Moldova and neighboring Romania are accelerating efforts to strengthen their economic and infrastructure ties, with Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi describing joint projects as a practical step toward bringing the two countries closer amid renewed debate over political unification.

Speaking to TVR Info on Friday, November 6, Popșoi said the rapprochement between the two countries was already taking place through major infrastructure projects, including the construction of highways and bridges across the Prut River, which separates the two countries.

"Actually, this is already happening. The Union Highway, which is currently under construction and is expected to reach Ungheni, is a very significant step in this direction," Popșoi said, adding that several bridges across the Prut were also planned.

He emphasized that concrete economic initiatives and closer cooperation between the two countries would be more effective in bringing their populations together than political debates and symbolic gestures.

Popșoi also pointed to energy interconnection projects and expanding economic relations as important elements of the rapprochement, arguing that practical cooperation could demonstrate the benefits of closer ties to citizens on both sides of the river.

His remarks come amid renewed discussion about the possibility of Moldova's reunification with Romania, following President Maia Sandu's repeated expressions of support for the idea.

In January, Sandu said she would vote in favor of unification if a referendum were held, citing growing security challenges facing Moldova and the difficulties smaller countries encounter in preserving their sovereignty and democratic institutions amid Russian pressure.

However, the Moldovan president has acknowledged that reunification currently lacks majority public support and that European Union membership remains a more realistic objective for the country.

According to opinion polling cited by Moldovan media, approximately 33% of respondents supported unification with Romania, while 45.7% opposed it.

Popșoi likewise stressed that any eventual political unification must emerge through a democratic and transparent process and enjoy broad public support.

Meanwhile, infrastructure cooperation between the two countries has gained momentum. Construction of the Ungheni-Ungheni road bridge across the Prut began in April 2025. The project is designed to connect Moldova's road network with Romania's A8 motorway and the wider European transport network.

As of October 2026, construction of the bridge had reached approximately 56% completion, with the project scheduled to be completed in December 2027.

In September, the Moldovan government approved an agreement with Romania to continue construction of the bridge and develop associated transport infrastructure. The agreement includes Romanian investments estimated at approximately 56 million euros.

Moldova, a former Soviet republic that gained independence in 1991, was part of Romania between the two world wars before being annexed by the Soviet Union during World War II.

The country has increasingly pursued closer relations with the European Union and Romania, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

Moldova was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 and has set 2030 as its target for joining the bloc. Its authorities have repeatedly described European integration as a strategic priority for safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and economic development. (ILKHA)