PTB Eastern Partnership Project Boosts Moldova’s Trade Prospects with EU

In a bid to enhance Moldova’s industrial landscape and align it with European standards, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) Eastern Partnership Project (EaP) organized impactful training sessions in Chisinau on January 15th and 17th. The initiative, spanning five countries including Moldova, aims to bolster the quality infrastructure (QI), support digitalization, and contribute to a sustainable, green transformation.

Moldova’s Path to Conformity:

Moldova finds itself at a crucial juncture, undergoing assessment by the EU Commission with the goal of concluding an agreement on conformity assessment and acceptance (ACAA) of industrial products. This agreement holds the promise of facilitating mutual acceptance and unrestricted movement of products between Moldova and the European Union, particularly in priority industry sectors governed by the Low Voltage (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) EU Directives.

A lady and a man sitting at a desk discussing. — *Representatives of MOLDAC, Head of Department for Laboratory Accreditation Natalia Sapoval (left), director Iursie Friptuleac (right)*

EaP Project Unleashes Knowledge:

In an effort to equip Moldova with the necessary tools for navigating the European Union New Legislative Framework (EU NLF), the EaP project orchestrated two pivotal training sessions in Chisinau. The first session targeted ministries and the accreditation body (MOLDAC), delving into notification, conformity assessment, and accreditation for notification purposes. The second session zeroed in on conformity assessment bodies and manufacturers, addressing the requirements for placing products on the EU market, CE marking, and conformity assessment.

Active Stakeholder Engagement:

The training sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from key personnel representing ministries, MOLDAC, conformity assessment bodies (CABs), and manufacturers. These interactive forums provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with PTB experts, fostering discussions on the provisions of EU-NLF, implementation practices in the EU, and challenges faced in meeting the requirements for a successful ACAA with the EU.

A group of people sitting in a conference room listening to a person. — Director Alexei Pianih, NMI (middle), Irene Flouda, expert and trainer for metrology (left), Zachos Ioannidis, expert and trainer for accreditation (left), Grigore Cater, director of QI division, Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (right), members of conformity assessment bodies and manufacturers

Charting a Future of Collaboration:

The PTB Eastern Partnership Project’s investment in Moldova’s adherence to EU standards signifies a collaborative effort towards seamless trade relations. As Moldova progresses through the EU Commission’s assessment, the insights gained from these training sessions are poised to play a crucial role in the successful conclusion of the ACAA. This, in turn, is expected to not only streamline trade between Moldova and the European Union but also set the stage for continued collaboration and growth.

Conclusion:

The PTB Eastern Partnership Project’s commitment to empowering Moldova underscores the importance of collaboration in the global arena. Moldova, guided by the knowledge garnered through these initiatives, is well-positioned to strengthen its trade ties with the European Union and contribute to a harmonized international standard. The training sessions serve as a testament to the power of shared knowledge in propelling nations towards greater economic integration and cooperation.

Our start picture show the expert for metrology, Irene Flouda, and the technical expert from NMI Moldova, Ana Rusu – awarding of certificates.