EU's Joint Research Centre signs new partnership to support Moldova's Smart Specialisation Strategy

Bernard Magenhann, Deputy Director-General of the Joint Research Centre, has signed a Research Framework Arrangement with Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.

The partnership means that the Joint Research Centre will support the implementation of Moldova's Smart Specialisation Strategy by providing "data-driven analysis and evidence-based tools that help identify regional strengths and turn research and innovation into drivers of competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth", Magenhann said.

This new partnership was signed on 22/06/2026, in the presence of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, António Costa, President of the European Council and Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova.

Representatives of the EU met representatives from Moldova on the occasion of the second bilateral summit between the two parties.

"Smart Specialisation is built on place-based strengths and collaboration between public authorities, academia, businesses and civil society. Its integration into the EU Growth Plan for Moldova makes…