Moldova

Moldova is a country characterized by a dynamic political and economic situation. In recent years, it has faced significant challenges related to governance, corruption, and economic development. These internal difficulties have been compounded by the consequences of the war in Ukraine, with the arrival of numerous refugees and an escalation of political instability in the separatist region of Transnistria, contributing to an overall atmosphere of uncertainty.

Currently, Moldova hosts the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita. According to UNHCR data, since the end of February 2022, about 850,000 displaced persons from Ukraine have crossed the border into Moldova, and as of 2023, approximately 110,000 refugees (representing over 4.5% of the total population) remain in the country.

The prolonged conflict has significant socioeconomic impacts on Moldova: the country is facing a complex crisis linked to energy and food insecurity, limited economic growth, rising inflation, and constrained institutional capacities to respond to current challenges. According to World Bank analyses, despite significant efforts to mitigate these crises through fiscal and monetary policy measures, decreasing household incomes and persistent high risks continue to stifle private consumption and investment confidence, resulting in stagnant growth in 2023 following the recession of 2022.

Italy’s commitment to Moldova is evident through a series of initiatives encompassing both financial and humanitarian support, as well as the promotion of strategic projects aimed at improving various key sectors.

Italy has significantly increased its involvement, both multilaterally and bilaterally, with the goal of contributing to the stability and progress of the country by actively participating in the humanitarian crisis response, providing funding and technical support through international organizations, with the ultimate aim of creating a better future for the Moldovan people and promoting peace and stability in the region.

In this context, Italian Cooperation supports the country through significant initiatives:

Contributions to International Organizations’ Initiatives for Ukraine – €13 million
Through funding and accelerated implementation of the UNDP energy vulnerability fund, Italian Cooperation supports the challenges related to gas and electricity supply with €10 million to mitigate the socioeconomic implications of the ongoing energy crisis, especially for the most vulnerable population. Additionally, €3 million are allocated to UNHCR to support an initiative aimed at strengthening Moldova’s capacity to deliver basic services for the local population and Ukrainian refugees, provide cash assistance to vulnerable refugees to help meet their basic needs, and improve their resilience through protection activities for women, children, and people with disabilities.

Calls for Civil Society Organizations – €46 million (of which €6.5 million dedicated to Moldova)
Through the Emergency Initiative for the population affected by the conflict in Ukraine and neighboring countries, comprising 27 different projects entrusted to 27 CSOs, AICS supports interventions aimed at providing assistance in health, education, protection, and mine action for the most vulnerable among refugees, internally displaced persons, non-displaced persons, and those returning to their areas of origin. Specifically, 4 projects are dedicated to Moldova, funded by Italian Cooperation with €6.5 million.