Moldova

Swiss international 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. In response to the consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Switzerland has stepped up its bilateral engagement in Moldova and is providing humanitarian aid. 

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. One reason for this is the still unresolved Transnistria conflict, which from 1992 led to a deterioration in the economic situation and had numerous other negative consequences. In addition, Moldova has been severely affected by the consequences of the current situation in Ukraine.

Although Moldova has already made a lot of progress, the country still faces major challenges. The healthcare sector, for example, is in urgent need of reform and access to public services is limited, especially in rural areas. Moreover, large-scale emigration, an extensive black economy and a weak private sector prevent the economy from realising its potential.

Crisis in Ukraine: support since 2022

The consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine are considerable in Moldova. The country has taken in the highest number of Ukrainian refugees in relation to its own population. In addition, the crisis in Ukraine has had a number of negative impacts on the Moldovan economy, such as high inflation, disrupted supply chains and increased transport costs. Since the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has stepped up its bilateral engagement and is also providing humanitarian aid. Humanitarian support to Moldova builds on and is complementary to the SDC's ongoing cooperation programme, particularly in the areas of health and governance. In addition, Switzerland has provided direct financial support to Moldova through contributions to various funds to address the many challenges the country is facing. With the additional funding, Switzerland's total support to Moldova in 2023 will amount to approximately CHF 35 million.

Themes SDC

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.