Moldova reports empty national fleet while EU officials discuss integration and biodiversity aid

Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Vladimir Bolea said that Moldova currently has no vessels sailing under its flag, adding, “Astăzi nu avem nicio navă sub pavilionul nostru.” The country was removed from the maritime blacklist in June, but the ship register remains empty. The ministry plans to fully harmonise national maritime legislation with EU standards to revive the sector, attract ships, generate tax revenue and establish maritime schools, noting increased interest from Ukrainian citizens because of the war.

On 24 July, Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director‑General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, visited Chișinău. He met Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and vice‑prime ministers to discuss Moldova’s EU accession process and the implementation of the EU‑supported Growth Plan.

During the same visit, another EU official delivered a message to Prime Minister Tofan and announced the delivery of five vehicles to the National Public Security Inspectorate under the ISTROS biodiversity‑protection project, co‑financed by the EU Interreg NEXT‑Black Sea Basin programme. The vehicles will improve mobility for enforcement activities in protected natural areas of the Dniester river basin and the broader Black Sea region, involving partners from Romania and Ukraine.