FERM 2024 | Message from the Vice-Rector of „Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Stefan Purici
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
Panel “INVESTMENTS”
Module III – Mapping Investment Opportunities in Suceava County, the XVIIIth Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024
SPEAKER – Ștefan PURICI, Pro-Rector of “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava (USV)
TOPIC: “Romanian-Ukrainian Cross-Border Cooperation in the Context of the Russo-Ukrainian War and Post-War Developments”
Historical Context
Pro-Rector Ștefan Purici began by highlighting that this year marks 20 years since the launch of the first cross-border projects within the Romania-Moldova-Ukraine trilateral partnership. The initial projects, funded through PHARE funds, had budgets of 10-15 million euros, compared to today’s projects which reach 80-100 million euros.
“Today we can talk about a round number, as it marks 20 years since the launch of the first cross-border projects within the Romania-Moldova and Romania-Ukraine partnerships,” stated Ștefan Purici, Pro-Rector of “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava.
Cross-border cooperation in wartime conditions
Ștefan Purici mentioned the difficulties faced in the context of the war, highlighting that Ukrainian partners encountered major issues in implementing projects due to resource shortages and changes in implementation teams. Nevertheless, the Joint Technical Service of the Romania-Ukraine cooperation program made remarkable efforts to support the completion of the projects initiated.
“I want to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Joint Technical Service of the Romania-Ukraine Cooperation Program, which, through considerable efforts, managed to help Ukrainian partners complete projects started under the 2014-2023 Program despite resource shortages and major changes in implementation teams caused by the war,” added Ștefan Purici, Pro-Rector of “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava.
Proposals for the future
Pro-Rector Ștefan Purici suggested organizing risk management sessions for future beneficiaries, given the high risks associated with projects in the current context. He also proposed better synergy between already completed projects and new funding directions to leverage the infrastructure and experience accumulated.
“Often, beautiful projects have been implemented, important things have been achieved, but there is no applied use of these results in the new programs,” highlighted Ștefan Purici.
Another identified issue was the co-financing required for cross-border projects, suggesting that the Ukrainian partners’ co-financing part should be covered by the EU budget to avoid halting future projects.
Pro-Rector Ștefan Purici concluded that, although there are major challenges, the experience and cross-border collaboration over the past 20 years have brought significant benefits. He thanked all partners and emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts to add value to the involved communities.
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