The “IMPACT North” programme, launched in northern Moldova, draws on Estonia’s extensive experience in regional development, local government management and preparing projects for EU funding. The programme aims to help Moldova reduce regional development disparities and strengthen the capacity of local governments to attract investment and implement initiatives needed for community development.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, supporting Moldova is part of Estonia’s broader goal of strengthening the European values-based community and contributing to the development of the EU’s neighbouring countries.
“European Union enlargement makes Europe as a whole stronger and enhances our security. By supporting the accession of countries that share the EU’s values, the single market grows, opportunities for economic cooperation expand and the EU becomes an even stronger geopolitical force. Supporting Moldova’s path towards the EU is an investment in a stronger and more secure Europe, and Estonia is ready to share its reform experience and knowledge of the EU accession process with Moldova and provide practical support along its path towards membership,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.
The project focuses on developing the practical skills of local governments and regional development agencies. More than 150 local experts and leaders from local governments, business centres, civil society organisations and universities will take part in the programme. As a result of the project, at least 15 project concepts meeting the requirements of international funding programmes will be developed.
According to ESTDEV CEO Andrea Kivi, Estonia knows from its own experience how important strong local-level capacity is for making use of the opportunities offered by the European Union.
“Moldova’s European integration will not happen only at national level, but also in local governments and communities, where projects are developed that improve people’s everyday lives. ‘IMPACT North’ will help create the knowledge, skills and partnerships needed for this,” Kivi said.
Kristiina Tammets, CEO of the Tartumaa Development Association, stressed that the programme focuses on practical cooperation and applying Estonia’s experience to address local needs.
“‘IMPACT North’ has been designed to benefit as many organisations involved in the regional development of northern Moldova as possible. We are bringing together experts from both Estonia and Moldova and focusing on preparing real development projects that will help improve the quality of life of local people,” Tammets said.
“IMPACT North” follows the “IMPACT Gagauzia” programme implemented last year, which was completed by more than 100 officials and community leaders involved in local development. Based on the positive feedback and interest from Moldovan partners, ESTDEV is now bringing the programme to northern Moldova.
An important part of the programme is also the exchange of experience within Moldova. Participants in “IMPACT North” will visit Gagauzia to learn about projects developed there, partnership models and practical lessons. In this way, in addition to sharing Estonia’s experience, Estonia is also supporting the exchange of knowledge between different regions of Moldova.
The Northern Moldova Development Region comprises the city of Bălți and 11 local governments, with a population of nearly 700,000. Through the programme, Estonia aims to help communities in the region become better prepared to attract investment, develop public services and make use of opportunities offered by the European Union.
As part of his visit to Moldova, Foreign Minister Tsahkna met the President and Foreign Minister of Moldova in Chișinău yesterday and opened the Estonian Embassy in Moldova.
