Forumul Economic Regional Moldova – 2024
FERM 2024 | Vasile ASANDEI: “The Republic of Moldova will enter the preparation period, which involves a negotiation process structured into chapters, based on accession objectives”
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 – Vasile ASANDEI, President of ROREG and General Director of ADR NE
TOPIC: “Strengthening relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova through cooperation of Regional Development Agencies”
Vasile Asandei, President of ROREG and General Director of ADR NE, began his presentation by emphasizing the importance of strengthening relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova through the Regional Development Agencies. His presentation highlighted the crucial role of regional collaboration within the context of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The cooperation of the ADRs in the Extended Moldova Region, in coordination with the Ministries of Development in Bucharest and Chișinău, is fundamental to the success of this process.
Enhancing regional cooperation and european integration
In the context of intensified regional cooperation and the path towards European integration, Romania and the Republic of Moldova are in a stage of developing and strengthening institutional relationships. The Regional Development Agencies (ADRs) play a significant role in this process, comprising experts with extensive experience.
These Agencies facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices between the two countries, contributing to the development of institutional capacities and accelerating regional progress.
Lessons learned from Romania’s accession process: A valuable resource for the Republic of Moldova
Romania’s previous experiences in the EU accession process provide valuable lessons and useful perspectives for the Republic of Moldova.
“Romania undertook certain commitments during the integration process that could have been negotiated more efficiently. However, this requires rigorous preparation”, emphasized Vasile Asandei.
Romania is committed to actively supporting the Republic of Moldova on its path to EU membership.
“The Republic of Moldova will enter a preparation period, which involves a negotiation process structured into chapters, based on accession objectives”, declared Asandei.
This support is manifested through cooperation projects, local development programs, and technical assistance, all aimed at strengthening the institutional capacities of the Republic of Moldova and accelerating regional progress.
“I am pleased to be part of this complete team with the Regional Development Agencies of the Republic of Moldova,” remarked Vasile Asandei, President of ROREG and General Director of ADR NE. He recalled previous collaboration experiences, such as the Twinning project “Capacity Development in Regional Development in the Republic of Moldova”, where he became acquainted with institutions in the neighboring country and was impressed by the Moldovan colleagues’ determination to acquire knowledge and achieve things as well as possible and efficiently.
The Importance of Assistance and Active Learning
During the preparation period for European integration, the Republic of Moldova will benefit from Romania’s support through various assistance and cooperation projects. Romania, in turn, benefited from similar projects prior to accession, collaborating with partners from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, and France.
“We have found that this need for learning is extremely current”, highlighted Asandei. In the Regional Program 2021-2027, Romania allocated financial resources for the learning chapter to support beneficiaries from various sectors, including municipalities, county councils, public, and private institutions. Asandei recommends prioritizing active learning tailored to the needs and realities of the Republic of Moldova and the available EU resources, to create an appropriate mix that ensures access to necessary programs and funding.
Vasile Asandei expressed satisfaction with the fruitful partnership so far and reiterated the openness and willingness to provide the Republic of Moldova with continued assistance and support. The team of 250 experts within ADR NE and 50 specialists at the two Cross-Border Cooperation Offices is ready and willing to support the Republic of Moldova on its path to European integration.
Conclusion
In an ever-changing regional context, the cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova through the Regional Development Agencies represents a successful example of institutional cooperation and mutual support through the exchange of experiences and best practices.
