Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria lay the foundations for a new regional platform for investment and European funding

Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Bulgaria build a new “eastern gateway” to the EU

Approximately 300 local public administration authorities from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria are expected to participate on 11 September 2026 in Eforie Nord, at the ceremony for the signing of the founding documents of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) “EAST GATE”.

The new structure is currently being established and aims to become one of the largest European groupings for territorial cooperation. So far, 199 local authorities have adopted accession decisions, and the process is ongoing.

A common platform for local administrations

At the event in Eforie Nord, the draft founding documents of the EGTC “EAST GATE” will be signed. The structure aims to institutionalize cooperation between local communities in the four countries and establish a permanent framework for joint initiatives and projects.

The initiators consider that the project goes beyond simple cooperation between local administrations. The EGTC brings together Romania and Bulgaria, EU Member States, alongside the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, EU candidate countries.

Local cooperation as a tool for European integration

By involving local administrations from the four countries, “EAST GATE” aims to transform territorial cooperation into a practical instrument for European integration, including by preparing communities for future accession processes.

At the same time, the grouping seeks to strengthen the common position of participating local administrations in their dialogue with European institutions and facilitate the development of cross-border projects of regional interest.

The initiative’s promoters describe this area of cooperation as a new “eastern gateway to the European Union”, extending from the Carpathians towards the Danube and the Black Sea.

European participation in the founding ceremony

Representatives of the European Committee of the Regions and the Lille–Kortrijk–Tournai Eurometropolis, the first European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation established in Europe in 2008, are expected to attend the event.

The Eurometropolis will be represented by its Director General, Elien Declercq. Ministers responsible for regional development from the four countries, ambassadors accredited to Bucharest, Members of the European Parliament and representatives of other European EGTCs are also expected to attend the ceremony in Eforie Nord.

Direct access to European funding

One of the key objectives of “EAST GATE” is to obtain legal personality, a stage expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Once legally established, the grouping could become eligible to directly access European funds and implement large-scale joint projects.

The territorial scope of the grouping and the number of participating administrations could give the EGTC a significant position in discussions concerning the future architecture of European funding programmes and instruments.

The Constanța Declaration

An important milestone in the establishment process will be the adoption of the Constanța Declaration on 11 September. The document will set out the main common directions and objectives of the participating communities and seek to strengthen their voice in the European dialogue on regional policies and funding opportunities.

Representatives of county, regional and district councils, as well as municipalities, towns and communes from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria, will take part in this process.

Local authorities can still join

The EGTC “EAST GATE” remains open to the participation of other eligible public authorities within the cooperation area. Interested administrations must adopt an accession decision and confirm their participation by 4 September 2026.

“No community is too small for the largest grouping in Eastern Europe. Every decision adopted in these days means a community taking its place at the founding table, and on 11 September we will open together the eastern gateway to the European Union,” said Sergiu Suharenco, Interim Director of the EGTC “EAST GATE”.

A new mechanism for regional cooperation

Through its territorial scale and the participation of local administrations from four countries, “EAST GATE” aims to become a permanent mechanism for territorial cooperation and regional development. The initiative focuses on strengthening relations between communities, developing joint projects and capitalizing on European funding opportunities.