The Forum gathered more than 300 representatives of local authorities and regional administrations from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria. The participants approved the founding documents of the new structure, designed to strengthen interregional cooperation and directly attract European investments in the border regions of the four countries.
The formation of East Gate was an important step not only in terms of institutional development, but also economic cooperation: the new grouping will be eligible to participate in European funding programs, such as the EU Regional Development Fund, which could provide millions of euros of investments in infrastructure, health, education and energy transition in the eastern regions of the European Union and neighboring countries.
New horizons for cooperation
During the event, participants discussed the key areas of East Gate’s activities, including:
- Facilitating access to EU funding for joint projects in border regions;
- development of transport and digital infrastructure, strengthening economic ties between centers and periphery;
- stimulating business, innovation and educational exchange;
- initiatives in the field of ecology and energy sustainability.
Many participants emphasized that East Gate should become not only a legal mechanism, but also a practical tool for developing sustainable economic ties in Eastern Europe.
“European integration is not just a political or institutional project, it first and foremost creates real development opportunities for states and societies. Europe has proved that borders can be a bridge, not a barrier,” Andrea Mihu, Secretary General of the Romanian Presidential Administration, said at the opening ceremony of the forum in Bucharest.
Voice of Moldova
From the Republic of Moldova, representatives of regional administrations and state structures participated in the forum, emphasizing the importance of East Gate as a platform for strengthening European integration.
The Moldovan side’s priorities include the promotion of joint infrastructure (roads, logistics corridors), as well as the stimulation of small and medium-sized businesses through the creation of a favorable investment environment in the border regions.
“The future belongs to those who know how to cooperate. Today we are not just taking a simple step, but opening a shorter and safer path for our municipalities and cities. Thanks to these partnerships, we learn from each other and turn our common problems into successful European projects,” Lilia Pelipeccaia, Mayor of Soroca municipality, said at the forum in Bucharest.
The new regional structure aims to address long-term objectives: integrating labor markets, coordinating educational and cultural exchanges, strengthening security at the EU’s external borders and promoting economic growth in border areas. East Gate is also seen as a mechanism that will allow participants to use European funds more efficiently, reducing dependence on intermediaries and speeding up project implementation.
Experts note that the creation of GECT with Moldova’s participation is also important from the point of view of the country’s European perspective: such initiatives strengthen the economic link to the EU, promote harmonization of standards and create additional incentives for investors.
The headquarters and secretariat of the new structure will be located in Constanta (Romania). It is planned to form working groups that will develop specific projects to attract funding from EU funds and private investors.
