Moldova increases development funding for amalgamated localities

Localities undergoing amalgamation or already merged in Moldova will be eligible for increased funding for development projects through the National Fund for Regional and Local Development (FNDRL). Under proposed changes to the Fund's management regulations, these units can submit one project for each locality within the amalgamated unit, with a funding cap of up to 5 million lei. This is an increase from the 2 million lei limit previously applied to localities with populations under 3,000.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Vlad Bolea, stated that these modifications aim to make the financing mechanism more efficient and adapted to community needs without increasing total allocations or overall expenditures. The updates also clarify rules regarding project phasing, monitoring indicators, and the prevention of conflicts of interest during evaluation.

Additionally, the regulations expand eligible investments for the water and sewerage sector. Funding may now be requested for the digitalization of operating systems, laboratory modernization, and the procurement of equipment or renewable energy for operators serving at least 25,000 consumers. Currently, the Fund is managing 627 regional development projects and approximately 1,800 local development projects.