnistria remains one of the most sensitive realities of the Republic of Moldova. From the perspective of a young professional, how can the future of this region be discussed through projects, economic ties, education and people-to-people contacts?

Andreea: I believe the future of Transnistria must be discussed realistically, but also from a long-term perspective. From my point of view, rapprochement begins first and foremost with people and with their ability to communicate, get to know one another and discover the things that bring them together.

Education can play an important role, especially for young people. Access to education, exchange programmes and opportunities to interact with people from other regions can contribute to developing a more open perspective on society.

Economic cooperation and shared opportunities are equally important. When people have common interests and can build something together, there is also more room for dialogue.

I do not believe that such a complex issue can be resolved quickly. But I do believe that, in the long term, communication, education and cooperation can create the conditions for a better future.

For me, the most important thing is to keep dialogue between people open, regardless of how complicated the political situation may be.

Andreea, are there major differences between the way Chișinău, Gagauzia and the communities near the Dniester view Europe? How can these perspectives be brought closer together without ignoring local identities?

Andreea: Yes, I believe there are differences because each region has its own experience, concerns and way of looking at the future. However, I do not believe that bringing these perspectives closer together should mean giving up local identities.

I believe it is important for people to have access to information, to see concretely what European opportunities mean and to participate in dialogue. Europe should not be presented as something that replaces local identity, but as a space where these identities can be preserved and valued.

Ultimately, I believe rapprochement is built when people feel that change brings them real benefits and that their community’s voice is being heard.

IV. Ukraine and the war – the experience of a generation

Miroslava, what has the war changed in the life of your generation – in the way you think about family, career, security and the future?

Miroslava: The war has changed many things in the life of my generation. Many young people have been forced to leave the country for safety, but I believe that after the war, many of them will want to return and contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction. It is a generation that wants not only to come home, but also to help the country recover and grow.

Are there things about Ukraine that you believe the Romanian public still does not understand sufficiently, especially regarding Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Odesa?

Miroslava: I would not say that the Romanian public does not understand Ukraine, but rather that there is a great deal of disinformation that can affect perceptions and trust. I believe it is important for people to see Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Odesa not only through the prism of war, but also as regions with people, resources and real opportunities for cooperation. These regions can become important partners for the development of both Ukraine and Romania.

Andreea, looking from the Republic of Moldova, how does the war in the neighbouring country feel? Has it changed the way young Moldovans relate to security, Romania and the European Union?

Andreea: From the Republic of Moldova, the war in Ukraine is felt first and foremost through proximity. Ukraine is our neighbour, and many people also have personal ties to the country across the Dniester. That is why what is happening there cannot be viewed with detachment.

I believe the war has made us look more closely at security, stability and the direction in which we want our country to move. For my generation, Romania and the European Union no longer mean only opportunities for study, work or mobility, but also a space where European values and security are becoming increasingly important.

At the same time, I believe this period has made us appreciate more deeply what peace and stability mean. Sometimes you only understand their value when you see them threatened so close to home.

What does Ukraine’s reconstruction mean to you: only infrastructure and money, or also rebuilding trust, communities and regional ties?

Andreea: For me, Ukraine’s reconstruction means much more than rebuilding infrastructure. Roads, schools, hospitals and investment are essential, but behind them are people and communities that need to be able to rebuild their lives.

I believe it is important to rebuild not only buildings, but also people’s confidence in the future. Regional cooperation can play an important role here: the exchange of experience, economic development and closer ties between communities can contribute to sustainable reconstruction.

Ukraine’s reconstruction is not simply about restoring what has been destroyed, but about creating better conditions for what comes next.

Miroslava: For me, Ukraine’s reconstruction means much more than infrastructure and money. It means rebuilding communities and trust and creating new opportunities for young people. I believe Romania can play an important role in this process, through the experience and support it provides, but also by developing genuine ties between regions on both sides of the border. Ukraine must not only be rebuilt, but also given the opportunity to develop and look to the future with confidence.

V. Europe, European funding and concrete projects

For your generation, what does Europe mean in concrete terms: freedom of movement, education, jobs, administrative standards, funding or a sense of belonging?

Andreea: For my generation, Europe means, first and foremost, opportunities and the freedom to choose. It means being able to study in another country, travel, work and access experiences that you might otherwise never have.

But Europe also means very concrete things: institutions that function, clearer rules, access to funding and the possibility of building a future within a space where certain common standards and values exist.

For me, the most important thing is that Europe does not necessarily mean leaving. It means having the freedom to leave, but also the conditions to return and build at home.

Miroslava: For my generation, Europe means, first and foremost, opportunities and freedom. It means access to education, the possibility to travel and work, but also the chance to see how things function in a developed European environment. For me, Europe is also a model that Ukraine can follow in order to develop and provide young people with more opportunities at home.

European funds are frequently mentioned. If you had a mayor or an entrepreneur from a border community in front of you, what concrete project would you recommend they prepare first?

Andreea: I would start with a project that addresses a real need in the community and can bring long-term benefits. I do not believe there is a universal project suitable for all border communities, because each community has its own challenges and opportunities.

If we were talking about a small community, I would encourage a project that creates economic opportunities and jobs by making the most of what already exists in the area – whether tourism, agriculture, services or small businesses.

The most important thing would be for the project not to start with the question “What funding can we obtain?”, but rather “What does the community need?”. European funds should be the instrument through which we solve a problem, not the goal in itself.

Miroslava: I would recommend starting with a project that addresses a real need in the community and can bring long-term benefits. In the case of a border community, I would focus on a joint project with a partner from Romania or Ukraine, depending on the need, because this allows us to turn proximity between regions into concrete cooperation and makes it easier to attract European funding.

Where do you see the greatest need for joint Romania–Republic of Moldova–Ukraine projects: infrastructure, tourism, education, healthcare, business, digitalisation or public administration?

Andreea: If I had to choose one direction, I would say infrastructure and connectivity. Without roads, transport, digital connections and efficient border crossing points, it is much harder for other sectors to develop.

But I do not think we have to choose just one sector. Infrastructure can provide the foundation for tourism, business, education and exchanges between people.

I believe it is important for joint Romania–Republic of Moldova–Ukraine projects to start from concrete problems faced by border communities and to create results that people can directly feel in their everyday lives.

Miroslava: I believe we need joint projects in all these areas because they are interconnected. However, I would emphasise infrastructure, education, business and digitalisation, as these can create real opportunities for people and accelerate community development. At the same time, cooperation between Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine can facilitate the exchange of experience and the development of common solutions adapted to the needs of each region.

What can a cross-border cooperation centre do to ensure that a local idea does not remain merely an intention, but becomes a project, partnership and source of funding?

Andreea: I believe that a cross-border cooperation centre must first and foremost be a link between a local idea and the possibility of turning it into a concrete project. Often, the problem is not a lack of ideas, but the fact that initiators do not know where to find partners, what funding opportunities exist or whom they can turn to for expertise.

This is precisely why, within the CAPDR–Ștefănești–Soroca Cross-Border Cooperation Centre, we have the ro-md.capdr.ro platform, built around three key functions: “Discover a Partner”, “Access Funding” and “Identify a Consultant”. In practice, users can start from an idea and find, in one place, partners, funding opportunities and the expertise they need.

I believe this is the role such a centre should play: making the transition from “I have an idea” to “I know who to work with, what funding to use and how to turn it into a project”.

Miroslava: A cross-border cooperation centre can turn an idea into a concrete project by connecting the right people and institutions. It can help identify partners, structure the project, find funding sources and prepare the necessary documentation. The most important thing is to provide support from the idea stage through to implementation, so that a good initiative does not remain only on paper.

VI. CAPDR and the ro-md.capdr.ro platform

How would you explain to a young person your age what CAPDR is and why you chose to get involved in its projects?

Andreea: If I had to explain to a young person what CAPDR is, I would put it this way: CAPDR is a place where a good idea does not stop at the border.

It can be a business idea, a community project, a youth initiative or simply a need that someone wants to turn into a solution. CAPDR creates a context in which people from Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine can find partners, resources and opportunities together.

I chose to get involved because I do not want to be merely a spectator to the changes taking place in the region. I want to understand how things are built and, above all, contribute wherever I can.

If I had to say it in one sentence: CAPDR is about people who do not see the border as the end of the road, but as a starting point.

Miroslava: I would say that CAPDR is a bridge between people, communities and organisations from different countries, helping them find partners, projects and funding opportunities. I got involved because I want to learn, gain experience and, at the same time, contribute to bringing together and developing communities in Romania and Ukraine. I believe that through projects like these, we can turn ideas and relationships between people into concrete results.

The ro-md.capdr.ro platform is designed to connect people, institutions and projects between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. What should a user find there to say: “Yes, this platform is useful to me”?

Andreea: For a user to say “yes, this platform is useful to me”, I believe they need to find three essential things: the right partner, the right funding and the expertise they need.

This is exactly the logic behind the ro-md.capdr.ro platform: through “Discover a Partner”, users can identify organisations and institutions they can collaborate with; through “Access Funding”, they can find opportunities relevant to their idea; and through “Identify a Consultant”, they can find specialised support for developing their project.

In practice, users should not leave the platform with information alone, but with a clear direction on what they can do next.

Miroslava: I believe a user should find concrete and easy-to-use resources on the platform: suitable partners, funding opportunities, information about projects and support for developing an idea. The important thing is that it should not simply be a platform containing information, but a place where you can find the right people, receive advice and take the first step towards a real project.

Andreea, what types of Romania–Republic of Moldova projects would you like to see developed through the platform in the coming years?

Andreea: I would like to see projects developed through the platform that respond to real needs and have continuity, rather than stopping once the funding ends.

First of all, I would like to see economic development and entrepreneurship projects that create real opportunities for communities on both sides of the Prut. Then, tourism and cultural projects that make the most of our shared heritage and identity, as well as education and experience-exchange projects.

I would also like to see more initiatives connecting the business environment and local administrations in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. I believe the platform can play an important role here: turning interest in cooperation into concrete partnerships and projects that continue to generate results even after funding ends.

And Miroslava, based on your experience of Romania–Ukraine relations, what functions or mechanisms should later be adapted for cooperation with Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Odesa?

Miroslava: Based on my experience of Romania–Ukraine relations, I believe we should preserve what works best: direct connections between people and institutions, identifying the right partners and providing support from the idea stage through to the project stage. For Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Odesa, I would add a stronger communication and experience-sharing component, so that each region can more easily find partners and cooperation opportunities. What matters is for the platform to create genuine connections and concrete projects, not just contacts.

Among the CAPDR projects you are involved in, which one feels closest to your generation and why?

Andreea: For me, the project closest to my generation is the Romania–Republic of Moldova Cross-Border Cooperation Centre. I find it relevant precisely because it does not talk about cooperation only as a principle, but creates contexts in which people, institutions and organisations from the two countries can find concrete opportunities for collaboration.

I identify with this initiative because I am part of a generation that travels extensively, studies in other countries, works with people from different backgrounds and sees borders more as points of connection than barriers.

I believe the Centre can contribute to a region where cooperation becomes something natural, rather than simply a concept found in documents or projects.

Miroslava: The project that feels closest to my generation is the Romania–Ukraine cross-border cooperation project, because it gives us the opportunity to build genuine connections between young people, communities and organisations from the two countries. I believe our generation has an important role to play in the future of this cooperation, and through projects like these we can turn our experience and ideas into concrete opportunities for the development of both countries.

VII. Professional and personal plans

Where do you see yourselves professionally in five years? In Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, or in a role that connects all three?

Andreea: In five years, I do not know if I will see myself in one particular place. I would like my professional path to remain connected to Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

I do not believe that for my generation success necessarily means choosing a single country in which to build your career. You can study in one place, work in another and contribute to projects that have an impact across an entire region.

That is why I see myself in a role that allows me to connect people, ideas and opportunities across these spaces. I do not know exactly what my position or title will be in five years, but I know that I want to do something that gives me the freedom to grow while also having a concrete impact on the region I come from.

Miroslava: In five years, I see myself in a role that connects Romania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. I would like to continue working in cooperation and regional development, building partnerships between people and institutions and contributing to projects that bring real opportunities to communities in these countries.

Is there a project that you would like to be able to call, several years from now, “my project”?

Andreea: Yes. In a few years, I would like to be able to talk about a project that I started from scratch and that grew enough to have a real impact.

I do not have a definitive name or idea at this point, because I do not want to choose a project simply so I can say that it is “mine”. I would like it to start from a real need and bring together people and resources from Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

I believe “my project” should be something that remains even after the funding ends: an initiative that continues to operate, create opportunities and produce results. For me, that would be the most meaningful way to say, several years from now, that I built something that matters.

Miroslava: Yes. I would like, in a few years, to be able to say that I contributed to a project dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war. I would like it to be a project through which I can bring the experience and best practices I have gained in Romania and turn them into concrete solutions for communities in Ukraine, contributing to reconstruction, development and the creation of new opportunities for people.

What skill do you feel you need to develop over the next two or three years in order to take on greater responsibility?

Andreea: I believe that over the next two or three years, I want to focus primarily on continuously developing my professional knowledge. For me, greater responsibility requires not only experience, but also a solid understanding of the field, cooperation mechanisms and the context in which decisions are made.

I want to continuously deepen my knowledge of what I do, follow developments in the field and learn from the experience of the people I work with. I believe that before seeking a position with greater responsibility, it is important to build as strong a professional foundation as possible.

Ultimately, I want the responsibility I take on to be supported by competence, knowledge and experience, not simply by a position.

Miroslava: I believe that over the next two or three years I need to develop both my project management and European funding skills, as well as my ability to communicate and connect people from different countries. It is important for me to be able to build bridges between people, institutions and communities, so that ideas and opportunities for cooperation can be transformed into concrete projects.

Beyond your professional lives, what kind of life do you want to build for yourselves? In what city or region would you like to live, and what would need to exist there to convince you to stay?

Andreea: Beyond my professional life, I want a life that offers a balance between development, stability and freedom. I do not think I currently have one city where I can say with certainty, “this is where I will stay”, because I am still at a stage where I want to discover and get to know different places.

I would like to live in a dynamic, safe city connected to Europe, where professional opportunities exist and where people have an environment in which they can grow.

To choose to stay somewhere, I would need to feel that I can have a good professional path, stability and the possibility of building something of my own, without feeling that I have to leave for somewhere else to have these things.

Miroslava: I think I would like to remain exactly as I am now, between Romania and Ukraine. I do not think I could give up either one, because both are part of my life and identity. I would like to be able to live and work in a way that allows me to maintain this connection and continue connecting people and communities in the two countries.

What scares you most when you think about the next ten years and, on the other hand, what gives you the greatest confidence?

Andreea: I think what scares me most is the idea of reaching the age of 30 and feeling that I did not have the courage to try enough. I am not necessarily afraid of change or of things not always turning out the way I want them to, but rather of staying somewhere simply out of comfort and failing to make use of the opportunities I have had.

At the same time, what gives me the greatest confidence is knowing that I can learn and adapt. I do not believe I need to have all the answers now for the next ten years. What matters is continuing to grow, gaining knowledge and having the courage to take the next step when it appears.

Perhaps it is precisely this combination – the fear of standing still and the desire to evolve – that motivates me most.

Miroslava: What scares me most is uncertainty and the risk that, in a world changing so quickly, people and communities may grow further apart. At the same time, I am encouraged by people and their ability to adapt and build together. I believe that as long as there is openness and a willingness to cooperate, we can look at the next ten years with confidence.

VIII. Quick questions – answers without preparation

Andreea: Chișinău in one word? Transition

Miroslava: Chernivtsi in one word? Home

Miroslava: Kyiv? Opportunity

Miroslava: Odesa? Resilience

Andreea: Gagauzia?Diversity

Andreea: Transnistria? Complexity

Both: Romania?

• Miroslava – Home      
• Andreea – Connection

Both: Europe?

• Miroslava – Future
• Andreea – Freedom

Both: Home?

• Miroslava –  Romania and Ukraine
• Andreea – People

Both: Future?

• Miroslava – Together
• Andreea – Direction

The Final Question

Complete, without consulting each other, the same sentence: “Ten years from now, I want the region we live in to be…”

Andreea Nicolaevici: “Ten years from now, I want the region we live in to be a place where people leave to discover the world, not to search for their place in it.”

Miroslava Corhan: More connected, more prosperous and closer to Europe.

MOLDOVA INVEST | THE NEW GENERATION OF REGIONAL COOPERATION