Launch of the EU Funded Twinning Project Air Quality and Environment
The official start of the Twinning project “Air Quality and Environment” was marked by the kick-off event, held on September 12, 2024 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, with the participation of the main beneficiaries, the Ministry of Environment, the Environment Agency, the Environment Protection Inspectorate, EU MS partner institutions, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Finnish, Lithuanian and Swedish Embassies.
In the context of the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU, this Twinning project aims to increase the pace of approximation and implementation of the acquis communautaire in the fields of air quality and air pollution reduction, environmental information, circular economy/waste management and sustainable management of chemical substances.
Within this two-year project, the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Agency, the State Hydrometeorological Service and the Environmental Protection Inspectorate will benefit from the assistance of partner institutions from the European Union (EU), brought together in a consortium formed by the Finnish Meteorological Institute as the lead partner, the Lithuanian Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA) and the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) – as junior partners. This project will help the beneficiary institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen Moldova’s capacity to fulfil environment-related commitments, in line with the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement, the EU Integration process and international agreements.
The event was opened by the Minister of Environment, Mr. Sergiu Lazarencu, the Ambassador of the European Union in the Republic of Moldova H.E. Mr. Jānis Mažeiks, the Ambassador of Finland, Ms. Leena Liukkonen, the Ambassador of Lithuania, Mr. Tadas Valionis and the First Secretary of the Swedish embassy, Mr. Thomas Alveteg.
On this occasion, Mr. Sergiu Lazarencu expressed gratitude to the European Union and its Member States for their consistent support and assistance to the Republic of Moldova. The Minister emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening Moldova’s capacities to align with the commitments towards the sustainable development of the environment and integration into the European Union. At the same time, the minister declared that this Twinning project was awaited and prepared for few years. The Project implementation team is from EU member states and is highly competent, bringing to Moldova its own success story in each component: Finland in air quality and environmental data, Sweden – in the field of chemicals, Lithuania – in waste management and circular economy. All these components directly affect the quality of life and are essential for a clean environment and a new model of economic growth, together with sustainable development for the benefit of citizens. Moldova needs European examples and practices to accelerate steps in these areas.
“Some of the most important environmental challenges in Moldova are air pollution, waste management and chemicals. Moldova cannot afford the current situation economically, and even more importantly, from the point of view of health of its citizens. This twinning will enhance the legal base, organizational and staff capacity covering air pollution, and will introduce new methods and tools for improved air quality monitoring and management. Furthermore, it contributes to develop an integrated waste management system aiming to increase recycling and supports the development of Moldova’s institutional capacity for the sound management of chemicals,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
The Ambassador of Finland, Ms. Leena Liukkonen, stated that Finland has already implemented several successful Twinning projects in Moldova together with other EU member states. Over the past decade, Finland has provided expertise and best practices to Moldova in three already completed Twinning projects. This new project guarantees continuity of cooperation with Lithuania and Sweden.
The Ambassador of Lithuania, Mr. Tadas Valionis, reassured that the project is in very good hands. Lithuania supports EU membership of the Republic of Moldova, and all reforms related to this goal, but the main workload falls on Moldova. Based on its experience, Lithuania will work on the waste and circular economy module in this Twinning. Special attention would be given to strengthening the capacities of the Environmental Agency, as it is the institution that manages environmental data, is responsible for environmental permits, and should be an advisory institution for businesses and policymakers.
The First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy, Mr. Thomas Alveteg admitted that the environmental chapter is one of the most complex when it comes to aligning the Republic of Moldova with EU standards. The importance of this field also extends to other sectors: agriculture, health, industry. Strong institutions with a clear regulatory framework are the building blocks for sustainable development. Mr. Alveteg trusts the expertise and experience of the agencies of the implementing partners: Finland on air quality and environmental data, Lithuania on waste and the circular economy; and the Swedish Chemicals Agency will provide vital support to Moldova, building strong institutions and a clear regulatory framework on the country’s path to EU accession.
The Project Leader, Director of Expert Services of the Finnish Meteorological Institute Mr. Harri Pietarila and Resident Twinning Adviser Ms. Maija Ylinen presented the expected results and objectives of the project.
Over 50 participants, including representatives od state institutions, stakeholders, civil society, media, as well as international development partners attended the event.
