Estonia and Moldova launch IMPACT.Gagauzia programme to jumpstart regional development and support EU integration

Launched this week by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) in close partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova and Civitta, IMPACT.Gagauzia brings together 100 representatives from local governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to learn about the steps needed to implement EU-aligned projects, including project design, grant applications and management. 

The opening ceremony was attended by the secretary generals of six Estonian ministries. Speaking at the event, Jonatan Vseviov, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Estonia’s absolute support for Moldova’s EU accession, emphasising that by sharing Estonia’s experience and deepening bilateral cooperation, we are contributing to Moldova’s progress while also strengthening European security. 

Margus Gering, ESTDEV’s regional head of Eastern Europe, noted that during Estonia’s accession, local governments played a key role in helping communities understand governmental changes and take advantage of EU funding opportunities.  

“The EU-funded Moldova Growth Plan aid package of 1.9 billion euros is a historic opportunity for Moldova but also a great responsibility. This newly launched project in Gagauzia now passes the responsibility to Moldovan communities to lead and shape their own development and future,” Gering said.  

ESTDEV and the Regional Development Agency UTA Gagauzia signed a memorandum of understanding to address the need to support local institutions, communities and businesses as they seek to access European and international opportunities. 

The IMPACT.Gagauzia programme launch is the first part of this collaboration between Estonia and Moldova, aiming to align local development practices with European standards, promote cooperation between local stakeholders and drive sustainable regional growth. 

“IMPACT.Gagauzia introduces collaborative project labs, called IDEATHONS, to identify and co-create sustainable and impactful regional projects. These are part of a broader process that will continue in the coming months with learning labs, mentorship and collaborative project design,” said Stela Corobceanu, an associate partner at Civitta Moldova. 

IMPACT.Gagauzia will run as a pilot initiative. The tools, partnerships and project pipelines developed in the region will serve as a blueprint for Moldova’s other regions. By combining local ownership with European values and practices, the programme strengthens Gagauzia’s development trajectory and contributes to Moldova’s path toward sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth. 

Gagauzia is an autonomous territorial unit of Moldova located in the eastern half of the country. Historically, Gagauzia has shown cautious views regarding Moldova’s EU accession, as reflected by regional referendums. Despite this, the EU continues to actively support Gagauzia through various development and economic initiatives. 

Photo: Civitta Moldova 

The launch event brought together high-level representatives from Estonia and Moldova. Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Aune Kotli, Ambassador of Estonia to Moldova, Mr Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Mr Corneliu Cirimpei, State Secretary for Regional Development within Moldova’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Mr Margus Gering, ESTDEV Representative, and Mr Serghei Anastasov, Chair of the Regional Development Council of ATU Gagauzia.