Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, CAPDR: “The Moldova Region Calls for a Fair European Budget – The Official Position of CAPDR on the Construction of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034”
Mesaje publice
For a Fair and Region-Oriented European Budget – The Position of the Moldova Region Regarding the Proposal for the MFF 2028–2034
1. Introduction
On behalf of the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR), we express our deep and responsible concern regarding the proposed structure of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, especially the intention to merge the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with Cohesion Funds into a so-called “super-fund”. This approach risks diluting the traditional priorities of the EU and creating unfair competition between farmers and less-developed regions.
The Extended Moldova Region, one of the most affected by development imbalances in the EU, cannot accept a budget that reduces the clarity, predictability, and accessibility of European funds.
2. Assumed Principles
- Consistency with EU objectives: We support a strong, united European Union ready to face future challenges: digitalization, defense, energy security, and enlargement. But this cannot be achieved by weakening the foundations that have supported the European project for decades — agriculture and cohesion.
- Real, not formal partnerships: The current proposal provides a mechanism by which the Commission negotiates national plans directly with member states. We call for the institutional inclusion of regions and local authorities in this process, especially in the case of less-developed regions.
- Transparency and accessibility: Merging CAP and Cohesion Funds into a single fund reduces clarity and risks leading to arbitrary allocations. Romania, as a member state with extensive agriculture and disadvantaged regions, would suffer a double loss.
3. The Link between FERM 2025 and the EU Budgetary Pillars
I. CAP and Cohesion
- Panel 9: Agriculture, mountain economy, rural development
Recommendation: Separate funds for mountain areas and regenerative agriculture, with regional implementation.
II. Competitiveness Fund
- Panel 1: Strategic investments / Panel 3: Romania–China relations
Recommendation: Regional quota for technology, bioeconomy, digitalization, creative industries.
III. Defense and Space
Panel 4: Economic infrastructure and mobility
Recommendation: Funding for dual-use infrastructure and cross-border logistics.
IV. Global Europe
- Panel 11: Romania–Republic of Moldova, Romania–Ukraine cooperation
Recommendation: Dedicated fund for cross-border cooperation and EU enlargement.
V. Crisis Fund
- Panel 6: Public health and emergency response
Recommendation: Investments in regional medical crisis centers and critical infrastructure.
VI. Energy
- Panel 8: Energy cooperation
Recommendation: Regional corridors for green energy and resilience infrastructure.
VII. Tourism
- Panel 7: Tourism and destination development
Recommendation: Funding for the Via Moldavia macro-region, with digital promotion and regional branding.
VIII. Culture
- Panel 10: Cultural networks and heritage
Recommendation: Allocations for shared heritage, cross-border festivals, cultural digitization.
4. Strategic Proposals from CAPDR
- Maintaining separate CAP and Cohesion budgets, indexed to inflation
- Involving regions in the National Partnership Plans
- Dedicated funds for the Moldova Region within each budgetary pillar
- Cross-border funding for enlargement and cooperation with the Republic of Moldova
- Permanent regional representation in Brussels
5. Final Call
“FERM 2025 was not just a forum. It was a living X-ray of the needs and potential of the Moldova Region. 600 participants, 11 panels, 5 days of visions, protests, and solutions. If we want to build a road for a century, we must do it with the wisdom of ten generations.”
The European Union has the duty not only to build budgets but to build bridges of development between citizens and their future.
President,
Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR)
