Moldova

Estonia supports Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political and socio-economic development. Moldova became a priority country for Estonian bilateral development cooperation in 2006, and Estonia has offered assistance through development cooperation projects since 2000. Partnership with Moldova holds importance for Estonia, declared in the Estonian-Moldovan Development Cooperation Strategy 2021-2024. The basis and objectives of cooperation are aligned with the Moldova-European Union Association Agreement.

Estonia holds unique experience and a high level of competence in both designing and building a democratic, efficient state government through reform efforts. This, along with its digitalisation journey, have been shared with Moldova since 2006. Projects that enhance Moldova’s functional rule of law, including the fight against corruption, crime, and disinformation, will remain priorities in the country. 

Since 2000, Moldova has been supported by Estonian development cooperation with investments of €10.4 million. During this period, 271 projects have been implemented in Moldova. As of August 1, 2023, there are 8 ongoing projects in Moldova.

Priority Areas of Estonian Development Cooperation in Moldova

• Democracy and good governance – promoting the implementation of the EU Association Agreement and the reform agenda, involving civil society in governance and shaping reform processes, improving participatory democracy and good governance, promoting awareness of the EU, fighting corruption and promoting the principles of the rule of law, increasing the capacity of local government, and increasing media independence and strategic communication
• Poverty reduction – supporting the development of rural areas by strengthening the capacity of local government units and promoting community policy, supporting the development of small businesses, and introducing the principles of creating start-ups and involving women and young people in entrepreneurship
• Education – updating the education system to meet the needs of the labor market and developing digital skills
• Digital development and modernisation – supporting the transition to e-governance and ensuring a resilient digital state