Moldova could have its first functional highway by 2035, according to a major infrastructure project aimed at integrating the country into the European space
This is the “Unirii Highway,” currently under construction in Romania and set to extend into Moldova up to Odessa. Details about this project were provided today during a debate organized by the IPN Press Agency, reports Radio Chișinău.
Connecting the Two Banks of the Prut
The Unirii Highway is the first land infrastructure project that will connect the two banks of the Prut River and extend the connection to Ukraine, thus integrating them into the European space. Romania plans to construct approximately 304 km of highway connecting Târgu Mureș with Iași and Ungheni in Moldova. The project also includes building a bridge over the Prut River. The total cost of the works, including the segment up to Ungheni, is estimated at about 60 billion Romanian lei, equivalent to over 12 billion euros.
Significant Progress
Romanian Secretary of State in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu, announced that the bidding for the construction of the Prut bridge has been completed without any contestations and that the signing of the design and execution contract is imminent. “The bridge over the Prut River – I have good news – the winner of the bid has been announced, and there are no contestations. Thus, the road company is moving forward with requesting the documents from the winner to proceed with the signing of the design and execution contract. The bridge at the highway level also includes a customs point on the Romanian side,” said Scrioșteanu.
Support from the European Union
Moldova, with financial support from the European Union, is currently conducting a pre-feasibility study for extending the Unirii Highway from Ungheni to Chișinău and Odessa. Moldova’s Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Nicolae Mândra, mentioned that the first design and construction contract could be signed next year.
“We hope that next year the first design and construction contract will be executed. I cannot provide the exact construction timeline yet because it will be determined later. Following the approval of the Interministerial Strategic Planning Council, we will know what financial resources are needed to develop this project and where to find this money. We plan to complete this project by 2035,” stated the official.
The Importance of Infrastructure for EU Accession
IDEP Program Director, Iurie Calistru, emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in the EU accession process. “When we have a project of such a level, like our road to the EU, we can truly integrate. Because when the European citizen feels the infrastructure difference between the EU and Moldova, our country will be in the European Union. Look at the EU and see how many countries do not have highways. So, the road to the EU also means improved connectivity through modern infrastructure,” said Calistru.
Agreement with the European Union
Last May, Moldova became the first country outside the EU to join the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – the most important tool for infrastructure projects in the European Union, by signing an agreement with the European Commission. This agreement facilitates access to funding and resources necessary for developing infrastructure to ensure connectivity with the European network.
Thus, the Unirii Highway represents a significant step for Moldova’s integration into the European space, offering new perspectives for economic and social development in the region.
