Sida's work in Moldova
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has hit Moldova hard and the country faces major challenges. Sida's work aims to reduce tensions and develop the rule of law. Sida supports efforts to reduce corruption and discrimination and increase gender equality. Strengthening ties with the EU and developing climate and environmental work in the country are also important.
Progress has been made
Stronger democratic principles
With a view to future EU membership, the country’s government has adopted an ambitious reform plan to improve the judiciary, trade, public administration and fight corruption.
Women in higher education
Although inequality of opportunity and pay between men and women is high, a relatively high proportion of women have a higher education and work in both the private and public sectors.
EU candidate country
As of June 2022, Moldova is a candidate country for EU membership, which is driving change and reform.
Challenges remain
Russia’s invasion causes crises
The pandemic, energy crisis and rising inflation are causing several crises at once. Moldova is one of the countries hardest hit by the war in Ukraine, as many people have been forced to flee from Ukraine to Moldova following Russia’s invasion.
Widespread corruption
Corruption is widespread and affects virtually all sectors of society.
High discrimination
Discrimination against women, people with disabilities, Roma and LGBTIQ people is a problem in Moldova.
Development cooperation in Moldova
Sida’s development cooperation in Moldova will help create the conditions for people living in poverty and oppression to improve their lives.
Since 2014, Sida has been helping to strengthen democracy and the judiciary in the country. Support also goes towards increasing respect for human rights and improving gender equality. Other important areas are climate and environment and inclusive economic development. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, peace-building has become central.
The shortcomings of the judiciary remain one of the main obstacles to democratic development in Moldova. Women, LGBTIQ people, Roma and people with disabilities continue to face intimidation, violence and discrimination. Many women are victims of gender-based violence.
Sweden is a strong advocate for democracy and human rights in Moldova. We work with organisations to improve the judiciary, fight corruption, strengthen the rights of LGBTIQ persons and gender equality. We combat misinformation and support independent media. These are some of the projects that Sida supports:
A weak justice system hampers human rights work and the long-term improvement of people’s lives. Sweden supports several civil society organisations that strive for fair trials and equal treatment before the law. Sida also cooperates with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) to protect the rule of law for women, Roma and people with disabilities. The Women’s Law Centre works with information and campaigns. They also provide protection and legal support for women and training for legal professionals.
Sida supports several initiatives to reduce tensions between Moldova and the breakaway region of Transnistria. These include support to the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) to strengthen human rights, civil society organisations and projects. The aim is to develop cooperation between small entrepreneurs in Transnistria and the rest of Moldova.
Sida supports the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM), an organisation that contributes to strengthening democracy and the rule of law through research and advice. The organisation works for justice, against corruption and for human rights and civil society.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has hit society hard and the country faces major challenges. Moldova is a transit country for Ukrainian refugees from the war. Peacebuilding has therefore become central to Sida’s work in Moldova.
Sida’s goal is to create better conditions for reconciliation and to prevent all forms of conflict and violence. The people who are most vulnerable and discriminated against are supported to claim their rights. These are some of the projects that Sida supports:
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the international community, government agencies, civil society organisations and local communities have been actively involved in helping refugees. The work is discussed, coordinated and planned on an ongoing basis to reach as many people as possible and those who need it most.
Through UN Women, Sida supports people affected by the war, with a particular focus on women and girls who are refugees. Women can also improve their skills in information and communication technology to get a job in Moldova or continue their work online.
Ecovisio has been working to provide housing for refugees since June 2022, including restoring and winterizing abandoned houses with organic materials in six villages near Chisinau. The houses were abandoned when the previous owners left the country. Refugees now live in the houses with the owners’ consent.
Sida supports several projects together with the East Europe Foundation through the Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities initiative – which, among other things, helps people living on both sides of the Nistru River to connect and work together. The work enables vulnerable groups to participate more in politics.
Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate change. The country’s rich biodiversity is also threatened by land fragmentation and over-exploitation. Environmental legislation is lagging behind, leading to environmental degradation, pollution and unsustainable use of natural resources. The country is also heavily dependent on imported energy. The majority of the population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for their livelihood, but agriculture needs to be modernised and adapted to climate change.
Sida works mainly with civil society organisations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to bring the country increasingly into line with EU regulations and international agreements. It also contributes to greater environmental responsibility on the part of the public and the business community. We support improvements in water and sanitation, waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy. These are some of the projects Sida supports:
Poverty is high among women in rural areas. They are also more vulnerable to climate change. Sida is supporting a UNDP-led project to increase women’s knowledge of sustainable and resilient farming and forestry practices that will contribute to their livelihoods and empower them in their own lives. It contributes to building sustainable and resilient communities. There are women’s groups in 30 communities.
Awareness of climate and environmental issues is low. Sida’s support to EcoVisio and EcoContact helps to strengthen environmental engagement in society through workshops and local environmental initiatives. The projects target civil society organisations and businesses as well as institutions and the general public. EcoContact has also developed a grant scheme for environmental organisations in rural areas.
To strengthen the economy, the government has introduced a number of important legislative changes in recent years. Much of Moldova’s economy depends on remittances from people who have left the country. The lack of skilled labour is an obstacle to growth.
Sida prioritises the development of the market economy so that the country can fully benefit from the free trade agreement (DCFTA) between Moldova and the EU. The aim is to improve people’s lives, increase the number of people in work and make society more resilient to crises. Sida’s work helps improve the competitiveness of businesses, ensure greater access to markets and modernise to increase trade with the EU. These are some of the projects that Sida supports:
Amid regional instability and economic challenges, Moldova needs support to strengthen its market competitiveness and align with the EU. The Future Technologies Activity (FTA) focuses on enhancing Moldova’s competitiveness in key sectors such as light industry, ICT, engineering, and creative industries while promoting integration with Western markets. By fostering strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including the Moldovan government, private sector, and international donors, FTA supports sustainable, locally-owned solutions. Initiatives include the development of digital infrastructure, e-commerce ecosystems, public-private partnerships, and educational programs to prepare a future-ready workforce. Through these efforts, FTA aims to create economic opportunities, strengthen democratic institutions, and help Moldova advance towards EU integration.
To boost the IT industry in Moldova, Sida, through the EU-delegated project EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul, develops digital skills, promotes STEM education in schools, and supports local entrepreneurs in adopting digital solutions in the Cahul region. To build on the achievements made within the project, Sida also supports the Inotek4Cahul project, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and foster innovation in the southern part of the country. The project seeks to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and gender equality, contributing to the sustainable development of the region and helping reduce inequalities in Moldova’s digital economy.
Updated: August 21, 2024