Press Review // Moldova's EU aid: What reforms are needed for funding release?
Chișinău's authorities must meet key reform conditions to secure the first tranche of the European Union’s €2 billion aid package, expected in April.
Meanwhile, the Moldovan government has opted not to seek the Venice Commission’s opinion on the establishment of a new Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. These topics, along with concerns over judicial reforms, financial transparency, and foreign aid, have been widely discussed in the media.
Despite threats from Russia, the European Union remains steadfast in its support for Moldova. Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac emphasized that the EU is focused on helping Moldova overcome its challenges, rather than engaging in political misinformation. The EU has increased its initial aid package by an additional €100 million, making it the largest financial support Moldova has ever received.
To access these funds, the Moldovan government must submit an investment and reform plan to Brussels. According to Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, once the European Commission approves these plans—likely in March—the pre-financing phase will take place in April, followed by biannual disbursements.
Chișinău has also decided not to request the Venice Commission’s assessment regarding the creation of the Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office. PAS deputy Andrian Cheptonar explained that the government believes European experts are unlikely to provide an opinion. In the meantime, the proposed law will undergo improvements before its second reading in Parliament in two weeks. Veronica Drăgălin, the outgoing head of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, urged lawmakers not to merge specialized prosecution units.
A new report by the Moldovan Association of Administrative Jurists has raised serious concerns about the country’s pre-vetting process. The study describes the initiative as highly politicized, characterized by abuses and a lack of transparency. The findings suggest that the reform process has evolved into a conflict between political power and the judiciary, rather than a genuine effort to improve the justice system. Additionally, the report notes allegations of integrity issues and conflicts of interest among Pre-Vetting Commission members. One controversial case involves Iulian Muntean, a candidate for the Superior Council of Magistracy, who was favorably evaluated despite facing corruption charges.
The suspension of U.S. financial assistance has left numerous development projects in Moldova unfinished. A recent report highlights several villages where infrastructure initiatives have been put on hold following Washington’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid. In Sireți, a village in Strășeni district, three USAID-backed projects were stopped, including a $100,000 initiative aimed at improving residential energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, Moldova’s tax authorities have uncovered widespread tax evasion among influencers and bloggers. Recent audits by the State Tax Service revealed that many online content creators failed to declare a significant portion of their income over the past five years. In 2023 alone, 14 influencers were audited, and 12 were forced to declare additional earnings amounting to over 14 million lei (approximately €700,000). Nearly 2 million lei of this sum were back taxes and penalties. The Tax Service has pledged to continue monitoring online income streams to ensure compliance.
In another development, Moldova is preparing to terminate the agreement governing the Russian Cultural Center in Chișinău. Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan stated that the agreement is outdated and no longer serves the interests of cultural diplomacy. He emphasized that while Moldova remains open to international cultural cooperation, it will not tolerate efforts that undermine national sovereignty.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
