Ion Ștefanovici: “Without a functional ecosystem for European funds, the Moldova Region will continue to miss out on opportunities”

Romania’s North-East Region, with its counties marked by economic disparities compared to other regions of the country, is at a critical point. Accessing European and government funds is essential to reduce these gaps and support sustainable development. However, challenges persist: bureaucracy, lack of administrative capacity in some local administrative units (LAUs), absence of an integrated vision, and territorial cohesion gaps are still present.

In this context, the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM), organized in partnership by the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR), the Suceava County Council, and other relevant actors, aims to become a space for reflection, strategy, and concrete action.

One of the most important components of the Forum is Panel 2: “Accessing European and government funds – opportunities and challenges”, during which the CAPDR president, Ion Ștefanovici, made several important statements in a broadcast on Antena 3 Suceava.

The statements were made in the context of organizing the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM), which will include a series of thematic panels – notably Panel 2: “Accessing European and government funds – opportunities and challenges”. According to the CAPDR president, this will be one of the central pillars of the forum and a starting point for what is intended to be a programmatic reference document for the entire region.

“We will create a kind of preamble to the Forum through panels, meaning focused discussions by sectors. This is the first time such topics are discussed in a concrete format, and what we want is that, after the Forum, the opinions expressed in each panel will be synthesized into a strategic document valid until December 31, 2025, and beyond, from January 1, 2027,” explained Ion Ștefanovici.

The European Funds Ecosystem: real support, strategy, and digitalization

In a firm analysis, the CAPDR President emphasized that the Moldova region needs a functional ecosystem in the field of European funds, built on three key dimensions: applied expertise, regional strategy, and digital infrastructure.

“Together with my colleagues and other European funds beneficiaries, we have identified the absolute necessity of creating a functional ecosystem in our region. It is essential to have concrete support for those who already have expertise, a strategic framework – here we refer to the Regional Programmatic Document – and an integrative digital platform, such as Moldova Hub,” declared the CAPDR President.

North-East ADR – from implementation to negotiation

Another point of interest addressed was the transformation of the North-East Regional Development Agency into a true Management Authority. According to Ștefanovici, this change requires a new institutional responsibility, as well as a recalibration of the relationship between regional authorities and local actors.

“The RDAs, including the one in Piatra Neamț, now have a role as a management authority. This means not only implementing, but also negotiating directly with the European Commission. They must know the realities of the region exceptionally well and create programs that respond to these needs. These negotiations require transparency and real dialogue with society – public, private, NGOs,” emphasized Ion Ștefanovici.

The A7 and A8 Corridors: infrastructure with dual value – logistics and economic

Ion Ștefanovici also revisited a previously addressed topic – transport infrastructure – as a vector of regional development. He spoke about the A7 and A8 corridors as instruments that must be accompanied by smart economic investments:

“We talk about A7 and A8 as major corridors, but also about national, county, and European roads. These should not only reduce travel times but create real economic opportunities, and for that, we need clear mappings of these opportunities. We must be aware that infrastructure without associated economic development is only half a measure. We can no longer rely on improvisation or isolated projects.”

Accessing funds – between performance, blockages, and lessons learned

During the broadcast, Ștefanovici presented the structure of the three sessions planned within Panel 2, underlining that these are designed to address both those seeking information and those needing applied tools.

• Session 1: presentation of funding programs available until the end of the 2021–2027 programming period (including extensions);

• Session 2: financial instruments dedicated to SMEs and large companies;

• Session 3: success stories and relevant case studies, to learn from best practices and avoid repeated mistakes.

“We will have a full day dedicated solely to European and government funds, divided into three sessions: the first – about funding programs available until the end of the 2021–2027 period; the second – about financial instruments for SMEs and large companies; and the third – success stories, because it is important to see what worked and what did not, so that we learn from mistakes.”

He also emphasized that there are differences between regions regarding performance in accessing funds, and Moldova must catch up through coherence, expertise, and collaboration.

“There are both strong points and complementary weaknesses. We need honest diagnosis and real solutions. We must have the courage to say what is not working, not just check off projects.”

A Forum anchored in reality, with a vision for the future

Finally, Ștefanovici spoke about the role of the media, authorities, and regional partners in promoting an authentic endeavor with concrete impact for the entire Moldova region.

“CAPDR, together with the Suceava County Council and partners, including Antena 3 Suceava, organize this forum to create a real space for reflection and action. It will be a five-day event: three days of panels and two days of fair, a fair named ‘Taste of Moldova’, where we will promote artisans, local producers, and our regional identity.”

The message conveyed by Ion Ștefanovici is clear: the Moldova region has potential, but to transform it into concrete development, vision, well-calibrated tools, and real collaboration among all relevant actors – public, private, and civil society – are needed. The Moldova Regional Economic Forum is not just a dialogue platform but a collective commitment to a coherent and functional strategy, adapted to the regional specificity.

The emphasis on creating a European funds ecosystem, on leveraging infrastructure, and on institutional transparency can become the basis for an authentic transformation with long-term economic and social impact. And if the opinions expressed in the panels are reflected in an integrative programmatic document, then the region will finally have a viable instrument for sustainable and intelligent development.