The objective of the project is linked to O.S. 8.2 and is to increase the degree of interconnection of the NTS with other neighbouring countries, namely the Republic of Moldova and to improve the gas supply of the North-East region of Romania. By building pipes and compression stations at high quality standards, it ensures: • increased cross-border exchange capacities by ensuring the flow of gas at optimal bidirectional flows and pressures • increasing the quality of services provided • increased energy efficiency of SNT • increasing the flexibility of NTS balance in the North-East region of Romania • increasing security in the transport of natural gas • protection of the environment and population The project creates the premises for the emergence of a new market for current and future natural gas resources from conventional operations in Romania and offshore reserves in the Black Sea and contributes by adapting the flow requirements to ensure the flow of gas in both directions with the Republic of Moldova to the final result of O.S. 8.2: developing a common energy market in Europe. The North-East Region consists of six counties (Bacau, Botosani, Iasi, Neamț, Suceava, Vaslui), with an area of 36850 km² and has a population of 3.3 million inhabitants, ranked first in this respect between the 8 regions. From a socio-economic point of view, geographical and historical conditions have led to a fallback. Between ‘65 and’85, forced industrial development was carried out, far too diversified and without taking into account the specific conditions prevailing in the region. The development potential of the North-East region increased with the signing of the Association Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, by intensifying collaborations with the 2 neighbouring countries. Today, small and medium-sized enterprises are an important segment of the region’s economy, absorbing a large part of the total number of employees working in companies. At present, the employment rate is 55.5 % and the number of active firms according to NSI statistics for 2012 was 50298. The project’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the area through: • Ensuring the need for natural gas consumption for the economy and the population, including in view of the expected socio-economic development in the next 30-40 years • Creating the prerequisites for stimulating private investment and tourism in the area and providing additional income for the 31 impacted ATUs, contributing to community development and improving the quality of life of the population. • Creating new jobs, both during the project implementation period and during the operating period