The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic was a granary for the Soviet Union. Agriculture has continued to develop positively following independence in 1991, partly thanks to the land having been divided between a large share of the population through privatization. There is a great need for more modern equipment, scientific cultural technology and credit access.
One in four Moldovans who are of working age – about 600,000 people – work abroad. Many families are dependent on their regular monetary contributions. One in four of the population lives below the poverty line.
Breakaway republic causing major problems
Moldova is dependent on Russia for its energy supply – oil, natural gas and coal. Imports have been used as a weapon in the difficulty to solve the conflict that exists between the largely Russian-speaking population in the areas east of the Dniester River and the majority of the inhabitants, Moldovans with ethnic and historic ties to Romania.
The Russian-speaking population’s leaders have declared an independent state under the name of Transnistria many times. It has not, however, been recognised by the rest of the world. Since independence in 1991, the conflict has been a crucial issue of domestic and foreign policy.
An authoritarian regime is controlling Transnistria under the leadership of a self-appointed president. Organised crime, smuggling and human trafficking represent major problems in the breakaway republic. There is a major lack of basic civil and political rights.
Minorities persecuted
The government in the capital Chisinau has also found it difficult to live up to human rights recently. Freedom of expression and freedom of the press have been restricted and there is persecution of LGBT people, Roma and those who practise religions other than the official Orthodox Church. On the positive side, there is a new law on legal aid.
Concrete plan to join EU
Those in power have increased their co-operation with the EU. The EU has been providing Moldova with economic support since 2007 through a four-year strategy. Its purpose is to strengthen economic growth and the ability of public administration. Moldova is also co-operating with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Investment Bank. UN bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme are fighting poverty in the country.
Moldova’s engagement with the EU forms the cooperation with Sweden through:
- Good and democratic governance with an emphasis on public administration, anti-corruption measures and strengthening the civil society
- Using energy management and making it more efficient
- Rural development.
