The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €41.2 million loan agreement with the government of Moldova to rehabilitate the country's railway infrastructure. The loan is complemented by an investment grant of €12 million from the European Union. In particular, the project provides for the modernisation of the 128 km Valcinet – Ocnita – Balti – Ungheni – Chisinau – Cainari corridor, including the replacement of 50 switches at railway stations. The line is considered an important link from western Ukraine to harbours along the Danube and Prut rivers and provides access to international waters. The improvement of the existing railway connection between Moldova and Ukraine is intended to strengthen trade and promise benefits for Ukrainian exports and the Moldovan economy. At the end of June 2023, the Moldovan government had already negotiated a grant and loan agreement worth €43 million with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Commission.
