Projects on development of Gagauz Autonomy, implemented with EU's support, presented in Comrat

Chisinau, 28 March /MOLDPRES/ - Projects on social and economic development of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia), backed by the European Union, were presented in Comrat (Gagauz administrative centre) today. Attending the event were Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Head of the EU Delegation in Moldova Peter Michalko, representatives of the autonomous region, as well as beneficiaries of the projects financed by EU in Gagauzia – mayors, entrepreneurs and residents, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.      

Those six projects unveiled regard the providing of support to local public authorities from UTA Gagauzia, strengthening the civil society, developing agriculture and local entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Pavel Filip visited stands of the projects and discussed with beneficiaries about their work.     

In his speech, the PM thanked EU for the support provided to Moldova, stressing that this backing was very important in the context of the comprehensive process of reforms initiated by the cabinet. “EU actively participates in the social and economic development of Moldova, especially of rural zones,” Pavel Filip said. At present, 76 projects with an overall budget of about 379 million euros are under implementation with EU’s assistance.

At the same time, the prime minister said that the carrying out of these projects in the region was a good example of fostering of the activity and involvement of local authorities. “Not everything depends on the central authorities; I thank you for the initiative you prove. We should work together, in order to find solutions to all problems, to improve the citizens’ living standards,” the prime minister said.  

For his part, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko referred to the project carried out in UTA Gagauzia, meant to improve residents’ living standards. “We have a common vision: the efficient local public authorities and with high capacities have a decisive role in making the true changes locally. There are many possibilities to access EU funds; the condition is that local authorities, civil society and entrepreneurs be able to work out projects and manage them,” Peter Michalko said.   

UE is leader in terms of non-refundable financial assistance provided to Moldova. Since the beginning of cooperation with Moldova, EU has provided more than 900 million euros.