Romanian Government confirms intent to purchase Giurgiulești port in Moldova

The Romanian government has officially announced its intention to purchase the Free International Port of Giurgiulești (PILG), the only port in Moldova, which is currently owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

This move was approved through a memorandum during Wednesday’s government meeting and will be negotiated through the National Company “Maritime Ports Administration” Constanța, controlled by the Romanian state via the Ministry of Transport.

According to the Moldovan government spokesperson, EBRD is in talks with several potential investors, including those from Romania, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Denmark. An EBRD official confirmed that the bank aims to sell PILG and is focused on ensuring a transparent sales process.

The Romanian government has not disclosed the amount it is willing to pay for the port in the memorandum, but it is evident that negotiations are being expedited due to interest from the Bulgarian company MBF Port Burgas, which has already expressed interest in Giurgiulești. MBF Port Burgas, part of the Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Navibulgar) conglomerate, operates two terminals in the Port of Burgas, southern Bulgaria. The company is owned by the Domuschiev brothers, Kiril and Georgi, who are close associates of former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.