Moldova Refines Inventory and Submits Plan for Complete Elimination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Equipment

Moldova has become the first of eight pilot countries to complete the project of refining the inventory of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Support for implementation was provided by the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre (SCRC) from RECETOX. The closing meeting, held at Hotel VisPas in Chisinau on February 7, 2025, was attended by more than 30 participants.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Grigore Stratulat, opened the meeting and emphasized Moldova’s strong commitment to implementing the requirements of the Stockholm Convention. He praised the hard work of the expert team and the support provided by SCRC Czech Republic throughout the project.

The project fills in missing data on PCB-containing equipment (e.g., in the energy, water, and transport sectors) and contributes to setting up the process for the effective phasing out of PCB equipment in pilot countries to meet the Stockholm Convention targets for 2025 and 2028. SCRC Czech Republic from RECETOX provided technical support for refining and reassessing national PCB inventories and for developing a strategic plan in Armenia and Moldova.

Participants agreed on the proposed plan and next steps for the complete elimination of PCB-containing equipment. Based on data from the refined inventory and the lack of national capacities and technologies for timely and environmentally sound PCB disposal, Moldova will apply for the new GEF-supported PCB program, which will be launched in 2026.

Conclusions and lessons learned will be included in the report on the “Global Assessment of Capacities for Environmentally Sound Management of PCB” and will contribute to the further development of the “Strategy for Parties to Meet the 2025 and 2028 Goals of the Stockholm Convention,” prepared for the May COP meeting of the Stockholm Convention in Geneva. Moldova will also present its outputs there.