Record civic engagement in Moldova as tax redirection participants nearly triple since 2017
More than 45,000 Moldovan taxpayers chose to redirect 2% of their annual income tax to non-profit organizations or religious entities in 2025.
This collective effort channeled approximately €1.02 million (20 million MDL) into the country’s civil society, marking a significant peak for the initiative.
Strengthening the third sector
According to the State Tax Service, the mechanism has seen consistent growth since its inception nine years ago. The number of active participants rose from roughly 16,000 in its first year to nearly 42,000 validated contributors this year.
The number of beneficiary organizations has followed a similar upward trajectory. In 2017, only 302 entities received funds; today, 1,050 organizations benefit from this fiscal tool, with 55% of them based in the capital, Chisinau.
A bridge between policy and people
Marin Gospodarenco, an economic expert at the "Economica" Analytical Center, described the 2% mechanism as one of the most effective bridges between fiscal policy and civic participation. He noted that the state grants citizens the right to decide how a portion of public funds is utilized.
"Utilizing this mechanism is a direct form of social involvement and a benchmark of civic maturity," Gospodarenco stated. He emphasized that choosing an organization reflects a citizen's priorities, while failing to use the option is equivalent to waiving a fundamental fiscal right.
Impact at no personal cost
The redirection scheme allows individuals to support social, educational, or environmental projects at no additional cost to themselves. The funds are drawn from the tax already owed to the state, provided the individual has no outstanding tax debts and submits their declaration by the April 30 deadline.
The mechanism is also open to legal professionals, including lawyers, notaries, and judicial experts. Experts believe that, in the long term, this cumulative funding fosters transparency, reduces dependence on foreign aid, and builds deeper trust between the state and its citizens.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
