The Romanian government will establish a working group to begin negotiations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) regarding the acquisition of the International Free Port of Giurgiulesti (PILG) on the Danube in Moldova.
Romanian publication Profit.ro reports this, citing the relevant documents.
Romanian authorities aim to acquire the port through Administratia Porturilor Maritime S.A. Constanta, a commercial company under the country's Ministry of Transport.
Giurgiulesti is the only port in the Republic of Moldova accessible to seagoing vessels, located on the border with Romania and Ukraine. It is currently operated by Danube Logistics, which is owned by the EBRD.
At the same time, the Moldovan government clarified that there are two port infrastructure facilities in Giurgiulesti: PILG and a state port owned by Moldova. The sale of the state port is not under consideration.
Earlier, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that Romania might purchase the Moldovan port to strengthen its role in regional economic development and recovery and to create a hub for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
“We don’t know what will happen with Odessa, but in Moldova, there is still the non-operational port of Giurgiulesti. Through the Ministry of Transport, Romania has already shown its interest in acquiring and developing this port to the EBRD. We are waiting for a response,” Ciolacu said in September 2023.
