Challenges and Perspectives of Regional Development in Moldova with Ion Ștefanovici in an Interview Conducted by Jurnal FM
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
In an interview yesterday with Jurnal FM, Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning, discussed the lack of regional identity, the need for decentralization, and the challenges in attracting European funds. Future plans include establishing a regional collaboration platform and integrating artificial intelligence to support Moldova’s development.
Challenges and Perspectives of Regional Development in Moldova with Ion Ștefanovici in an Interview Conducted by Jurnal FM
The theme of Ciprian Solomon’s show on Jurnal FM centered around the “Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024,” scheduled for July 4-6 in Vatra Dornei. The central topic of the dialogue was “Planning and Cooperation towards the Strategic Objective Moldova 2030,” which brought forth several issues, including the lack of regional identity, the necessity of decentralization, and budgetary challenges.
During the interview, Mr. Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning, emphasized that the forum is not introducing a new format but rather continues the ADR North-East initiative since 2003.
“This is not the first edition in this format; perhaps some of our viewers are familiar with it, but it’s not entirely new. It originated in 2003 as an initiative of the North-East Regional Development Agency. It was successfully conducted annually until 2019, the last year before the pandemic. We have resumed it in this NGO format through the Center for Analysis and Planning for Regional Development, aiming to continue vital work for the entire region, both economically and in terms of regional awareness. We suffer greatly from the lack of a regional identity. We are known as people from Neamt, Iasi, Bacau, but the term ‘Moldovans’ leaves much to be desired,” stated Ion Ștefanovici.
Regional Development in Moldova Requires Structural Reforms and Regional Awareness
Ion Ștefanovici underscored in the interview with Jurnal FM that regional development in Moldova necessitates structural reforms, better utilization of European funds, and stronger regional cohesion.
Moreover, the President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning, Ion Ștefanovici, drew attention to the absence of regional identity in Moldova, the importance of developing regional awareness, and the need for decentralization. Unlike other European states, Romania lacks strong local governments, which complicates regional development.
“Certain funding lines are expected to open, and certain strategies are still applicable, coordinated with the regions. You see, we keep talking about regions, but we don’t really have a regional consciousness or a regional apparatus, which is a significant difference compared to the rest of Europe, even compared to the Poles who have undergone repeated administrative reforms and have regional governments in this decentralization process. It matters tremendously. Decentralization will occur over time for us, when we are compelled to do so.”
Visit to Brussels Included the Pilot Program from the Region
The interview also covered Ion Ștefanovici’s visit to Brussels, where discussions exclusively focused on the Moldova region.
“The program itself is the first, it’s the pilot program where I was among the first, not just myself, but specialists from across the region, from universities, the private sector, European fund consultants, NGOs, professional associations, strictly focused on this area of European funds. I was the first, so to speak, an expeditionary body. Discussions centered on ADR North-East, strictly on our region, and dedicated 100% to funding programs adaptable to our immediate needs and realities in the six counties of Moldova.”
Ion Ștefanovici believed the program was particularly welcome as it opened up new perspectives but also highlighted delays in the region, prompting regional introspection aimed at bringing vision and implementation beyond mere dialogue and people’s expectations from politicians who, due to the electoral year and bureaucracy, consistently delay projects “and we still have two years left in the exercise,” said the President of the Center for Analysis and Planning for Regional Development.
“Bureaucracy Devours Romania”
The interview also discussed the national recovery and resilience program, whose implementation will conclude in December 2026.
“The funds allocated to us, and I insisted that we could spend them, we will not be able to spend them, we will not be able to draw them. We don’t have how, we don’t have structures, we don’t have people.” – Ion Ștefanovici
Furthermore, Ion Ștefanovici explained the difficulties encountered in attracting European funds due to bureaucracy and the lack of specialized human resources in Moldova and discussed future plans for regional development, specifically a regional collaboration platform and artificial intelligence for Moldova.
Ciprian Solomon’s interview with Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the challenges and needs for regional development in Moldova. Among the main issues discussed are the lack of a strong regional identity and the need for decentralization to facilitate economic and social development. Moldova faces difficulties in attracting and utilizing European funds due to bureaucracy and the lack of specialized human resources.
For the future, it is essential to implement reforms that support regional development, including creating a collaboration platform and utilizing artificial intelligence. These measures are intended to bring stronger regional cohesion and improve the efficiency of using available resources, thereby contributing to Moldova’s strategic goals for 2030.
