EU4moldova: focal regions programme launches 47 development initiatives in rural communities from Cahul and Ungheni regions

Support to local business, creation of new jobs, modern sustainable tourism services and SMART equipment – ozobots in kindergartens – are just some of the projects to be carried out this year in the focal regions Rural communities from Cahul and Ungheni regions are developing thanks to the European Union assistance. The initiatives for promoting sustainable rural tourism, endowing kindergartens with smart equipment, renovating parks and public bus stations for smart local mobility as well as supporting existing businesses by installing modern equipment in bakeries, poultry farms or mini dairy farms, will be launched this year in 26 rural communities. All these villages – beneficiaries of European financing – are members of four Local Action Groups, which won the Grants’ Programme, 2020 edition, implemented under the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme. The Local Action Groups “Lunca Prutului de Jos”, “Movila Măgura”, “Cişmeaua Sudului” and “Valea Halmagei” benefited from grants of total value of 200,000 EUR from the European Union, invested in community development projects and new jobs’ generation in villages from Cahul and Ungheni regions. Every Local Action Group, which has benefited from a grant of 50,000 EUR, launched a local call for project proposals. Overall, 47 development micro-projects will be implemented in rural communities from Cahul and Ungheni regions. The new projects will generate at least 30 new jobs in those 4 LAGs. The implementation of micro-projects will also contribute to the sustainable development of communities by using green technologies such as LED to expand public lighting in several localities, equipping local companies with modern and energy efficient technology as well as promoting cycling by installing public bike racks.

“10 development initiatives will contribute to harnessing the natural potential and attracting tourists in the first Biosphere Reserve of the Republic of Moldova – ‘Lower Prut’. I am so glad that thanks to the grant, the kindergarten from Văleni village gets modernised and will be endowed with ozobots and other SMART equipment. As well, a winery, bakery, jams’ and sauces’ production unit according to traditional recipes will be renovated and provided with equipment,” mentions Silvia Ştirbeţ, President of “Lunca Prutului de Jos” LAG.

“We are glad that most of the member villages of Cişmeaua Sudului LAG will benefit from financing provided by the European Union. 12 initiatives were selected out of 34 submitted ones. This year, Alexanderfeld village will renovate a part of its central park, Cişmichioi village will modernize its public bus stations, and Pelinei village will install an irrigation system for its vineyards and lavender plantations,” notes Dmitri Ianul, Manager of “Cişmeaua Sudului” LAG.

“Movila Măgură LAG has been active for three years. We are glad that this year the member villages would receive a new impetus for development. 12 local economic development initiatives, generating at least 10 new jobs, will benefit from European financing provided under the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme. We will develop in parallel several initiatives in Negurenii Vechi: harvesting apples according to a modern technology, modernizing the shop in the locality, promoting the locality through virtual exhibitions,” says Maria Galiţ, President of “Movila Măgură” LAG.

Established relatively recently, LAGs attract important investments at the community level using the European approach – LEADER, which is rather participative and innovative and hence contribution to decreasing economic and social imbalances and urbanrural disparities.

At least 12 new jobs will be created thanks to the EU grant provided to “Valea Halmagei” LAG. “Mobile vulcanization services, ecological technologies in wine-growing area, multifunctional park establishment, public street lighting extension are just several of the total 13 selected initiatives to be implemented this year in communities which are members of Valea Halmagei LAG,” mentions Elena Enachi, President of “Valea Halmagei” LAG.

This is the first call for grants for LAGs from Cahul and Ungheni regions, organized under the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme. The next call for grants will be announced in 2022. Currently, 32 Local Action Groups are registered in the Republic of Moldova, covering 35% of rural areas. EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme (2019-2024) supports smart, green, inclusive and sustainable development in Cahul and Ungheni, to ensure better life quality for citizens. The Programme has a total budget of 23 million EUR and is financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). More details about the activities of the Programme in Cahul and Ungheni regions may be found on www.eu4cahul.md and www.eu4ungheni.md