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. 

Map of Moldova
© FDFA

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. 

Current projects

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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.


Opportunities through Technologies and Innovation in Moldova (OPTIM) - Phase 2

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2026

The project intends to foster the economic resilience and development in Moldova by adopting a market system development approach, a flexible and agile modality that strengthens the capacity of partners with systemic footprint in key sectors. By facilitating a better access to market, technologies, funding, skills and a more conducive business environment for companies, the project will contribute to create better jobs and additional income for its beneficiaries. 


Contribution to the Peace Dividend Initiative (PDI)

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2026

In a global context of increasing fragility but constrained resources, Switzerland is searching ways to leverage contributions of the private sector to scale-up support to peace and development. The Peace Dividend Initiative (PDI) proposes an innovative, yet ambitious, approach combining field based peace mediation, local business incubation and global impact financing. PDI’s model explores concrete ways to support two seemingly distant objectives: peace and profit.


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. 


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 - 30.11.2025

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. 


Institutional Support to Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South East Europe (NALAS)

01.07.2013 - 31.12.2027

With an institutional support to the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South – East Europe (NALAS), SDC supports the decentralization and democratization processes as well as stability in South East Europe (SEE). NALAS strengthens national associations of local governments and fosters communication and cooperation among them. Through its advocacy activities, NALAS will support local governments in SEE to become more visible and taken into account, both by national governments and European institutions.


Inclusive and Productive Employment in Eastern Europe - Moldova

01.12.2022 - 31.12.2024

The Intervention is part of a programmatic collaboration with the ILO in Eastern Europe and intends to help Moldova improving its employment policies, the capacities of labour market programmes and employment services. This collaboration with the ILO is closely coordinated with a UNDP intervention financed through SDC.

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