The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of €68.2 million to support sustainable infrastructure development in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau. The financing, which comes in the form of a sub-sovereign loan, is complemented by a €1.9 million investment grant and backed by the European Union through first loss risk cover. This funding aims to create greener, more sustainable urban areas to respond to the city’s rapid urbanisation.
Home to around 800,000 residents, Chisinau faces significant challenges including traffic congestion, unpredictable travel times, high energy use, and worsening air quality. To address these issues, the city—an early participant in the EBRD’s flagship Green Cities programme—is developing three new urban areas on its periphery. These areas will be supported by modern infrastructure and amenities designed to accommodate growth while reducing environmental strain.
The project will focus on the improvement and construction of three key road links: Mircea cel Batran Avenue, Mesager Street, and Industriala Street. Beyond traditional infrastructure, the initiative integrates sustainable mobility and resilient design, ensuring inclusive spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, the elderly, people with disabilities, and public transport users, alongside cars and commercial vehicles. Enhancing freight connectivity and offering alternative commuter routes are also central goals.
In line with its sustainability agenda, the project will encourage a shift away from private car use by strengthening facilities for public and shared mobility. It also seeks to enhance urban biodiversity through measures such as the creation of a wetland park in the Lake 4 area of La Izvor Park. Further, the project is designed to integrate intelligent transport systems, mobility policies, and gender perspectives, making it a Gender SMART initiative.
This strategically important development is expected to catalyse long-term changes in Chisinau’s urban mobility, encouraging non-motorised transport and supporting the city’s inclusive growth. It builds on the Green Cities Action Plan (GCAP), which Chisinau developed upon joining EBRD Green Cities, and sets ambitious targets for climate mitigation and sustainable mobility.
The EBRD remains a key institutional investor in Moldova, with over €2.75 billion committed across 185 projects to date. Through initiatives like this, it continues to support the country’s transition toward greener, more sustainable, and more inclusive urban development.
