Romania nears acquisition of Moldova’s Giurgiulești Port

Romania is nearing the completion of negotiations to acquire the Port of Giurgiulești, Moldova’s only maritime port with direct access to the Black Sea, reports DCNews, citing Romania’s Minister of Transport Ciprian Șerban.

According to the minister, talks between Romania and Moldova have already begun:

“It is very strategically located. In theory, we are already on the path to signing the agreement. We had discussions with the EBRD, we made them an offer, and it was accepted. Next week, we will meet with Moldova’s Minister of Transport, Vladimir Bolea,” Șerban said.

He added that Romania expects a decision from the Moldovan side to extend the port’s operation beyond 2030, noting:

“For this investment to make sense and benefit both sides, we need assurance that we can use the port after 2030. They are open to this and willing to act quickly.”

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research:

The potential acquisition of the Giurgiulești International Free Port by Romania represents a strategic shift in the regional transport and energy landscape.

For Moldova, it would mean closer integration with the EU’s TEN-T transport network; for Romania, it would strengthen control over the northern Black Sea logistics chain, connecting the ports of Constanța – Galați – Giurgiulești – Reni – Izmail.

According to IDR, this move could:

-         attract new investment in Danube and Black Sea port infrastructure;

-         reinforce energy and logistics cooperation among Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine;

-         and advance the Danube Transport Corridor as a vital route in Europe’s green and secure connectivity after 2030.

Source: DCNews, Ministry of Transport of Romania, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).