Romanian MEP Adina Valean declared on Saturday in Independence Square in Ungheni, Republic of Moldova, that the ‘Flower Bridge’ has a special spiritual symbolism for Romanians on both banks of the Prut River, but also represents an opportunity for economic development.

„I am particularly happy to see the beginning of construction works on the road bridge in Ungheni, so that the two banks of the Prut, our communities and countries aren’t connected just by the railway overpass. (…) The bridge is not just a crossing over water, it is an opportunity for economic development and the expression of freedom of movement, of economic growth of Moldova, Romania, and the entire region so that we can become a more developed and dynamic region within the EU. Infrastructure means prosperity for you, the citizens of both countries and the EU,” MEP Valean said.

She brought to mind that the Prut bridge was one of her favorite projects that she initiated while serving as the European Union’s Transport Commissioner.

„I have worked with great love, perseverance and consistency for the Republic of Moldova as well. Let me tell you that beyond this project there are many other infrastructure projects waiting in the wings, tens of millions of euros earmarked for the Moldovan border with Romania, for the Moldovan border with Ukraine, inside Moldova,” Valean said.

In terms of transport connections, she emphasized that the Republic of Moldova is already part of the European Union.

„We have managed to expand the EU infrastructure maps to include Moldova. Moldova is on an equal footing with other EU member states when it comes to funding for transport infrastructure. Your carriers can travel more easily, without transport quotas in the EU. All this was done during my term as European Commissioner. Now I am a member of the European Parliament and I promise you that I will continue to take care of and support all the projects that have been started, as well as new ones, until your full integration is achieved,” the MEP said.

The EU official was in the Republic of Moldova on Saturday to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Flower Bridge’ across the Prut River, which separates Romania from the Republic of Moldova.

The new bridge will connect the commune of Zagarancea in the Republic of Moldova’s Ungheni District with the Golaesti commune – Iasi County, Romania, and is part of the Union Motorway (A8), a major interconnection of the two national road networks – the Targu Mures – Iasi – Ungheni Motorway and the future Ungheni – Chisinau Motorway, both with an estimated completion date in 2030.

AGERPRES