Moldova and the EBRD will sign major new investment agreements to boost the economy during the visit of EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso's to the country
According to a statement from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso will visit Moldova on 18-19 December to express strong support for the country's economic reform program in the context of Moldova's aspirations to join the European Union. During her visit on Thursday and Friday, the EBRD President will meet with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, and other senior government officials, as well as business partners, diplomats, and civil society representatives, to reaffirm the Bank's commitment to Moldova's economic reform program. Ahead of her visit, Odile Renaud-Basso noted that Moldova faces a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity: the prospect of EU membership. According to her, this political commitment is also a powerful driver of economic reform and growth, which are in the country's fundamental interests. "The EBRD is determined to play its role in supporting the country on this path, particularly by promoting investment and assisting with economic reforms," said Odile Renaud-Basso. The EBRD is Moldova's largest institutional investor. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has provided €1.7 billion to help Moldova mitigate the economic impact of the war. Overall, to date, the bank has invested nearly €2.9 billion in 193 projects, with 40% of its portfolio in sustainable infrastructure. Since 2022, the EBRD has increased its lending to infrastructure projects, focusing on enhancing Moldova's regional connectivity by investing in improved road and rail links. By the end of this year, the EBRD plans to sign agreements for a further €150 million for two key road projects, following a €150 million financing package in 2024, as well as additional €40 million financing for an earlier road project agreed in June. The EBRD notes that the bank's work in the energy sector has played a significant role in diversifying Moldova's supply sources, reducing its dependence on Russia. This year's €400 million loan is the latest in a series of loans supporting Moldova in purchasing gas and electricity from EU traders. The Bank is also helping Moldova transition to a more sustainable energy mix based on renewable energy, including by providing technical support for the country's first renewable energy auction this year and working on efficient heating and energy efficiency projects in Chisinau and Balti. The EBRD views such projects as a means of achieving economic growth—ambitions supported by the new government and the EU's €1.9 billion "Growth Plan" program. The Bank is also working to translate this growth into momentum for the real economy by supporting local business development, particularly in agriculture. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for approximately 98% of Moldova's economy. The EBRD provides significant access to capital through Moldovan banks to support their development and to stimulate innovation and competitiveness in the private sector. During the EBRD President's visit, new agreements will be signed to support SME, with the aim of expanding access to finance for businesses and individuals. Renaud-Basso's visit will also include a trip to Bălți, where she will assess the results of EBRD-financed investments aimed at improving district heating for around 70% of residents of Moldova's northern capital, supporting the bank's green agenda. The Bălți district heating project is a key step towards improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in Moldova's second-largest city. Begun in 2014 with a €10 million investment to modernize certain parts of the system, a second €17 million project was launched in 2021, offering further improvements, including modernizing the Bălți district heating system, installing individual heating substations in residential buildings, and constructing horizontal heating distribution networks and hot water systems.// 16.12.2025 — InfoMarket
