Panel “INVESTMENTS”
Module V – Cooperation of the ADRs in the Extended Moldova Region with the Ministries of Development from Bucharest and Chișinău, the XVIIIth Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024
SPEAKER – Daniel SURDU, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration
TOPIC: „Development through the Romania-Moldova agreement, assistance in implementing the ‘European Village 2’ Program”
Secretary of State Daniel Surdu began by explaining that, in his capacity as a decision-maker within the Ministry of Development, he participated in the negotiation and signing of a significant financial support agreement worth 100 million euros, which Romania offered to the Republic of Moldova to support its efforts during the pre-accession period to the European Union. The official emphasized his direct involvement in the National Local Development Program “European Village” in the Republic of Moldova, which aims to develop rural communities.
Daniel Surdu elaborated: “I was directly involved in the National Local Development Program ‘European Village’ in the Republic of Moldova. To oversee the implementation of this agreement, I made visits to the Republic of Moldova, where preparations are underway to launch the ‘European Village 2’ program, which I consider to be of major importance.”

Avoiding the previous mistakes made by Romania in project implementation
An important aspect of the cooperation between the two countries is avoiding previous mistakes in project implementation, especially in the water and sewerage sector.
Daniel Surdu’s experience as a former Director of the Intercommunity Water and Sewerage Association is valuable in providing technical assistance and consultancy to the Republic of Moldova, thus ensuring efficient use of European funds.
“By actively cooperating and maintaining close ties with the Republic of Moldova, we will be able to avoid the mistakes Romania made in the implementation of water and sewerage projects and programs.
I am familiar with the issues we faced at the national level regarding access to European funds, so we are committed to helping our brothers across the Prut implement their programs and projects in this sector correctly.
We have created working groups between the ministries of both countries to collaborate directly and concretely on the issues that need to be efficiently addressed in this direction”, stated Daniel Surdu, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration.
The monitoring visits conducted by Romanian officials highlighted the need for additional investments in this field to ensure adequate conditions for children’s education.
The Ministry of Development’s Commitment to Supporting the Republic of Moldova
„Also included in this Agreement is the Modernization and Equipping of Kindergartens, for which we are discussing applying for a new tranche. During the monitoring visit, we observed an acute need for investments in the education sector, making the modernization of educational infrastructure essential.
The Ministry of Development is fully open to excellent cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova”, added Daniel Surdu.
The Ministry of Development in Romania remains committed to supporting the Republic of Moldova through the working groups created to collaborate directly and efficiently on areas of interest.