The Republic of Moldova could receive a €12.9 million grant from the Federal Republic of Germany for the implementation of four priority projects. The Foreign Policy Committee has approved the advisory opinion on launching negotiations on the Understanding between the governments of the two states, TRIBUNA reports.

The Understanding will facilitate the provision of non‑reimbursable assistance from Germany for the implementation of the following projects:

• “Facilitating EU Accession through Coordination and Engagement in Moldova (FACE)”,
• “Resilient, Innovative and Sustainable Economy in Moldova (RISE)”,
• “Strong Public Services for Moldova’s Communes (SPS)”, and
• “Strengthening Quality Infrastructure for EU Accession and Competitiveness.”

The projects aim to strengthen institutional capacities at both central and local levels in the context of the EU accession process, support SMEs in promoting exports and developing dual vocational education, improve cooperation in the delivery of public services and local economic development, as well as modernize infrastructure.

The Understanding is being negotiated under the 2014 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany on development cooperation. Technical assistance will be provided through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).