Cezar GROZAVU, Executive Director of BRCT Suceava: “The Moldova Highway is not just a road project, but also a catalyst for attracting cross-border investments.”

From the perspective of cross-border cooperation, the Moldova Highway will play an essential role in facilitating the long-distance movement of goods and travelers

This infrastructure will integrate, in the medium and long term, a significant number of urban and economic centers in Romania and Ukraine, while also ensuring connections with other modes of transport and strengthening connectivity between the regions of both countries and the European Union. Furthermore, this roadway will enable safe and efficient traffic, benefiting both Romanian and Ukrainian participants.

How do you see the impact of the construction of the Moldova Highway on economic integration between Romania and Ukraine?

Investments in the road infrastructure of the North-East Development Region open the way for closer economic integration between Romania and Ukraine, as well as the Republic of Moldova. The Moldova Highway is not just a road project, but also a catalyst for attracting cross-border investments that will support the European integration processes of the two neighboring states. The creation of modern interoperable networks between the European Union and candidate states will enhance economic and social cohesion, contributing to the establishment of a unique European transport and mobility space.

What are the main advantages of cross-border cooperation between Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova in the field of infrastructure?

The importance of this tripartite collaboration is highlighted by recent agreements in the field of road transport, such as the Transport Master Plan Romania – Moldova – Ukraine. This strategic plan aims to strengthen trade and connectivity among the three countries, including improving border crossing points and developing a harmonized strategy that addresses economic, social, and environmental challenges. The Moldova Highway, together with the Union Highway, will make a significant contribution to regional development and improving connectivity at the European level.

How will this highway support the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine?

The common goal of being able to travel by highway from Bucharest to Chișinău by 2030 can become a reality if road infrastructure projects are implemented consistently, along with the modernization of customs points. The interconnection of the transport systems of Romania with those of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine represents a crucial step in the accession process of these two countries to the European Union. In this context, cross-border cooperation offices, such as BRCT Suceava and BRCT Iași, play an important role in monitoring European-funded projects.

What are the economic and social benefits of modernizing road infrastructure between Romania and Ukraine?

Modernized road infrastructure will contribute to the rapid and sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine, which needs strong connections with its neighbors. The existing road system has not met the increased transport needs caused by armed conflict and humanitarian crises. Modernizing road infrastructure will bring both economic benefits by facilitating trade and investment, as well as social benefits by improving mobility and travel safety.

How does the Moldova Highway integrate into European transport networks?

The Moldova Highway is an important component of the European transport corridor the Baltic Sea – the Black Sea – the Aegean Sea, connecting states in Northern Europe with those in the South, while also transiting through Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This strategic infrastructure will not only improve connectivity between the regions of Romania and Ukraine, but will also make a crucial contribution to enhancing economic competitiveness and the stability of the entire region.

How do you see the future of regional cooperation in the context of the Moldova Highway and the Union Highway?

The North-East Development Region, which will be traversed from north to south by the Moldova Highway and from west to east by the Union Highway, will significantly contribute to increasing competitiveness, stability, and resilience in both Romania and Ukraine, as well as the Republic of Moldova. These two highways will become the main pillars of European connectivity in this region, supporting regional development and bringing long-term benefits to local economies.

Conclusion:

The Moldova Highway is not just an infrastructure project, but a strategic tool that will stimulate cross-border cooperation, accelerate European integration, and support regional development. Modern infrastructure projects, such as the Moldova Highway and the Union Highway, will contribute to strengthening the economic and social ties between Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, providing a new impetus for European connectivity.