Veronica Arpintin: Greening Moldova’s economy, from EU standards to local implementation

Interview with Veronica Arpintin, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization of Moldova

Q: Why does Moldova need to align its policies with European Green Deal goals? What impact will meeting EU accession requirements have on Moldova’s economy?

A: As a citizen and a government representative, I believe adopting a sustainable lifestyle and implementing effective environmental policies are crucial steps to improve our quality of life, today and for future generations. For Moldova, aligning with the European Green Deal is a key step towards this goal. Many of us are already feeling the impact of climate change, with rising temperatures and water shortages in some regions, and these challenges require immediate and thoughtful solutions.

Our government is dedicated to aligning with the European Green Deal, focusing on building a green and circular economy. The EU is our primary economic partner, accounting for about 70% of our total exports, making the alignment with European standards essential. For instance, starting in 2025, regulations on plastic packaging will become stricter. This highlights the need for investment in green infrastructure and compliance with European environmental guidelines to stay competitive globally.

Moreover, European consumers prefer eco-friendly, eco-labeled products. This opens an opportunity for Moldova to invest in sustainable production methods and attract investments from those who respect environmental standards.

Q: What are the expected benefits of Moldova's green transition in terms of economic growth, job creation and overall well-being of the population?

A: By adopting sustainable practices, we can look forward to many economic advantages such as creating more competitive products in the EU market, reducing operational costs, and seeing our wages rise. But that’s just the beginning.

A green transition brings significant advantages for the environment and health, paving the way to a more sustainable future and a higher quality of life. Remember how the shift from horse-drawn carriages to cars changed our world? This green transformation will similarly revolutionize our economy into one that’s sustainable and fair. This green economy will help close inequality gaps and make resources more accessible. In doing so, the green economy will help lower healthcare costs, especially those linked to poor working conditions, and create healthier workplaces.

Additionally, it will significantly benefit women and children, especially in rural areas where women often engage in unpaid work. Improved environmental conditions and better mobility mean that everyone can seek better paying jobs and travel longer distances quicker using eco-friendly transportation.

Q: How is the country collaborating with the private sector and entrepreneurs to propel the transition to the green economy? What role does the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization play in helping with this transition?

A: Our government is working closely with businesses and entrepreneurs to foster green economy. Committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change, Moldova is setting clear targets that marry economic growth with environmental and social well-being.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization plays a central role in implementing the National Economic Development Strategy 2030. We support entrepreneurs by offering information, guidance and financing. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already benefit from eco-friendly grants and high-tech upgrades through the Entrepreneurial Development Organization (ODA).

Looking ahead, the focus will be on attracting investments and developing a robust regulatory framework for green sectors, which is crucial for continuing sustainable economic development.

Q: How do international actors and donors, such as the EU and Sweden, contribute to Moldova’s transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy, as well as its path towards EU accession?

A: Our country is working towards a greener future and international partnerships are key to making this vision a reality. Knowledge and experience exchange, financial support – especially in implementing the best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) – are essential components.

Investing in environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within the private sector is no small feat. It requires advanced expertise and cutting-edge technologies that come with challenges such as maintenance and sourcing specific raw materials. Additionally, we need to upgrade the existing infrastructure to support a circular economy and an effective recycling market. Improving our waste management system is a critical step in this transition economic development.

Achieving our green goals would be impossible without donor support. However, we must be proactive in identifying needs and working closely with development partners. We are committed to close collaboration with the EU, Sweden and other international partners eager to support us on this path.

Q: What are the first important goals the country needs to reach soon in order to move towards being climate neutral by 2050?

A: To make Moldova climate neutral by 2050, we must focus on renewable energy. This means greater investments in solar, wind and biomass to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Modernizing our power grids and using energy storage will help ensure a steady and reliable energy supply.

We also need to make our whole economy more energy efficient. This includes modernizing buildings to use less energy, adopting green technologies in industry and promoting eco-friendly transport options. Additionally, recycling, waste reduction, and preserving and restoring our natural ecosystems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These changes will not only fight climate change, but also create a healthier environment and a better future for all of us in Moldova.