The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital services.

Strengthening the synergies between the three sectors benefits people across all Member States, as it makes travel easier and more sustainable, it enhances Europe’s energy security, and it facilitates cross-border interaction between public administrations, businesses and citizens. All of this is at the core of the EU Single Market’s value.

The agreement has been signed by the Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean and Moldova's Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Lilia Dabija, in the presence of Moldova's Prime Minister, Dorin Recean.

Specifically, this agreement will enable Moldovan project promoters to apply for EU funding for projects of common interest in the transport, energy and digital realms, improving the country's connectivity with its EU neighbours. It will promote growth, jobs and competitiveness, bringing Moldova closer to the EU by anchoring the country in these interconnected trans-European networks, and supporting its integration within the EU Single Market.

Access to EU funding

Transports

Moldovan authorities and companies will be able to apply for funding under future CEF transport calls in the current (2021-2027) programming period. The next call will be launched in September 2023. Eligibility criteria for third countries will apply as outlined in the trans-European transport (TEN-T) Regulation. Priority is given to actions that strengthen connectivity between the core network of Member States and the network in third countries.

Energy

Moldovan infrastructure projects linked with EU Member States already have the possibility to apply for the status of Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) under the revised EU rules for energy infrastructure. PMI is a new concept introduced by the revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation to allow infrastructure projects connecting third countries with the EU to profit from streamlined permitting procedures and better access to finance.

This status is a prerequisite for project developers to be eligible for CEF-Energy funding, which will provide new funding for Moldova, thanks to this agreement. Another option for Moldova to receive CEF-Energy support is for cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy.

In any case, in November 2023, the Commission will publish the next Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and, for the first time, PMIs with third countries.

For more : CEF Energy: 750 million call for energy infrastructure in fifth list of projects of common interest

Digital

The digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility, CEF Digital, provides support for connectivity projects of common interest, in particular for backbone networks linking the EU with third countries, in line with the Global Gateway strategy, as well as for the development of safe, secure and sustainable high-performance infrastructure, including Gigabit and fifth-generation of mobile (5G) networks. Once the next CEF Digital calls are launched, Moldovan project promoters will be able to apply for co-financing for projects aimed at increasing the capacity, security and resilience of digital connectivity between the Republic of Moldova and its EU neighbours.