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Moldova

Crisis in Ukraine: support to the Republic of Moldova

The SDC has sent a rapid response team from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to Moldova. The team is supporting the neighbouring country of Ukraine, which is heavily affected by the influx of refugees, in the areas of coordination, health, housing and cash assistance. An SHA medical team takes care of pregnant women, mothers and infants in a transit centre for Ukrainian refugees in the capital Chisinau.

The SDC also delivered more than 20 tonnes of relief items for Moldova. The shipment included family tents adapted to winter conditions as well as medicines.

The SDC decided to contribute CHF 3 million to the emergency aid fund of Moldovan authorities to cover the needs of Ukrainian refugees in the country. An SHA expert, seconded to the United Nations, supports the Moldovan government in coordinating international aid.

The humanitarian response in the Republic of Moldova is based on and complementary to the SDC's ongoing cooperation programme, particularly in health and governance.

For more information on the crisis in Ukraine, see the News-Ticker.

Swiss transition cooperation supports the Republic of Moldova in providing high-quality public services for all citizens, particularly those living in rural areas and disadvantaged groups. Priority areas for cooperation are healthcare reforms, strengthening local governance and sustainable economic development and employment

Map of Moldova
© FDFA
Embassy
  Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation
  Consulate general
  Honorary representation
  Cooperation office
  Contribution Office
  Embassy with Cooperation Office
  Embassy with Regional consular center
  Swiss Business Hub
  Swissnex
  City
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  Disputed border
River
  Lake

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. One reason for this is the still unresolved Transnistria conflict, which led to a deterioration in the economic situation from 1992 onwards and had numerous other negative consequences. Although Moldova has made much progress since then and shows solid economic growth, the country still faces major challenges. The healthcare sector is in urgent need of reform and access to public services is limited, especially in rural areas. Moreover, large-scale emigration, a big shadow economy and a weak private sector prevent the economy. 

Themes SDC

Swiss Bilateral ODA

2021
mill. CHF

2022
mill. CHF

2023 *
mill. CHF

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

 

 

 

Bilateral development cooperation

12.52

12.11

12.10

Humanitarian aid

-

20.46

0.30

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

 

 

 

Economic Cooperation and Development

0.37

0.36

1.17

Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD)

 

 

 

Conflict transformation and human rights

0.09

-

-

Total SDC/SECO/PHRD

12.98

32.93

13.57

Other Federal Offices

 

 

 

Other FDFA Divisions (ASAF, AIO, aso)

0.07

-

..

Network of FDFA representations abroad

0.82

0.97

..

State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

-

-

..

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)

0.04

0.02

..

MeteoSwiss

-

-

-

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)

-

-

-

Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)

-

-

..

Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

-

-

-

Total other Federal Offices

0.93

0.99

-

Cantons and municipalities

0.03

..

..

Total

13.94

33.92

13.57

Data status at 01.05.2023
* planned; total based on available data
 .. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF

Health

The health status of Moldova's population is well below the European average. Life expectancy is low (70 years), access to basic healthcare is not guaranteed, especially in rural areas, and the population is insufficiently protected against financial risks associated with high healthcare expenses. The SDC therefore supports the Republic of Moldova in its efforts to reform the health system in order to provide high-quality health services that are accessible to all citizens. Another focus of Swiss activities is on awareness-raising measures to prevent non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer) and to highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. 

Health

Democratic governance

In the past, Switzerland actively promoted the construction of water supply and sanitation systems that served the entire population of Moldova. Although measurable improvements have been made, they have not translated into better public services at the local level. In order to address this problem, the SDC has therefore included the strengthening of local governance in its activities since 2018. The aim is to generate more resources for local authorities and to increase citizens' participation in local affairs so that their needs and interests are brought into the political process.

Economic development and employment

A low employment rate and high emigration rate pose serious demographic and social challenges for Moldova and hamper economic development. In order for the economy to grow sustainably for the benefit of all, the private sector must stimulate job growth. Companies need to become more competitive and create more and better paid jobs. Switzerland therefore supports three labour market-related measures: 

  • encouraging companies to create new jobs;

  • gearing vocational education and training to the demands of the labour market;

  • expanding the range of services offered by public employment services. 

These measures aim to help fight poverty by reducing the number of unemployed people and generating more income. They should also reduce dependence on remittances from relatives living abroad. 

Approach and partners

Switzerland closely coordinates its transition cooperation with local authorities, other donor countries, and international organisations such as the EU and the UN. All of Switzerland's programmes incorporate the principles of good governance and equal rights.

Switzerland's key partners in the Republic of Moldova:

  • Swiss NGOs and partner organisations: SKAT Consulting Ltd, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Helvetas-Swiss Intercooperation, Swisscontact, Terre des Hommes, Caritas Switzerland, Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS), Pestalozzi, etcwiss NGOs; Helvetas-Swiss Intercooperation, Swisscontact, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Terre des Hommes, Save the Children
  • National partners: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, city and municipal authorities, civil society and professional organisations, the private sector and local NGOs, etc..
  • Bilateral and multilateral partners: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, German Agency for International Cooperation, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW),  Austrian Development Agency, World Health Organization, United Nations Development Programme, European Union, United Nations Children's Fund, etc. 

Current projects

Object 1 – 12 of 14

Engaged People - Strong municipalities

01.11.2027 - 31.12.2030

Molodova has the most fragmented sytem of local governments in the South-East Europe. People's dissatisfaction with quality of services is high and participatory decision-making is not common. Local governance reforms launched by the Government are being pursued in a centralized manner. Switzerland will support moldova through a two-pronged approach supporting citizens (in enhancing participation and social accountability) and institutions (in improving public service provision), particularly in rural areas.  

Nurturing Active and Responsible Citiziens

01.01.2027 - 31.12.2030

Molodova's democracy is still young and fragile. The population is disinclined to participate in decision-making, to practice democrtatic values and to demand their rights. Schools have an important role in educating active and responsive citizens, but are not well prepared for it. By improving democratic school governance and introducing practical civic education, Switzerland will support Moldova in raising civic consciousness of chlidren and adolescents, and engaging them in ther communities.

Moldova – Making the Most of Migration

01.06.2023 - 31.12.2026

With one third of Moldova’s population living abroad, the current country`s leadership is firmly committed to harness the development potential of migration. Previous Swiss-supported interventions resulted in a unique mobilization of Moldovan migrants committed to contribute to the development of their home communities. Switzerland will further support Moldova to ensure the sustainability of diaspora engagement models and to improve evidence-based governance through reliable demographic statistics, including migration trends.

Creating Jobs Opportunities Through Improved Market Systems

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2030

Job creation is crucial for inclusive economic growth and sustainable poverty reduction. It is also vital for reducing the long-term outward migration trend of Moldova’s workforce. This program contributes to the creation of attractive job opportunities, especially for young people, by enhancing the competitiveness of local private enterprises. Following a market systems development approach, it aims to remove key constraints that hamper the proper functioning of markets for the benefit of the poor and excluded

Resilient, Inclusive Markets in Moldova

01.12.2022 - 31.12.2024

Moldova's growth is volatile and jobless. More and better jobs are needed to ensure its economic recovery, resilience and development, particularly outside large cities. Responding to the Government's request, Switzerland will contribute to supporting key markets in Moldova and, with the help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on local markets and value-chains in vulnerable regions. This is complemented by a separate SECO project supporting the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Decent Work Country Programme of Moldova.

Strengthening Access to Services for Ukrainian Refugees through Legal Aid

15.11.2022 - 14.11.2023

As a right and a precondition for the enjoyment of all human rights, legal aid promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. The project enhances the access to legal services for Ukrainian refugees through a regional approach building local capacities and enhancing cross-border collaboration. The project opens an avenue for Switzerland to contribute to durable solutions and to channel advocacy messages at national and regional level on the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced populations. 

Strengthening national capacities to address radio-nuclear threats in Moldova

15.10.2022 - 30.06.2023

Moldovan health service providers will be equipped and trained to manage and monitor possible radioactive contamination in Moldova caused by nuclear emergencies in Ukraine. By increasing the national capacity to protect the health professionals from exposure of radio-nuclear emissions, Switzerland contributes to the strengthened preparedness to enhance resilient and responsive health system in Moldova that is able to deal with increased threats caused by the conflict in Ukraine.

Job Creation and Skills Development

01.07.2022 - 30.09.2025

Better market-oriented skills and job prospects are key building blocks for fostering inclusive economic development in Moldova. Building on positive results achieved since 2017, Switzerland will continue strengthening public institutions, private sector stakeholders and excluded groups (rural youth, minorities, migrants) with a four-year contribution to a GIZ programme with a special focus on supporting dual professional education as well as SMEs and smart investment policies.

Small Project Credit for the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova

01.06.2022 - 31.05.2025

This credit line provides the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova with a flexible instrument to provide direct support for local partners to help them respond to the changing context and to build social cohesion, affected by multiple crises. It contributes to further strengthening civil society in both rural and urban areas of Moldova. The support, provided to interested applicants through an open competition of small grants, has a countrywide coverage and includes the Transnistrian region.

Fostering Active Civic Engagement

01.07.2018 - 30.09.2030

Moldova’s democracy is still young and fragile. The population is hesitant to participate in decision-making and to demand their rights. Good-quality civic education is an essential element for promoting democratic values, raising awareness about the rights and responsibilities of every citizen, and for stimulating a stronger civic engagement. Switzerland supports Moldova in providing children and adolescents with opportunities to apply civic learning inside and outside the classroom.

Ma lmplic - Project on civic engagement in local governance

01.05.2018 - 31.10.2024

Moldovan local public administrations are often unable to respond to the needs of the population in an inclusive and sustainable way. Capacity to hold local authorities accountable is poor and citizens are reluctant to engage in public affairs. Switzerland will support Moldova to enhance participation in local development and decision-making, to further improve public service provision in rural areas and ensure a better framework for decentralisation. A strong focus will be put on the inclusion of excluded groups.

 

Progressing towards Universal Health Coverage in Moldova

01.11.2017 - 30.04.2024

Through this project, Switzerland will support the Moldovan government's efforts to ensure access to healthcare services for all and to protect the population against impoverishing health expenditures. This will be achieved through making services more affordable and more accessible for the poorest and the most vulnerable. The population will be empowered to demand transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. 

Object 1 – 12 of 14

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Last update 09.06.2023