Republic of Moldova | Government proposes allocating 62 million lei to the share capital of the National Arena

The state will allocate nearly 62 million lei for the share capital of the National Arena

The state is set to allocate nearly 62 million lei to increase the share capital of SRL „Arena Națională”. The draft government decision, which is to be examined by the Government, provides for the use of the funds to pay an installment owed to the private partner that built the arena.

Amount and foreign exchange risks

The funding, equivalent to approximately €3.13 million, will be allocated from the state budget for 2026, at the request of the Public Property Agency. The authorities warn that the amount in lei may be insufficient to fully cover the installment, depending on fluctuations in the euro exchange rate.

Previously, „Arena Națională” requested an additional allocation of 2.3 million lei, while estimates indicate that additional funds of approximately 2 million lei may be required.

Any remaining funds will be returned to the state budget

If the euro exchange rate falls below 19.79 lei, any funds remaining after the installment and currency transfer costs have been covered will have to be returned to the state budget.

The state’s contractual obligation

The Public Property Agency states that the allocation represents the fulfillment of the obligations undertaken by the state under the public-private partnership agreement and does not constitute a new financial support measure for the company.

According to the authorities, failure to secure the necessary funding could lead to contractual disputes and other financial and legal consequences for the state.

Payments scheduled through 2030

According to the explanatory note, the payment corresponds to the seventh year since the signing of the public-private partnership agreement for the design and construction of the arena.

The agreement concluded in 2018 provides for total payments of €44.53 million to the private partner. To date, the state has paid €28.95 million.

Over the next five years, a further 10 installments are scheduled, with a total value of €15.58 million, with the final payment due in 2030.