In the village of Bulboaca, located 40 kilometers from Chisinau, on June 1, 2023, the summit of the European Political Community will be held, which will bring almost 50 presidents and heads of government to Moldova. A correspondent of HotNews.ro went to the place to see how people are preparing for the big event.

Important preparations have been going on for almost two months in the city of Bulboaca in the Republic of Moldova, which has about five thousand people: infrastructure works and buildings are being repaired, fences are being painted, and cleaning is being carried out.

On June 1, the Moldovan village will host the second summit of the European Political Community, an event that will be attended by leaders of both EU and non-EU countries.

The purpose of these annual meetings is to strengthen ties in all areas between the countries of the European Union and neighboring countries. The idea belonged to French President Emmanuel Macron, and the first summit took place last year in Prague.

At least 47 presidents and heads of governments and European countries are expected to attend this year’s event. The actual meeting will take place in Castelul Mimi, Bulboaca, which is also home to one of the most modern wine companies in the Republic of Moldova.

Almost a week before the event, a Hotnews.ro correspondent visited this village about a week before and talked to the villagers to find out how they prepare and what they expect from the event.

On the road from Chisinau to Bulboaca, several workers can be seen making the final preparations to prepare the European officials to the venue of the specially renovated route for the event. A newly asphalted road leads from the entrance to the village to Mimi Castle. Navigation is practically unnecessary, the new road shows where to go.

The first people I met shortly after entering the village were two men. One draws a fountain, the other mows the grass. And the other locals I talked to were at work: one was repairing the fence, the other was cleaning. People were very open to talk, although they did not stop working for a second.

“We are preparing a well. We clean up. We put lime, we make it beautiful,” said a man from Bulboaca.

“I don’t know who’s coming, I don’t care who’s coming,” another man told us. “We are painting here. It’s going slowly, but I don’t know what else to do,” the woman told us.

“Is it important that such an event is organized in Bulboac?” “I think so. They also changed around the village, stops (station numbers) were also made”, – rejoices the young local resident.

“Wells were made, stops were installed. Many works in the village have been carried out and are continuing,” the man claims.

“I hope they leave a bag of money maybe on Bulboac and do something”

The road from Bulboaca. PHOTO: Oksana Bodnar/ HotNews.ro

Regarding the expectations from the Summit of the European political community, the villagers say that they really hope that their lives will change for the better.

“Personal. Personally, I don’t know what we have yet, I think we’re hoping they’ll leave a bag of money, maybe on Bulboac, and they’ll work something out. They will do something else,” said one man.

“To do something good for people. Our country is… kind of poor. We have no industry, we have nothing to earn money. If anyone has more, let them share with us,” another told us.

“It should come from several countries. In Mima, there to accumulate. Maya Sandu is there with the crew. Do I know who’s next? This must be a big commission from Europe,” said another resident of Bulboaka village.

“I think the prices will be good. It won’t be that hard. There will be no famine in this country. I think everything will be fine,” the woman expressed hope.

The mayor of the village of Bulboac, Ion Berzoi, says that the improvement and repair work was planned, but was carried out at a faster pace on the occasion of the summit of the European political community.

“We tried to make it more operational, make it more beautiful by June 1. Fences, fountains, stations, all entrances. We strongly asked business entities, if possible, to do it sooner, by June 1. The total amount from our budget is approximately 600,000 lei,” said the city mayor.

On the day of the event, special security measures will be taken, as befits such large-scale events.

“- Will people be able to go out and see those who came?

– Yes, why not? Just don’t get off track. But on the way near the gate – it won’t spoil. Others believe that they should only stay at home, this is not true. It is clear that on this day he will not be able to get into the castle or move freely anywhere,” says Ion Bezoi.

Local residents say that they are understanding, because they have to take care of high-ranking guests. “We have to take care of these people. If someone is going to make fun of them, we will be very ashamed, because what a country, what bad people in this country. We need support,” a local resident told us.

The Government of the Republic of Moldova allocated 6.5 million Moldovan lei, which is equivalent to approximately 340,000 euros, for the repair and development of the infrastructure of the village of Bulboaca, Noi district.