Moldova and France strengthen cooperation for energy efficiency in public buildings

The signing ceremony took place last night at the Élysée Palace in Paris during the official visit of President Maia Sandu to France. The event was attended by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, and the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), Rémy Rioux.

The INSPIREE project aims to reduce Moldova's energy dependence, enhance energy efficiency in key public buildings, and support the country’s long-term sustainability goals. The project will focus on the renovation of public buildings, including higher education institutions and district hospitals, which will lead to significant energy savings and improved public services, enhancing the comfort of 200,000 Moldovan citizens.

The project is co-financed by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank KfW (Credit Institute for Reconstruction) and the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The implementation of the project will be managed by the Energy Projects Implementation Unit (UCIPE) under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy. Beyond its technical impact, INSPIREE underscores strong donor coordination within the framework of the “Joint European Financiers for International Cooperation” (JEFIC) initiative and reinforces Moldova’s commitment to European Union integration.

"We are working together for Moldova's energy security — diversifying sources, improving efficiency, and investing in renewable energy. Moldova is no longer dependent on Russian gas. And today, we are taking another step forward. Together with the French Development Agency, we are signing a €30 million agreement to improve energy efficiency in Moldova. This investment will reduce energy waste, lower costs, and strengthen our energy independence," said President Maia Sandu.

"INSPIREE is a crucial step on Moldova’s path toward energy independence and European integration. By modernizing our public buildings, we are not only improving efficiency but also strengthening our resilience to external energy shocks, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all Moldovans," said Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu at the signing ceremony.

"The AFD Group is committed to supporting Moldova's energy transition. By investing in energy efficiency, Moldova is investing in its future. The INSPIREE project will help reduce energy dependence, modernize essential public services, and accelerate the country’s alignment with European energy and environmental standards," emphasized Rémy Rioux, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD).

The AFD Group contributes to France's sustainable development and international solidarity policies. The Group includes the French Development Agency (AFD), which finances the public sector, NGOs, research, and training; its subsidiary Proparco, dedicated to the private sector; and Expertise France, the technical cooperation agency.

The AFD Group finances, supports, and accelerates the transitions needed for a fairer and more resilient world. Active in the Republic of Moldova since 2022, the AFD Group has been tasked with supporting the country’s alignment with European Union standards and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, aiming for an inclusive and low-carbon growth trajectory. Since then, the AFD Group has committed €230 million in Moldova across several active projects in the energy, transport, environmental protection, and forest management sectors.