Estonian mentoring programme aims to attract investment to Northern Moldova
An Estonian-run programme in Moldova's Northern Development Region will work with local governments to attract investment and accelerate regional development, supporting the country’s ultimate goal of joining the European Union.
The IMPACT.North programme, implemented by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the Tartu County Development Association, was officially launched by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
IMPACT.North draws on Estonia's extensive experience with regional development, local government management and preparation of EU-funded projects. The programme aims to help Moldova reduce regional disparities and strengthen local governments' capacity to attract investment and implement initiatives needed for community development.
According to Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, supporting Moldova is part of Estonia's broader goal of contributing to strengthening the European community of values and supporting the development of partner countries.
"European Union enlargement makes all of Europe stronger and bolsters our security. Bringing Moldova, a country that shares the same values as the EU, into the Union expands the internal market, broadens opportunities for economic cooperation and makes the EU an even stronger geopolitical force. Supporting Moldova’s path toward the European Union is an investment in a stronger and more secure Europe; Estonia is ready to share its reform experience and knowledge regarding the accession process with Moldova and to provide practical support along its journey to membership," said Tsahkna.
The project focuses on developing the practical skills of local governments and regional development organisations. More than 150 local experts and leaders from municipalities, business centres, non-governmental organisations and universities will participate in the programme. As a result of the project, at least 15 project concepts will be developed that meet the requirements of international funding programmes.
According to Andrea Kivi, ESTDEV’s executive director, Estonia knows from experience how important strong local-level capacity is for making the most of EU opportunities.
"Moldova's European integration will not happen only at the national level, but also in municipalities and communities, where projects are developed that improve people's everyday lives. IMPACT.North will help create the knowledge, skills and partnerships needed for this," said Kivi.
Kristiina Tammets, CEO of the Tartu County Development Association, emphasised that practical cooperation and applying Estonia's experience to address local needs are at the heart of the programme.
"IMPACT.North has been designed to benefit as many organisations involved in regional development in Northern Moldova as possible. We are bringing together experts from both Estonia and Moldova and focusing on preparing real development projects that will help improve the quality of life of local people," said Tammets.
IMPACT.North follows the IMPACT.Gagauzia programme, implemented last year and completed by more than 100 officials and community leaders involved in local development. In response to the positive feedback and interest from Moldovan partners, ESTDEV is now bringing the programme to Northern Moldova as well.
An important part of the programme is also the exchange of experience within Moldova. IMPACT.North participants will visit Gagauzia to learn about projects developed there, partnership models and practical lessons. In this way, Estonia is sharing its own experience while also supporting knowledge exchange between different regions of Moldova.
The Northern Development Region of Moldova comprises the city of Bălți and 11 municipalities, with a population of nearly 700,000. Through the programme, Estonia aims to help communities in the region better prepare to attract investment, develop public services and make use of opportunities offered by the EU.
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