The CEI-supported project CEI support for Bridging Borders: Strengthening Regional Capacity for Moldova’s EU Integration through Know-How Exchange (BRIDGE2EU) has started as one of the 15 initiatives recently financed under the CEI Know-how Exchange Programme (KEP), through the contribution of Italy to the CEI Fund at the EBRD. The project is implemented by the Regional Development Agency Centru Romania in partnership with Regional Development Agency Centre Moldova and the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy).
BRIDGE2EU supports Moldova’s ongoing EU accession process by strengthening the institutional capacity of RDA Centre Moldova to align regional development practices with EU standards. Following the opening of accession negotiations in June 2024, Moldova faces the challenge of translating EU policy frameworks into effective regional actions. The project responds to these needs by facilitating structured know-how transfer from Romania and Italy - two EU Member States with extensive experience in regional development, EU programming and accession processes.
Activities include study visits in Moldova and Romania, online technical exchanges, mentoring sessions and a final dissemination event. These will expose Moldovan staff to practical methodologies for drafting EU‑aligned strategic documents, preparing regional operational programmes and managing EU‑funded initiatives. The project is expected to improve institutional skills in strategic planning, enhance understanding of EU cohesion policy and support the development or revision of key planning documents.
By fostering trilateral cooperation among Romania, Moldova and Italy, BRIDGE2EU contributes to a more integrated and EU‑oriented regional development framework in the CEI region.
For more information: dovier@cei.int