A dash of EPICness: JASPERS advice in Eastern Partnership Countries is gaining momentum

Did you know that JASPERS is available since 2022 to support Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, under the facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (EPIC)? If this is news to you, take a look at our dashboard, as five assignments supporting pivotal connectivity projects are already in motion.

Destination Democracy

The drive behind the EPIC facility is clear – improving transport networks in the Eastern Neighbourhood, and in turn, foster a common area of shared democracy and prosperity. Even with indicative maps and investment action plans, agreed in advance by all partners, translating the plans into reality is an ambitious journey. Road, rail, maritime and intermodal connections are time and cost-intensive investments, which have an impact on economies and people’s lives for decades. Therefore, it is in everyone’s interest that project promotors plan thoroughly, according to current requirements and best international practice.

An engine made of grants and expertise

EPIC was jointly set up by the European Commission, which is funding it through grants, and the European Investment Bank, which is managing it through JASPERS, in cooperation with the EBRD and the World Bank. The focus of EPIC is on transport infrastructure related to the TEN-T and included in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership.

In two years, EPIC has already set five riveting assignments on the tracks, through direct advice from EIB experts and technical assistance provided by selected consultants.

Five assignments already in motion

Two EPIC assignments assist the development of specific road projects with feasibility studies: a bypass around the city of Gyumri in Armenia (23 km) and a ring road around the Moldovan capital of Chisinau (63 km).

Since the beginning of 2022, the EPIC advisory team has been by our side, first to develop our National Mobility Strategy 2023-2030, and subsequently to work on key infrastructure projects, such as the completion of the Chisinau Ringroad. The always approachable, flexible, independent and accurate way of providing advice have made them a development partner in whom we trust“

Radu Rogovei, Head of the Transport Infrastructure Department in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development in Moldova

Further, EPIC experts are standing by the Republic of Moldova’s side on a more institutional and strategic level. First, by supporting the establishment of a National Mobility Strategy 2023 – 2030, and second, by helping to set up an adequate organisational structure to drive forward a project to develop an inland freight terminal in Chisinau, identified as critical to boost EU-Moldova trade.

A fifth advisory assignment helps the Azerbaijan Railways to identify and implement safety improvements along the Baku–Boyuk Kesik railway corridor (some 500 km).

Going the distance

To find out more about EPIC, the types of support it may provide, ongoing projects and upcoming calls for applications, make sure to check out its webpage Facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (eib.org).

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