Ion ȘTEFANOVICI: “Ștefan Vodă is becoming a strategic development hub for the East of the Republic of Moldova and the eastern pillar of the Extended Moldova Region, from the Carpathians to the Dniester”

On May 14, 2025, the city of Ștefan Vodă in the Republic of Moldova hosted a highly important workshop dedicated to applying for European projects, within the framework of the Basarabian Technological Hub (BTH) initiative

The event took place at the Town Cultural House, in the Festivities Hall, bringing together key actors from public administration, private sector, as well as specialists and consultants from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania. Prestigious universities from the three countries were also invited, contributing their expertise to the development of international cooperation projects.

Context of Moldova’s Growth Plan and Regional Challenges

This workshop took place at a crucial moment for the Republic of Moldova, which in recent years has begun focusing on European economic integration and regional development. Moldova’s Growth Plan, which aims at modernizing infrastructure, stimulating investments, and sustainable economic development, represents a key pillar of the government’s strategy to consolidate its economic and political position on the European map. In this context, accessing European funds and developing strategic partnerships with Romania and Ukraine are essential for the success of this plan.

The Republic of Moldova stands at a crossroads, having the opportunity to quickly integrate its regions into a common development network based on a framework of economic and administrative partnerships. Cooperation with neighboring states – especially with Romania, which already has significant experience in implementing European projects – is a key factor in accelerating this process.

Thus, while the chance to attract European funds is seen by many as a technical opportunity, in reality it represents an opportunity for modernization and local economic stimulation, and for Moldova, a turning point in its European integration plan.

Workshop Context: Opportunities for Sustainable Development through European Funds

This workshop was designed as a platform for learning and exchanging best practices in accessing European funds, essential for implementing regional development projects. During the working sessions, participants discussed successful experiences from Ukraine, strategies for attracting European funds, and worked in groups to launch cross-border partnerships. The workshop was moderated by Vladislav Cociu, Mayor of Ștefan Vodă, a true advocate for regional development through international cooperation.

The Importance of Cooperation Between Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine

Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR) from Romania, emphasized the strategic role of cross-border cooperation for sustainable regional development and stressed the importance of initiating concrete partnerships aimed at integrating the Moldova region into European economic circuits.

“Ladies and gentlemen, dear partners,

I am here today in Ștefan Vodă not just as a guest, but as a sincere friend of this region, with which we share a common vision: development through cooperation, through concrete projects, through partnerships that transcend administrative borders.

Our visit to the Republic of Moldova, now in its third day, is part of a broader process of regional connection, involving Romania, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. Three countries, three interconnected destinies, but with a single strategic direction: integration into European economic circuits and strengthening regional security through development.

Today, in Ștefan Vodă, we discuss accessing European funds not as a technical matter, but as an opportunity to modernize communities, stimulate the local economy, and create sustainable jobs.

Romania already has experience with these European mechanisms, and it is our duty to be active partners, to share best practices and support the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in this endeavor. Not out of a sense of superiority, but from a natural regional solidarity.

The BTH team has understood very well that without cross-border cooperation, local development remains fragmented. Through such workshops, we lay the foundations for a working network among administrations, the business environment, and civil society from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

As President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning in Romania, I can confirm that pragmatic partnerships, anchored in local economic realities, are the key to success. The Moldova region of Romania already has examples of best practices that can be adapted and implemented in Ștefan Vodă and beyond the Dniester River.

In this equation, the city of Ștefan Vodă holds an essential strategic position. Not only as an administrative center of Eastern Republic of Moldova but as a genuine development hub for the eastern extremity of the Extended Moldova Region — a geo-economic arc that starts from the Carpathians, in Vatra Dornei, and reaches the Dniester.

Ștefan Vodă can become a vital connection node between European cross-border cooperation projects, Ukraine’s economic reconstruction, and connectivity with Romania through infrastructure, investments, and local partnerships. Through its geographic position and the openness demonstrated by local authorities, this city can play a role similar to some regional hubs in the European Union.

This vision is not a theoretical exercise but a pragmatic approach, based on the need to create development centers that reduce economic imbalances, establish the region, and offer concrete alternatives for the population.

Today, more than ever, we must think in terms of the “Extended Moldova Region,” a region that includes northeastern Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and southwestern Ukraine. Only then will we succeed in fully harnessing our resources, human potential, and strategic position.

In this regard, I extend an open invitation to meet again between July 9 and 13, 2025, in Vatra Dornei, Romania, during the Regional Economic Forum Moldova – FERM 2025.

It will be a moment to strengthen cooperation among Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, a platform for applied dialogue, where we will transform today’s ideas into concrete projects for the development of our common region.

FERM 2025 is not just a festive event but a working mechanism in which local administrations, the business environment, and our partners from European and international institutions will build together a coherent vision for the extended Moldova.

The future is built through such partnerships. We look forward to having you join us as part of this construction.

Thank you for your trust and openness,” conveyed Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR)

Future Opportunities for Regional Development

Following this workshop, it is expected to consolidate a network of cross-border partnerships that will support both economic development opportunities and institutional cooperation among the three states. Moreover, the Regional Economic Forum Moldova (FERM 2025) will provide an opportunity to implement these ideas and create concrete projects addressing the economic and social needs of the region.