Bălți – A City with a European Outlook: Partnerships for Development within the Moldova Growth Plan and FERM 2025
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
President of the Regional Development Planning and Analysis Center (CAPDR), Ion Ștefanovici, met today, May 12, 2025, with the Mayor of Bălți, Alexandr Petkov
The meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation between the communities of the Republic of Moldova and Romania, through joint initiatives in regional development and accessing European funds.
The meeting takes place at a strategic moment, as an increasing number of administrative-territorial units in the Republic of Moldova are seeking sustainable development solutions in the context of accelerated integration into the European space. In this regard, cooperation with experts from Romania, through the Regional Development Planning and Analysis Center (CAPDR), aligns with the objectives set out in the Moldova Growth Plan, launched by the European Commission. The document aims to bring Moldova closer to the European Single Market through investments, regional development, reforms, and strengthening institutional capacity at the local level.
Focus on Concrete Projects and Sustainable Partnerships
The discussions focused on identifying practical solutions to support the local public administration in Bălți, particularly through the transfer of Romanian expertise in writing and implementing European-funded projects. Additionally, the possibility of developing partnerships between local public authorities from both countries was analyzed.
A priority topic was the involvement of the municipality of Bălți in the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, an event organized between July 9–12, 2025, in Vatra Dornei, Romania. The Forum, under the theme “From Regional Development to National Prosperity!”, will bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova to discuss sustainable development solutions and investments in the region.
Bălți Companies Invited to Participate in “Gust de Moldova”
During the meeting, the opportunity for businesses in Bălți to participate in the “Gust de Moldova” fair, which will take place during the Forum in Vatra Dornei, was also discussed. The event is dedicated to promoting Moldovan products and supporting their access to the Romanian market.
CAPDR President, Ion Ștefanovici, emphasized the openness and potential of the municipality of Bălți in this joint effort:
“Today, in Bălți, I had a substantial meeting with Mayor Alexandr Petkov, during which we discussed strengthening cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania.
Bălți is becoming increasingly visible as a city with a European outlook, focused on concrete development projects and sustainable partnerships.
We discussed:
- Expanding collaboration between local administrations from Moldova and Romania;
- Transferring expertise in accessing European funds;
- Participation of the municipality of Bălți in the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (July 9–12, 2025, Vatra Dornei);
- Inclusion of Bălți companies in the “Gust de Moldova” fair, to promote local products on the Romanian market.
- The partnership between our communities is not just an objective, but a reality in construction, in line with European values.
Thank you to Mayor Alexandr Petkov for his openness and active involvement!”, stated Ion Ștefanovici.
Bălți — An Emerging Hub for Regional Cooperation
The Municipality of Bălți reaffirms its commitment to promoting international cooperation for the benefit of its citizens by actively participating in regional initiatives and supporting the local business environment.
The partnership with CAPDR Romania opens new perspectives for implementing joint projects and creating sustainable cooperation networks between communities on both sides of the Prut River.
