Moldova: EU plan backed, management concerns
The Reform Agenda underlying the Republic of Moldova's Growth Plan for 2025-2027 could be more "ambitious," according to civil society representatives.
In this context, it is recommended that authorities include more targeted measures for the business environment, attracting investment, and accelerating economic growth. Another recommendation is the exclusive allocation of European funds to major investment projects in priority and strategic areas.
Without efficient resource management, the Republic of Moldova's economic growth risks coming to a halt once external support ceases, states Adrian Lupușor, director of "Expert-Grup." The economist also warns that one risk could be the use of funds for electoral purposes, which would compromise the real objectives of the financial support.
"Even if it's a credit with a favourable interest rate for Moldova, we must still remember that it is a credit. Any credit must be repaid, and this puts pressure and responsibility on the Government," says Adrian Lupușor, executive director of the Independent Analytical Centre "Expert-Grup."
The European Union Delegation emphasizes that the Growth Plan represents an essential pillar of the bloc's enlargement and neighbourhood strategy, aiming to promote regional stability and sustainable development.
"The Growth Plan is about supporting Moldova's accession to the EU; the country applied in 2022, and just three years later we are quite advanced in the process. The Growth Plan is designed to support Moldova, not the Government; it is about the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Furthermore, the Plan facilitates Moldova's progressive integration into the EU Single Market, even before formal accession," said Julda Kielyte, representative of the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova.
Moldovan citizens also believe that this money must be invested in key areas. Even if some are not familiar with the detailed terms of the financial support, they demand transparency in how the money is spent and the direct involvement of civil society in decision-making.
"The Republic of Moldova has many gaps that need filling, first of all in the economy. We need to grow the economy; that's the foundation. Then the rest will follow: education, infrastructure. If there are well-paid jobs, daily life will improve as well."
"The European Union gives a lot of help. Moldova is very poor, but it's slowly recovering. The main hope rests on the parliamentary elections. We must work well with this support, invest it where it's needed, and lift Moldova up."
Yes, I saw; it's a large sum. It's being invested in sewage systems, but it's also needed for waste management. It would be good for retirees too. Ordinary people don't really know what it's being spent on.
Yes, I heard something about that. - But in which areas do you think this money should be invested? We have so many problems in the country that we need to think carefully about where to invest. There needs to be more information available somewhere, either on television or the internet; there should be some kind of diagram or explanation showing where this money is actually being invested.
I think in infrastructure, in the development of young people, because young people are our future.
It is worth noting that the Reform Agenda associated with the Republic of Moldova's Growth Plan for 2025-2027 includes 56 reforms and 153 concrete measures, intended to accelerate the process of accession to the European Union, increase economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
