A new Know‑how Exchange Programme (KEP) project has recently been launched to support the Republic of Moldova in aligning its regional development system with EU cohesion policy standards. The initiative is implemented by the North Regional Development Agency (North RDA) of Moldova in partnership with Romania’s North‑East RDA and West RDA.
Funded by Italy, through the CEI Fund at the EBRD, the project reaffirms Italy’s long‑standing commitment to supporting institutional strengthening and European integration processes across the CEI region.
The initiative comes at a crucial moment for Moldova, as the country advances on its EU accession path and prepares for future access to structural and pre‑accession funds. While Romania has accumulated extensive experience in planning, managing and implementing EU‑funded regional programmes, Moldovan regional authorities continue to face gaps in administrative capacity, project pipeline development and understanding of EU procedures. The project addresses these needs by facilitating a structured transfer of know‑how from Romania’s RDAs to the North RDA of Moldova.
Activities will focus on a tailored Training‑of‑Trainers programme, mentorship and coaching sessions, and technical assistance for developing a portfolio of mature, EU‑eligible project proposals. A five‑day study visit to Romania will expose Moldovan specialists to concrete examples of EU‑funded infrastructure, urban development, energy efficiency and innovation projects, offering practical insights into procurement, monitoring and compliance mechanisms. Knowledge transfer will also include evidence‑based planning tools, regional statistics systems and digital instruments used in Romania to align regional strategies with EU cohesion priorities and smart specialisation frameworks.
Expected results include a comprehensive capacity‑building programme, improved readiness to absorb EU and IPA funds, and a set of well‑prepared project proposals. The project will also strengthen local‑level capacity through the Training‑of‑Trainers model, enabling North RDA specialists to train municipalities and local public authorities, where experience with EU‑funded projects remains limited.
By fostering peer learning and strengthening partnerships between Moldovan and Romanian partners, the initiative contributes to a more cohesive, capable and EU‑aligned regional development system in Moldova. It also reinforces regional cooperation within the CEI framework, supporting Moldova’s European integration through practical, targeted and sustainable capacity‑building actions.
For more information: dovier@cei.int