The Republic of Moldova and Romania launch the joint research grants programme “Stronger together in the European research area”

Romania and the Republic of Moldova have taken a significant step towards strengthening scientific cooperation at the European level by launching the joint programme of research grants, “Stronger together in the European research area.” This ambitious programme aims to align research in both countries with EU standards and priorities, facilitating integration into European research networks and promoting scientific excellence in a transnational context.

The programme was launched during an international forum organised by the Ministry of Education and Research, together with the European Union High Level Advisers’ Mission, today, 14 September, in Chisinau. The forum brought together over 180 researchers from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, in order to optimise the opportunities and resources offered by this programme. By supporting joint research projects, the programme contributes to the achievement of European objectives in innovation and scientific progress, focusing on essential areas such as health, the environment, digitalisation, and sustainable energy, stated the Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, at the opening of the event.

Ludmila Nistor-Mihajlova, policy officer within the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, highlighted the vital role of collaboration in the European Research Area, underlining Moldova’s growing contribution to Horizon Europe. She noted Moldova’s progress, including €5.5 million in EU funding for research and innovation, while encouraging the participation and empowerment of young researchers. She concluded by emphasising the collective power of European research in addressing global challenges and building a sustainable future.

The European significance of the programme was highlighted by Daniel P. Funeriu, EU High-Level Adviser on Education and Research: “This bilateral initiative fully aligns with the EU priorities of developing a strong, innovative, and integrated research ecosystem. ‘Stronger together in the European research area’ promotes not only regional collaboration but also the integration of researchers from Romania and the Republic of Moldova into European research networks, thus increasing their visibility and competitiveness at the international level.”