EBRD and EU back Moldova's road corridor upgrade with €344 million loan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a sovereign loan of up to €344 million to Moldova to finance the rehabilitation and construction of strategic sections of the R7 and M3 roads, according to a press release issued by the EBRD on 16 September 2026. The investment is complemented by an investment grant and technical assistance from the European Union worth over €13.8 million under the EU Growth Plan. The financing will support the rehabilitation and construction of around 134 km of strategic road links. It aims to improve road quality and safety, shorten journey times and strengthen the EU candidate country’s transport connections with Romania, Ukraine and EU markets. Together, the funds will advance road sector reforms and regional connectivity.

The new financing builds on €340 million provided by the EBRD in 2024 and 2025 to rehabilitate important road links across Moldova and improve connectivity with its European neighbors. The R7 serves as a key northern corridor connecting communities with the Romanian border while also supporting traffic between Ukraine and Moldova. The M3 is Moldova’s principal road link between Chisinau and Giurgiulesti International Free Port on the Danube. Both roads form part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). They are also included in the EU-led Solidarity Lanes, which facilitate transport of essential goods by land amid the continued blockade of Black Sea trade routes caused by the war in Ukraine.

Maintaining these roads in line with European standards is expected to facilitate cross-border trade between Moldova, Ukraine and EU markets. Traffic between the EU and Ukraine is expected to increase sharply once post-war reconstruction begins. Improved road quality will also boost the reliability of passenger and freight transport. Users will benefit from reduced vehicle operating costs, better journey times and enhanced safety on sections currently in poor condition. The upgrades target corridors central to Moldova’s role as a gateway between the EU and countries to its east.

As part of the investment, the EBRD will help the Moldovan government strengthen governance in the road sector by developing a long-term National Road Sector Masterplan and Road Funding Strategy. Additional support will reinforce corporate governance of the National Road Administration. The package also includes the establishment of a centralized digital one-stop shop to simplify licensing procedures for electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. The EBRD is Moldova’s biggest institutional investor. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the Bank has provided €1.7 billion to Moldova to help mitigate the economic consequences of the war on the country’s economy.

Overall, the EBRD has invested more than €3.1 billion across 201 projects in Moldova. The support is delivered alongside the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, worth €1.9 billion, which represents the largest EU financial support package since Moldova’s independence. The plan is designed to boost Moldova’s economy and bring the country closer to EU membership by accelerating reforms and enhancing access to the European Union’s single market. It provides financial assistance through a dedicated Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova for the period 2025-2027. The Growth Plan will mobilize investments for jobs and growth and transform the lives of Moldovan citizens.