CEB and the Government of Moldova sign €30 million loan for the modernisation of schools

PARIS - The Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) have signed a loan agreement for the expansion of the Model Schools network, a strategic initiative of the Ministry that will benefit approximately 12 800 students.

The €30 million loan agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the CEB is dedicated to the modernisation of 15 educational institutions ranging from primary to high school across the country. The CEB's loan will be complemented by a €5 million grant from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) for energy efficiency works.

With this financing, the 15 beneficiary schools will undergo extensive modernisation, including a complete renovation of buildings, landscaping of the adjacent land (approximately 28 hectares), implementation of energy efficiency measures and the installation of renewable energy sources to achieve energy class B. The project will also ensure the adaptation of the infrastructure for accessibility, in particular for people with reduced mobility, as well as the modernisation of auxiliary infrastructure and the provision of modern equipment and furniture.

This funding contributes to the expansion of the Ministry of Education and Research's Model Schools Network, which seeks to build a modern, accessible and European-standard education system that will reach a total of 50 institutions through this project.

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate from its 43 member countries. The CEB finances investment and provides technical assistance in social sectors such as education, health and affordable housing, while focusing on the needs of vulnerable people, as well as on the social dimensions of climate change and the environment. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. The CEB, which has a triple-A credit rating, funds itself through international capital markets. In addition, the CEB receives funds from donors to complement its activities.