News & press releases
Expert-Grup Donates Office Furniture to Non-Governmental Organisations
News·Monday, 2 November 2026
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” is offering office furniture free of charge to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Republic of Moldova. The furniture must be collected from Chișinău by Friday, 6 November 2026, at 17.00. Requests are handled in the order they are received.
Expert-Grup presented the results of two years of assistance for labour market reform in the Republic of Moldova
Press release·Thursday, 29 October 2026
On 29 October 2026 in Chișinău, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and with financial support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, presented the results of its “Support for Labour Market Reform” project, implemented from November 2024 to October 2026.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup: Moldova's economy moves from growth to stagnation, and growth of no more than 1% is taking shape for 2026
Press release·Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Expert-Grup today held the 2nd edition of the monthly press conference “The Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, at which the experts presented the update of the Moldova Economic Thermometer — an indicator developed by Expert-Grup — and commented on the main economic events of the month: the report of the parliamentary Commission of Inquiry on state-owned enterprises, the opening of EU accession negotiations on the clusters “Internal Market” and “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth”, and the conclusions of the study on municipal bonds.
Moldova's Economic Thermometer: the economy moves from growth to stagnation
Press release·Monday, 26 October 2026
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” reports that its Leading Economic Indicator fell in August 2026 to −0.17 standard deviations, the first negative reading since February. The three-month moving average dropped to +0.05σ, so Moldova's economy has shifted from growth to stagnation, with GDP growth in the third quarter expected near zero.
Expert-Grup Launches an Information Platform on Municipal Bonds
News·Thursday, 22 October 2026
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched an information platform dedicated to municipal bonds, developed with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova. It is aimed mainly at local authorities seeking to finance infrastructure on the capital market, as well as investors and journalists.
Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds
National Employment Programme for 2027–2030 discussed with business representatives at CONSECON
Press release·Wednesday, 21 October 2026
The main challenges of the labour market in the Republic of Moldova and the priorities of the National Employment Programme for 2027 - 2030 were discussed on Wednesday, 21 October, at the meeting of Working Group No. 6 “Labour Market Development” of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. The meeting, facilitated by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, brought together representatives of public authorities, the business community, external development partners and specialised international organisations, providing an opportunity to examine policy proposals and the measures needed to increase employment.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup launches monthly press conference series on the state of the economy: growth, inflation and energy challenges at the centre of the first edition
Press release·Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched a monthly press conference series, “The Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, held on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00. The first edition reviewed the organisation's activity, the Moldova Economic Thermometer and experts' comments on the month's main economic events.
Moldova Economic Thermometer: The Economy Remains on a Growth Path, but Momentum Cooled in July; Q2 GDP Confirmed the Direction Signalled, but Not the Magnitude
Press release·Wednesday, 23 September 2026
The Expert-Grup Leading Economic Indicator fell to +0.08 standard deviations in July 2026, after the June peak of +0.23σ. The 3-month moving average, at +0.15σ, keeps the economy in a growth regime, but without acceleration. Official data published by the NBS on 14 September show GDP growth of 0.9% in the second quarter – the acceleration from the first quarter (+0.4%) anticipated by the indicator did occur, but at a smaller magnitude than the calibration suggested.
Expert-Grup launches “Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, a monthly press conference series on the state of the economy
Press release·Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Starting on 29 September 2026, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” will hold a monthly press conference on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00. The series, “Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, will present the state of the economy to the press and the public at the organisation’s office in Chișinău.
Results of the State Labour Inspectorate and the National Employment Agency, and New Solutions for Boosting the Labour Market Integration of Persons with Disabilities, Discussed at CONSECON
Press release·Friday, 11 September 2026
On 10 September, Expert-Grup facilitated a new meeting of Working Group No. 6 “Labour Market Development”, held on the platform of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. The discussions focused on the results of the State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) and the National Employment Agency (NEA), as well as on facilitating the employment of persons with disabilities.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova Launch the “Socio-Economic Encyclopaedia of Moldova”: 35 Years of Independence Analysed Through 35 Events
Press release·Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova have launched the Socio-Economic Encyclopaedia of Moldova, which reviews 35 years of the country's independence through 35 key events. The publication, co-authored by Expert-Grup's executive director Adrian Lupușor, takes stock of Moldova's economic and social path since 1992.
Invest in Local Development Through Municipal Bonds: Subscription Opens for the Ungheni and Leova Issues
Press release·Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The municipality of Ungheni and the town of Leova have launched public offers of municipal bonds worth a total of MDL 19 million, giving interested persons the opportunity to invest in local community development projects while earning interest income.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ungheni and Leova Launch Public Offers of Municipal Bonds Worth MDL 19 Million in Total for Local Development Projects
Press release·Monday, 10 August 2026
The town halls of Ungheni and Leova have launched their first public offers of municipal bonds, worth MDL 19 million in total, to finance local infrastructure projects. The offers were presented at a launch event and are supported by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Victoriabank as financial intermediary.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Consumers Can File Complaints Directly with Traders via edemocrație.gov.md
Press release·Monday, 10 August 2026
Moldovan consumers can now file complaints directly with traders through the eDemocrație platform at edemocrație.gov.md. A new Consumer Protection module lets them handle the whole process in one digital place, from the complaint to an individual or collective petition to the competent institution if no solution is found.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Ceadîr-Lunga Launches Its Third Municipal Bond Issue, Raising MDL 8 Million for Local Projects
Press release·Monday, 3 August 2026
The municipality of Ceadîr-Lunga launched on 3 August 2026 the public offer for its third municipal bond issue, raising MDL 8 million for four local projects. The launch took place at maib park, with maib as financial intermediary and support from Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
New Consumer Protection Module on the eDemocrație Platform Presented to Entrepreneurs at CONSECON
News·Friday, 31 July 2026
The new Consumer Protection module of the eDemocrație platform was presented to entrepreneurs at a CONSECON meeting, chaired by Liliana Busuioc of the SME Advisory Council. Officials, business associations and Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup discussed how traders will receive and resolve consumer complaints submitted through the platform.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Four Training Sessions to Prepare State-Owned Companies for Accessing the Capital Market
News·Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Four training sessions held on 7-10 July prepared Moldovan state-owned companies to raise financing on the capital market. The series is part of a project implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the Public Property Agency, the Moldova International Stock Exchange, maib and Victoriabank.
Supporting the SOE reform by improving the legal framework, reorganization of PPA and enforcing good governance
24 Municipalities from the Republic of Moldova Complete a Study Visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Press release·Monday, 22 June 2026
Representatives of 24 municipalities from the Republic of Moldova made a study visit to the Netherlands to exchange experience on local development. The visit was part of the programme European Integration through Local Development, which aims to widen local authorities' access to financing for infrastructure projects.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Winners of Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 Announced: Five Businesses to Receive EUR 5,000 Grants and Mentoring
Press release·Friday, 5 June 2026
The winners of Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 have been announced: five young businesses will each receive a EUR 5,000 grant and mentoring. The programme is implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), in partnership with ASEM, ISD and Backstage IT.
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Over 500 People Attended Public Discussions on European Integration Organised by Expert-Grup in Local Communities
Press release·Friday, 29 May 2026
Over 500 people attended public discussions on European integration organised by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup in local communities. The meetings were held in Sireți, Ungheni, Ceadîr-Lunga, Trușeni, Anenii Noi, Colibași and Leova, and brought together entrepreneurs, local authority representatives and young people.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Leova Town Hall to Issue Municipal Bonds Worth MDL 9 Million for Urban Development
Press release·Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Leova Town Hall will issue municipal bonds worth MDL 9 million for urban development. The issue is prepared with the support of Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup experts and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Victoriabank will act as financial intermediary.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ungheni Municipality Town Hall to Issue Municipal Bonds for the First Time to Develop Local Infrastructure
Press release·Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Ungheni Town Hall is preparing its first municipal bond issue to finance local infrastructure. Victoriabank will act as financial intermediary under a contract signed on 12 May, with Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup supporting the process and the Dutch ambassador attending the event.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ceadîr-Lunga Municipality Town Hall Prepares Its Third Municipal Bond Issue
Press release·Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceadir-Lunga Municipality Town Hall is preparing its third municipal bond issue, the first local authority in Moldova to reach this stage. maib was selected as financial intermediary through a competitive public process and signed the contract on 11 May.
Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds
National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum: Reform Directions for a More Inclusive and Competitive Labour Market
Press release·Thursday, 30 April 2026
The National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum brought together government officials, experts and development partners to discuss reforms for a more inclusive and competitive labour market in Moldova. It was organised by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from Soros Foundation Moldova.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup Publishes the Independent Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the State Property Management Strategy
Press release·Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup has published an independent monitoring report on the implementation of the 2023-2030 State Property Management Strategy for state-owned enterprises and majority state-owned companies. It covers progress in 2023-2025 and the priorities for the next stage.
Supporting the SOE reform by improving the legal framework, reorganization of PPA and enforcing good governance
Third Edition of the Tulip Business Incubator Programme for Young Entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova Launched
Press release·Saturday, 25 April 2026
The third edition of the Tulip Business Incubator programme for young Moldovan entrepreneurs aged up to 35 has been launched at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova. It is implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with the Netherlands Embassy and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Specialists from the Republic of Moldova and Abroad Discuss Reconfiguring Consumer Protection in the Digital Age in Chișinău
Press release·Friday, 13 March 2026
Specialists from Moldova and abroad gathered in Chisinau for the second international scientific conference on reconfiguring consumer protection in the digital age. It is organised by the European Consumer Centre of Moldova and the Stefan cel Mare Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
The paradox between the labour shortage and the high inactivity rate in Moldova discussed at a CONSECON meeting
Press release·Friday, 6 March 2026
A meeting of the Economic Council's CONSECON working group, chaired by Sergiu Harea of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the paradox of labour shortages alongside high inactivity in Moldova. Ministers, state secretaries, immigration officials and business representatives took part.
Assistance for labor market reform
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0: grants, mentoring and development opportunities for young entrepreneurs (27 March: application deadline extended)
News·Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup invites entrepreneurs aged up to 35 to apply for Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 (2026 edition), which offers training, mentoring and grants. The application deadline was extended to Friday, 27 March, 17:00.
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Youth Guarantee discussed at the Economic Council to the Prime Minister
Press release·Thursday, 5 February 2026
The Youth Guarantee was discussed at a CONSECON meeting of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister, chaired by Sergiu Harea. About 100 participants joined in person and online, including EU, ILO and Commission experts, and Lithuanian and Ukrainian practitioners.
Assistance for labor market reform