Bulgaria stays a strong supporter of Moldova in its European trajectory and the implementation of projects that ensure the well-being of the country's citizens. Statements to this effect have been made at a meeting between Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Ambassador of Bulgaria to Moldova, Maya Dobreva.

The officials appreciated the friendly relations between the two countries, determined by a solid framework of cooperation in more fields - education, culture, energy and infrastructure, as well as the presence of the large Bulgarian community in Moldova. "The Bulgarian community is an important part of the society, with hardworking people who have beautiful values and traditions, and through multicultural diversity, the entire country becomes richer," said the PM.

In the context, the officials highlighted the success of joint projects in education, such as the opening in Taraclia of a branch of the Angel Kanchev University from Bulgaria, which is providing education to over 2,000 students in its first year. Additionally, more mayors of Moldova have participated in training seminars on accessing European funds and projects by local public authorities, thanks to the assistance provided by the government of Bulgaria.

The sides also discussed the regional situation, the need to strengthen resilience, and energy security, noting the importance of signing the contract between Energocom and Bulgartransgaz.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of capitalizing on economic relations within the joint intergovernmental commission, in order to increase trade exchanges and attract investments to Moldova.

During 2024, Bulgaria ranked tenth among the main trading partners of Moldova. The value of Moldova's foreign trade with Bulgaria amounted to 267.7 million dollars in 2024.

Over 100 mayors from the Republic of Moldova and EU member states are discussing today in Chișinău the progress in the European integration process, opportunities for local communities, and readiness for accessing European development funds. The dialogue is taking place within the framework of the European Committee of the Regions' Working Group for Moldova, convening for second session.

In opening the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that European integration aims at building strong communities that offer people comfortable living conditions.

„The European path passes through our communities. Implementing the EU acquis, our reform agenda, institutional transformations – all these make sense only if they come to life in every village and city, if they raise the standard of living and improve the services offered to the people”, stated the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister spoke about the unprecedented investments made in recent years for modernizing localities. Between 2021-2024, nearly 3 billion lei were allocated for local and regional development. In this period, over 700 km of roads, 1420 km of water supply networks, 403 km of sewage, 610 km of public lighting were put into service, and 265 schools and kindergartens were modernized. Additionally, 254 parks and sports grounds were renovated.

„We have constantly taken care of the localities. Our entire reform agenda starts with the fundamental goal: better services for citizens. We want the distance to essential services to be suitable for people. We want increasingly accessible services, including through digitalization. We want localities that develop uniformly”, said the Prime Minister.

Moreover, Munteanu highlighted the importance of close cooperation between central and local authorities, as well as between Moldovan and European authorities, to maximize the opportunities offered by EU accession. In this regard, the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as the constant support provided by Romania, was appreciated.

„Europe is not built only at the European Integration Office or in government offices. Europe is built through every renovated hospital, drinking water in households, street lighting, good schools and quality services. You are the leaders of these processes. You are the mayors who can carry out European integration on the ground, in the communities that elected you. The European Union means that Europe reaches every village”, he added.

The Working Group for Moldova of the European Committee of the Regions was established to facilitate political dialogue and collaboration between local authorities in the Republic of Moldova, the Government, and European institutions. On the Working Group's platform, local authorities in our country can present their challenges, needs, and experiences directly at the European level.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has congratulated farmers who, through their work, ensure the development of a strategic sector for Moldova and promote domestic products internationally, on National Agriculture and Processing Industry Employees' Day.

The Premier said that, in recent years, the agricultural sector had been prioritized, with an emphasis on exports, modern technologies and subsidies for creating high added value. In this regard, about 8 billion lei was been allocated, and the National Fund for Agriculture and Rural Environment Development increased by 70 per cent during 2021-2025. At the same time, over 8,000 farmers have been financially supported, of whom almost one third are young and women farmers and more than half are micro-farms.

„We are making these investments and continuing our European Union integration path. For the agricultural sector, this means benefits and funds, but it also means European legislation in the fields of animal husbandry, plant, phytosanitary, organic production and food safety - it means raising standards everywhere", said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The National Agriculture and Processing Industry Employees' Day is annually marked in Moldova on the fourth Sunday of November.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu today discussed with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Moldova Fern Horine. The officials talked about possibilities to strengthen the friendship between Moldova and the United Kingdom, in order to enhance cooperation in various sectors, investment projects and trade exchanges.

The Premier noted that the United Kingdom was an important supporter of Moldova’s modernization and an active partner in promoting reforms and resilience against external threats. The two states cooperate in security, combating disinformation and cyberattacks, as well as in the commercial and economic sector.

In 2024, the exports of Moldovan products to the British market have been extended for another five years. The elimination of customs duties has generated significant increases: plums’ deliveries increased 15-fold, deliveries of apples – almost five times and grapes’ exports almost tripled.

Moldovan-British collaboration also brings social benefits: starting from August 1, 2025, Moldovan citizens in their first 5 years of residence in the United Kingdom can exchange their Moldovan driving license for a British one without additional exams.

The officials' discussions also covered the continuation of British support for judicial reform, combating corruption and attracting foreign investments into Moldova's economy, focusing on opportunities in the IT sector, industry and agri-food field.

The collaboration between Moldova and the United Nations, as well as the development of joint programmes dedicated to strengthening social cohesion have been discussed by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Rosemary A. DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding.

At the today's meeting, the PM thanked the organization for the assistance provided through the UN Agencies operating in Moldova, which contribute to improving the lives of citizens and bringing the country closer to the goal of EU accession. „We are focused on reforms, economic growth and we appreciate the support and expertise we receive. Together, we can do more good things for our people", said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The sides discussed the current regional context, measures taken to enhance energy resilience, as well as the repercussions of Russia's aggression on Ukraine and how we facilitate the social integration of refugees from the neighboring state.

For her part, Under-Secretary Rosemary A. DiCarlo assured full support for the European path of Moldova, noting that the benefits of EU integration were in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, on the fulfillment of which the organization's activities are concentrated.

The partnership between Moldova and the UN is materialized in a string of projects, including: the development of an integrated digital system for managing all social service programmes – eSocial; support for major reforms, such as the one of social services (RESTART), the National Employment Agency, the State Labor Inspectorate and the reform of the National Council for Disability Determination and Work Capacity.

At the same time, support was provided to native associations and municipalities in creating alternative social services, implementing environmental protection projects, developing rural tourism and infrastructure. Measures to strengthen the free press and combat disinformation are also promoted.

In Moldova, more than twenty UN agencies, funds and specialized programmes,  both resident and non-resident, are active. The priorities of the UN Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2023–2027 are related to the development of inclusive institutions and equal opportunities; participatory governance and social cohesion; prosperity and a sustainable economy; ecological development and resilience to climate change.