The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending €68.2 million to support sustainable infrastructure for growing urban areas in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau. Along with a €1.9 million grant and backing from the European Union, this funding will help ease traffic, cut pollution, and improve travel for the city’s 800,000 residents.
Chisinau faces challenges like congestion, unpredictable travel times, and high energy use due to rapid growth. To tackle these issues, city leaders are planning three new urban zones on the outskirts, designed with modern facilities and green spaces. The project includes building and upgrading three key roads — Mircea cel Batran Avenue, Mesager Street, and Industriala Street — to improve connections for people and goods.
The new roads will cater to everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, elderly people, and public transport users, while encouraging less private car use. The project also includes plans for a wetland park in La Izvor Park’s Lake 4 area to boost local biodiversity. Efforts will focus on smart transport systems and policies, with attention to women’s needs in design, earning the project a Gender SMART label.
This initiative builds on Chisinau’s Green Cities Action Plan, which sets environmental goals and pushes for smarter, cleaner transport. The EBRD has already invested over €2.75 billion in 185 projects across Moldova, making it a key partner in the country’s development.
