News & press releases
Dozens of Young People from Moldova Travelled Virtually along the “Money Road”
Monday, 02 November 2020
On 29 and 30 October 2020, dozens of young people from the Republic of Moldova took part online, on Zoom, in the second edition of the “Money Road” event. It was organised by Expert-Grup and the National Bank of Moldova to mark International Savings Day.
Moldovan presidential elections: Sandu wins the run-off, while Dodon faces a “checkmate“
Friday, 30 October 2020
The outcome of the second round of the presidential election on Sunday 14 November saw the victory of Maia Sandu as the 6th president of Moldova, who is also the first female president of the country.
EU-Moldova Relations - Monitoring the Progress in the Eastern Partnership Context
Public Alert: Stop the Attacks Against Civil Society in the Republic of Moldova
Friday, 23 October 2020
The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, which has 92 member organisations, and several other groups have issued a public alert in Moldova. They denounce what they call unprecedented attacks on NGOs, development partners and democracy launched by Socialist MP Bogdan Țîrdea on 21 October 2020.
State of the Country Report 2020: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Drought – Two Major Crises Pushing Moldova to the Brink of a Severe Economic Recession
Tuesday, 20 October 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova, launched the State of the Country Report 2020 on 20 October at the eighth MACRO Conference. The report analyses Moldova's economic and social situation and the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and this year's drought.
Press release: Auction for voters, paid for by voters – between populism, legality and electoral fantasies
Friday, 16 October 2020
Candidates in the Republic of Moldova's presidential election of 1 November 2020 made many populist promises, mostly ignoring the head of state's constitutional powers. This is the conclusion of the study “Electoral promises, between populism and constitutional compliance” by Adrian Lupușor and Stas Madan of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.
Press conference invitation: An auction for voters, at voters’ expense – between populism, constitutional compliance and electoral fantasies
Wednesday, 14 October 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, will present an analysis of the socio-economic promises made by candidates in this year’s presidential election. The press conference takes place on Friday, 16 October, at 10.00, and will be broadcast online.
Event Invitation: Presentation of the Study “The Economic Cost of Gender Inequalities in the Republic of Moldova”
Tuesday, 06 October 2020
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Women’s Law Centre and with Swedish funding, invites the public to an online event on Tuesday, 13 October, at 11.00 on Zoom. It will present the study “The Economic Cost of Gender Inequalities in the Republic of Moldova”.
Press release: Use of Useful Mineral Resources in the Republic of Moldova: Gain or Loss?
Tuesday, 29 September 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has published a study on the use of useful mineral resources in the Republic of Moldova. It concludes that the country’s limited resources are not exploited efficiently because the state has no management strategy, to the detriment of the environment, budget revenues and transparency.
Why does the Republic of Moldova need greater transparency in the mineral resources sector?
Monday, 28 September 2020
A transparency report on the extractive sector, prepared by Expert-Grup, finds that transparency in Moldova's mineral resources sector is low. Presented at the round table “The Mineral Resources Sector in Moldova – Problems and Solutions”, it warns that weak public policies leave extraction to narrow interest groups and harm the environment and the economy.
“Expert-Grup” Selects Five State Companies to Take Part in a Corporate Governance Improvement Programme
Thursday, 17 September 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, is launching a training and mentoring programme to improve corporate governance in state-owned enterprises and majority state-owned companies in the Republic of Moldova. It is inviting interested companies to apply by 30 September 2020.
Essay Competition on Topics Related to the Association Agreements between the European Union, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia
Tuesday, 08 September 2020
The 3DCFTAs project is running the Youth Essay Prize Competition for citizens of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia aged up to 30 who speak good English. Essays must address the Association Agreements signed by the European Union with the three countries and must be submitted by 30 September 2020.
Expert-Grup Asks: What Actions Are Needed to Support Companies During the Coronacrisis?
Monday, 07 September 2020
Supporting and promoting domestic producers is among the most important economic actions during the coronacrisis, according to most visitors to the Expert-Grup website who took part in the latest poll of the “Expert-Grup Asks” campaign. About 22% of respondents chose this option out of 11 possible answers.
According to the Youth Index, gaps between young people and adults remain large, but the trend is positive
Wednesday, 19 August 2020
The Youth Index, a statistical tool for monitoring youth policies developed by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shows that inequalities between young people and adults in Moldova have eased slightly in recent years but remain considerable.
Expert-Grup Asks: How Will the Labour Market in the Republic of Moldova Change in the Context of COVID-19?
Monday, 27 July 2020
In its “Expert-Grup Asks” campaign, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” asked respondents how the labour market in the Republic of Moldova will change in the context of COVID-19, beyond higher unemployment and lower wages. The article presents the most frequent answers.
Learn to Make Sense of Money at the First Financial Education Camp in the Republic of Moldova!
Monday, 27 July 2020
The National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” are organising the first financial education camp in the Republic of Moldova under the “Dă sens banilor” project. It will take place online on ZOOM from 10 to 14 August, 10:00–11:30, in Romanian, for pupils, students and young people.
35 civil society organisations selected for funding following the second call for proposals under the grant programme “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Thirty-five civil society organisations have been selected for funding in the second call for proposals of the grant programme “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”, financed by the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. In total, 158 applications were received during this round.
Political clientelism seriously affects the management of public money at local level
Thursday, 16 July 2020
A study by Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” on political clientelism in the management of public funds was presented on 16 July at a round table in Moldova. It finds that corruption, clientelism and weak public authority capacity continue to hold back the country's development.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
“Expert-Grup Asks You” – A Series of Opinion Polls in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Friday, 10 July 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched an opinion poll campaign called “Expert-Grup Asks You”. Prompted by the COVID-19 crisis and its economic and social implications for the Republic of Moldova, the campaign invites readers to share their views on the state of affairs in the country.
The Political Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Eastern Partnership Countries
Monday, 06 July 2020
The press release is available only in English and can be accessed here.
Updated notice: the Expert-Grup office will remain closed until 30 June
Wednesday, 17 June 2020
Because of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the office of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău will remain closed until 30 June. The organisation announced that its team will keep working remotely and will stay fully available online.
Town Halls Face COVID-19: Main Challenges and Solutions in Managing Local Budgets
Wednesday, 10 June 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), held information meetings with beneficiary town halls under the “My Budget” initiative in the North, Centre, South and Gagauzia regions of Moldova. The meetings examined the problems local authorities face during the coronavirus crisis.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
Moldova’s fundamental problem is not necessarily financing, but rather more efficient governance, identifying investment priorities and managing projects already started
Monday, 08 June 2020
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a videoconference on Moldova’s investment priorities and possible financing sources amid the pandemic crisis. Experts, government officials and business representatives discussed how to relaunch the economy, as forecasts point to a GDP decline of between 3% and 6.3% this year.
EUROPE DAY 2020: Stronger Together, We Are United for Health!
Thursday, 14 May 2020
To mark Europe Day, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, together with the embassies of EU member states and Eastern Partnership countries accredited in Moldova, is organising educational, cultural and interactive events throughout May. For the first time, Europe Day is being marked for a whole month on TV, radio and online.
Information Sessions: How You Can Obtain Grants under the Project “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”
Thursday, 30 April 2020
The second call for project proposals has been launched under the initiative “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”, with about EUR 1 million available. The project team held two online information sessions, on 23 April 2020 in Romanian and 24 April 2020 in Russian, to help interested organisations prepare their applications.
According to the Open Budget Survey 2019, the Republic of Moldova is not moving forward in terms of budgetary transparency
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Amid a global pandemic that is forcing governments around the world to launch new spending measures, the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) latest Open Budget Survey shows why there is reason for concern: four out of five of the 117 governments assessed failed to reach the minimum threshold for adequate budget transparency and oversight, under international standards.
The COVID-19 crisis involves both risks and opportunities for restructuring the national economy. Anti-crisis measures were discussed during a video conference organized by the Expert-Grup
Friday, 10 April 2020
The press release is available only in Romanian.
Building and strengthening partnerships – a successful strategy in promoting financial education among the population
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Why do we have to ‘give sense to money’?
Results of the Selection of Librarians for the “Dă sens banilor” Financial Education School Organised by the National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup
Wednesday, 11 March 2020
The National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup have published the results of the selection of librarians for the financial education school “Dă sens banilor”. The list names 18 selected librarians from libraries across Moldova. The training planned for 13 March 2020 has been postponed because of coronavirus prevention measures.
Results of the selection of participants in the “Dă sens banilor” financial education school organised by the National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup
Wednesday, 04 March 2020
The National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” have published the results of the selection of participants for the financial education school “Dă sens banilor”. The list names 16 selected participants from towns and villages across the Republic of Moldova, including Chișinău, Bălți, Comrat and Cahul.
POSTPONED. 2020 Annual Forum on Budgetary Participation “Inform, Empower and Act!”
Tuesday, 03 March 2020
Due to unforeseen circumstances regarding the COVID-19, we are sorry to inform you that the 2020 Annual Forum on Participatory Budgeting, scheduled for April 2, 2020 is currently postponed.
Join the financial education school and become an ambassador of the “Dă sens banilor” campaign in your community!
Wednesday, 19 February 2020
The National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” are inviting university and high-school students to the first training workshop of the “Dă sens banilor” financial education project. It will take place on 6 March at Expert-Grup in Chișinău, and applications are open until 2 March 2020.
Expert-Grup: Tax Evasion Cannot Be Solved by Fines and Tax Audits, but by Promoting Voluntary Tax Compliance Based on Behavioural Approaches
Tuesday, 18 February 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented a study on tax evasion in the Republic of Moldova and ways to combat it using behavioural approaches. It was prepared with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the experimental economics laboratory in Montpellier, France, and was presented at a public event.
20 Local Authorities Selected to Implement Projects Boosting Citizen Participation in the Budget Process
Friday, 07 February 2020
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), has completed the selection of 20 local public authorities (town halls) in Moldova. They will receive support under the project “Inform, Empower and Act! Civil Society for Better Budget Governance in Moldova”.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
The NBM and NCFM, with the support of the Good Governance Fund of the Great Britain Government, united their efforts for the financial education of population
Monday, 20 January 2020
Do you want to know what a credit is and how to protect yourself from over-indebtedness, or to understand the financial system of the Republic of Moldova and how to increase incomes from your own investments? You will find the answers for these questions and many other from the series of informative materials launched today by the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) and the National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM).
Meet the winners of the fourth call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition
Thursday, 19 December 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels, has announced the results of the fourth call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition, held in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, the three countries with Association Agreements and DCFTAs with the EU.
Expert-Grup launches its ranking of the most important events of 2019 and the main challenges for the coming year
Wednesday, 18 December 2019
On 19 December, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented, at a press conference, its ranking of the most important economic events of 2019 and the main challenges for the year ahead. It also presented the Early Warning Index, which points to stabilised economic growth in 2019 and a slight slowdown in 2020.
A New European Union-Backed Initiative Has Been Launched to Strengthen Cooperation between Civil Society and Local Public Authorities for Better Budget Governance in the Republic of Moldova
Tuesday, 03 December 2019
On 3 December 2019, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), launched the project “Inform, Empower and Act! Civil Society for Better Budget Governance in the Republic of Moldova” at a press conference. It is funded by the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
Competition to select 20 first-tier local public authorities from the North, Centre, South and Gagauzia regions of Moldova to increase participation in the budget process
Tuesday, 03 December 2019
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, as lead partner of a consortium with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung e.V., the Centre for Eastern European Studies and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms, has been implementing the EU grant project “Inform, empower and act!” in Moldova since February 2019 and is now inviting local authorities to apply.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
Expert-Grup invites citizens to help flag problems in the exploitation of natural resources in the Republic of Moldova
Wednesday, 27 November 2019
On 27 November, at a press conference, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” launched an interactive map of the mineral resources of the Republic of Moldova. It is the country's first digital resource locating mines and quarries, and it includes a reporting module for users to flag problems observed in nearby localities.
An Unusual Journey for Hundreds of Pupils and Students along the “Money Trail”
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
More than 600 pupils and students took part from 4 to 8 November in the financial education event “The Money Trail” (“Drumul banului”), held to mark International Savings Day. It was organised by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with licensed banks.
LIVE text. MACRO 2019 “Reducing inequalities: a fundamental precondition for sustainable economic growth”
Monday, 11 November 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova, launched the State of the Country Report at the seventh international MACRO 2019 conference. This year's edition examined the impact of socio-economic inequalities and sought strategic proposals to support vulnerable groups and raise their incomes.
Five Years of Implementation: Alternative Report on Main Progress, Constraints and Priorities in Implementing the Moldova–European Union Association Agreement
Wednesday, 30 October 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) presented their Alternative Report on five years of implementing the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (2014-2019). The event, attended by officials, diplomats, civil society and media, was supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Expert-Grup and the National Bank of Moldova Invite Pupils and Students on a Journey along the “Money Trail”
Friday, 18 October 2019
From 4 to 8 November 2019, the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” will organise a journey along the “Money Trail” for pupils and students from educational institutions across the country. The event marks International Savings Day, observed on 31 October, and will be held jointly with Moldova's licensed banks.
Expert-Grup and FES Moldova announce a new edition of MACRO Conference "Tackling inequalities: a fundamental precondition for sustainable economic growth"
Thursday, 17 October 2019
The press release is available only in Romanian.
Economic Experiments: Innovative Tools for Finding Solutions to Economic Problems
Friday, 27 September 2019
On 23 and 24 September, more than 200 students and pupils of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) and the ASEM College of Commerce took part in a first-of-its-kind economic experiment. It was organised by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with ASEM and the experimental economics laboratory in Montpellier, France.
Admitted to a Master's programme and want more practical knowledge? Apply for the university course “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance”
Thursday, 15 August 2019
Expert-Grup, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anti-Corruption Centre have launched the university course “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance”. It is open to master's students and other young professionals, runs during the 2019–2020 academic year, and applications must be submitted by 20 September 2019.
Results of the First Call for Proposals under the Grant Programme “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
The first call for proposals under the grant programme “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”, launched on 3 April 2019, drew 214 applications. The programme has funding of around EUR 3 million from the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and aims to promote good governance principles in Moldova.
Economic challenges following political turbulence: what awaits us in the near future?
Tuesday, 23 July 2019
In 2019 and 2020 the GDP of the Republic of Moldova is to increase by about 4.4-4.5%, mainly due to industry and trade. In both sectors the gross added value will increase in 2019 by more than 6%, while lower growth rates of around 4% in industry and over 5% in trade are forecast for 2020. The gross added value in the agricultural sector will see a relatively modest growth in 2019 by about 1.8%, but in 2020, if climatic conditions are normal, the agricultural sector might grow by just over 4%. The construction sector is projected to grow by 6.8% in 2019 and by about 3.4% in 2020. The conclusions were drawn by the experts of the ”Expert-Grup” Independent Think-Tank during the launching event of the 20th edition of the economic report ”MEGA”.
Expert-Grup: Without Adequate Competition and with the New Permissive Regulatory Framework, Suspicions About Fuel Price Fairness Will Persist
Thursday, 11 July 2019
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has published an analytical note on Moldova's petroleum products market, prompted by a price increase of about 5% in mid-May. Programme director Vadim Gumene examines the new regulatory methodology, price comparability with the European Union and fuel quality, warning that doubts over pricing will remain.
Decentralisation Reform Heading Towards Centralisation: In 2016–2018 Local Authorities' Dependence on State Budget Transfers Grew and Financial Autonomy Declined
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
A study presented today by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” finds that, despite the local public finance reform launched in 2013, the financial autonomy of Moldova's second-level local authorities fell in 2016–2018, while their dependence on transfers from the state budget increased.
First results of the financial education project “Learn! Make Sense of Money”
Wednesday, 19 June 2019
More than 400 pupils and students from Chișinău, Bălți, Cahul and Ungheni have taken part over the past two months in information sessions organised by the National Bank of Moldova in partnership with Expert-Grup, as part of their joint financial education project “Learn! Make Sense of Money”.
Expert-Grup: real access to Romania's natural gas market will boost the country's energy security and reduce geopolitical pressure
Friday, 14 June 2019
Experts from the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, Expert-Forum and the Watchdog.md community presented a report on the prospects of the Ungheni-Chișinău gas pipeline, during and after 2020. They argue that interconnection with Romania is a major priority for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.
Expert-Grup announces a new call for the “Youth Essay Prize Competition”
Friday, 14 June 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), has launched a new call for entries to the “Youth Essay Prize Competition”. The essays should address the Association Agreements and DCFTAs between the European Union and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.
Expert-Grup: despite recent economic stabilisation, conditions could worsen in the second half of the year
Thursday, 30 May 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has released the new edition of its quarterly publication “Economic Reality”. Its economists conclude that, despite economic stabilisation after a period of deceleration, economic conditions in Moldova could worsen in the second half of 2019 because of expansionary policies, political instability and a weaker external context.
Expert-Grup, in partnership with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anticorruption Centre, launches the university course “Anticorruption and Good Governance”
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anticorruption Centre launched the university course “Anticorruption and Good Governance” at a conference. The three partners also signed a multilateral memorandum to include the course in the Academy's curriculum from autumn 2019.
Expert-Grup, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anticorruption Centre announce registration for the university course “Anti-corruption and Good Governance”
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
Expert-Grup, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anticorruption Centre have opened registration for the optional university course “Anti-corruption and Good Governance”. It is open to students from all universities in the country, young journalists and opinion leaders, and will run during the 2019–2020 academic year.
Information Sessions Nationwide: How to Obtain Grants under the Project “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Civil society associations, informal groups, civic activists and the media are invited to information sessions held across the Republic of Moldova under the project “Local Civil Society Development in the Republic of Moldova”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Expert-Grup: Developing and Modernising the Financial System Must Remain a Priority for the Next Government
Saturday, 06 April 2019
Economists at the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” argue that developing and modernising the financial system should stay on the agenda of the next government, after the February parliamentary elections closed a full cycle in Moldova's development. The new edition of the Financial Monitor sets out policy recommendations.
Cryptocurrency Production in the Transnistrian Region: The Actors and Beneficiaries Involved
Friday, 05 April 2019
An investigation carried out under an Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” project examines cryptocurrency mining in Moldova’s Transnistrian region. It finds that the main beneficiaries are the Sheriff holding and a former Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs employee, with the business supported by cheap electricity produced on Russian gas supplied on credit.
National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup Launch the First Nationwide Financial Education Project: “Learn! Make Sense of Money”
Friday, 29 March 2019
The National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” have launched “Learn! Make Sense of Money”, the first nationwide financial education project. The two institutions aim to help young people better understand key financial and banking concepts and products, so that they make sound decisions when managing their own income.
Accelerating the Romania–Moldova Gas Interconnection: An Urgent Need to Escape the Constraints of the Russian Monopoly
Friday, 22 February 2019
Experts at an event organised by Expert-Grup warn that the Romania–Moldova gas interconnection still faces serious risks, even though construction of the Ungheni-Chișinău gas pipeline began a few days ago. Delays could push back commissioning and gas exports to Moldovan consumers beyond the 2020 target.
Expert-Grup Think Tank Announces Change of Physical Address
Tuesday, 05 February 2019
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced that it is changing its physical address. Starting on 4 February, the organisation's office will be located at 45 A. Bernardazzi Street, MD-2012.
Local youth policies will become easier to compare and evaluate due to the youth development index - Youth Score Card
Thursday, 24 January 2019
The Independent Think Tank ”Expert-Grup” in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of the Republic of Moldova and the National Youth Council of Moldova have launched the composite index on youth development – the Youth Score Card, in the framework of a public event. The index, which includes a set of areas critical for youth development, such as education, health, employment, participation in the decision-making process, social inclusion and risk situations, indicates that the highest performance on youth development was registred by Cimislia, Drochia and Anenii Noi districts, while the lowest performance was recorded by the Dubasari district.
Want to apply social accountability tools in your school and need help? Contact the “My School” Ambassadors!
Tuesday, 22 January 2019
After five years of the “My School” project, implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with World Bank support, 30 ambassadors have been appointed across the Republic of Moldova. They are ready to advise schools on managing budgets and consulting their communities, and their contact details are published.
Expert-Grup: In 2019, the Moldovan economy will grow by only 3.5% - a series of external and internal risks will undermine the growth forecast for the next year
Thursday, 13 December 2018
As part of the presentation of the biannual publication „MEGA” the experts from the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup shed light on the major economic evolutions of 2018, present economic forecasts and discuss the risks that can limit the next year’s growth.
Lasting Partnerships and Great Achievements: How Does the Sculeni Lyceum Involve the Community in School Life?
Thursday, 06 December 2018
Almost five years after the “My School” project was launched in Moldova, the Sculeni Lyceum in Ungheni district, one of its first-generation participants, shows how openness and partnerships help a school manage its budget, attract funding and involve parents, teachers, pupils and local authorities in decisions.
Augustin Ignatov: “I really wanted to share my ideas with the public, including abroad, to make them known to the world and thus contribute to promoting European values”
Wednesday, 05 December 2018
Augustin Ignatov, a 22-year-old from Lipnic, Ocnița, has become a finalist in the “Youth Essay Prize Competition”, held for young people from Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, the three signatories of the Association Agreements and DCFTAs with the European Union. He discusses his win in an interview.
Expert-Grup: Against a difficult economic and political background, the EU succeeded in strengthening its position as the main selling market for Moldova
Thursday, 29 November 2018
The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) from Brussels organized the conference “Possibilities and obstacles to systemic changes in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia in the context of Association Agreements” held on the 29th of November in Chișinau. The conference took stock of the progress registered in the 4 years of implementation of the provisions of the Association Agreement and shed light on the most important trends and challenges faced by Moldova. In the framework of the conferences there have also been launched two books that reflect the most recent evolutions in the implementation agenda of the Association Agreement: the second edition of the Handbook “Deepening EU-Moldova relations: What, why and how?” and “The Struggle for Good Governance in Eastern Europe”, written by experts from Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia and the EU member states.
LIVE text: “Școala Mea” at 5 Years of Implementation: Results and Lessons Learned
Monday, 26 November 2018
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a national conference reviewing five years of the “Școala Mea” project. It brought together representatives of the more than 100 participating schools, district education departments, local authorities, regional partners, policymakers and education experts to discuss results and lessons learned.
More than 100 schools all over the country involved citizens in the budget dialogue and promoted educational and social responsibility policies due to the "My School" project
Thursday, 22 November 2018
The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup is drawing conclusions on the five-year implementation of the "My School" project within the national conference: "My School" after 5 years of implementation: results and lessons learned". The event was attended by the representatives of the over 100 schools that have been assisted during the five years of the project, the representatives of the district education departments, the representatives of the local public authorities, the regional partners, the politicians and the experts in the field of education.
Angela Cutasevici: School managers no longer complain about lack of money but plan more efficiently how to spend it. “My School” taught them to manage budgets properly
Tuesday, 20 November 2018
Angela Cutasevici, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, spoke in an interview with Mihaela Gherasim as the five-year “My School” project, covering 100 schools in Moldova, draws to a close. She assessed its results and the future of its tools.
Expert-Grup: Four years after the bank fraud, we continue to have more questions than answers
Tuesday, 13 November 2018
Four years after the adoption of government's decision to guarantee the emergency loans granted by the National Bank of Moldova to three insolvent banks, a series of questions remain unanswered regarding the phenomenon known as "the billion-dollar theft". After several investigations, we know that, although the idea of an unfavorable regional economic climate was being employed, the crisis was nothing but the result of a huge bank fraud with the effective embezzlement of money from several banks. Moreover, this was not an isolated event, a number of well-defined actions being undertaken over several years. The lack of coordination between state institutions, poor combating of money laundering and political disputes at that time were only a few of the elements that allowed defrauding of three banks and stealing billions of lei by malicious factors. As a result of these actions, the bill is rather large - over MDL 13 billion placed on taxpayers, diminishing by 30% of MDL’s purchasing power and the liquidation of three banks, one of which was a state bank. Also, the bank fraud has also generated indirect costs, materialized by slowing economic activity, deteriorating of the investment climate and reducing confidence in state institutions. Subsequently, a number of reforms has been launched to strengthen the banking sector's resilience and to prevent repetition of such events. Despite this, the lack of consistency between different legislative acts still points to a certain risk of using public funds to save insolvent banks in the future.
MACRO “Moldova in 2018: Investing in People and the Public Good”
Tuesday, 23 October 2018
On 19 October, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova launched the State of the Country Report 2018 at the international economic conference MACRO. More than 120 participants and 11 speakers discussed how investment in transition economies can support people's well-being and the public good.
Local Coalition for Budget Transparency Established in Călărași
Monday, 22 October 2018
On 18 October, the inaugural meeting of a local coalition for budget transparency took place in Călărași. The informal body brings together 25 civil society leaders, local activists and business representatives, and aims to identify and implement activities that increase the transparency of the town's budget.
State of the Country Report 2018: Marginal improvements, on the background of persistent problems
Friday, 19 October 2018
Today, October 19, in the framework of the 6th Edition of the Annual International Conference MACRO 2018, the Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova is launching the State of the Country Report 2018 – a comprehensive radiography of the country's economic and social situation. The special issue of this year's edition is the role of investments in the economic development, the State of the Country Reportserving as a bridge between the presentations of the pannelists and the attempt to identify new investment attractiveness factors that would support the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova.
Meet the winners of the third call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition
Tuesday, 16 October 2018
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels, has announced the results of the third call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition. The contest was held in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, the three signatories of the Association Agreements and DCFTAs with the European Union.
Local Coalition for Budget Transparency Established in Soroca
Monday, 15 October 2018
On 12 October, the founding meeting of a local coalition for the budget transparency of the town hall took place in Soroca. The informal structure brings together 30 members, including civil society leaders, local activists and business representatives, and aims to introduce measures that make the municipality's budget more transparent.
Transparent budgets and active citizens for sustainable development: the first local coalition for better budget transparency has been set up in Cimișlia
Friday, 12 October 2018
On 11 October, a local coalition for improving the budget transparency of the town hall was launched in Cimișlia. Its 20 members include representatives of civil society, educational institutions, the business community, civic activists and other community actors. The coalition will serve as a communication bridge between citizens and the local authority.
Expert-Grup presents an assessment of the impact of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA on Moldova at an international conference in Brussels
Thursday, 04 October 2018
On 4 October, Adrian Lupușor, Executive Director of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, and programme director Denis Cenușă take part in an international conference in Brussels. Organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), it launches four books on the EU Association Agreements with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.
Parents at the “Mihai Eminescu” Lyceum in Slobozia Mare: The School’s Development Partners
Monday, 24 September 2018
Over five years, the “My School” project has brought together teachers, pupils, school managers and parents. A visit to the “Mihai Eminescu” Lyceum in Slobozia Mare, Cahul district, shows how one school from the project’s first generation involves its community in decision-making and budget management.
Expert-Grup: Despite moderate economic stabilization, the recent policies with electoral flavor pose imminent risks for economic growth
Thursday, 20 September 2018
On 20 September, the Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup launched, at a press conference, the new issue of "Real Economy" - a brief quarterly review of the Moldovan economy. One of the main conclusions, stated in the publication, reveals the risks to the country’s economy, posed by the initiatives with electoral flavour, recently launched by the Government.
Expert-Grup to support Călărași town hall in improving dialogue with citizens on budget matters
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
On 18 September, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Călărași town hall and the non-governmental organisation “Vademecum” signed a multilateral cooperation memorandum. It falls under the project “Transparent Budgets and Active Citizens for Sustainable Development”, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, and aims to strengthen transparency and civic participation in local budgeting.
MACRO 2018: Investment in the Republic of Moldova and How It Can Become a Sustainable Solution for the Country's Development
Friday, 14 September 2018
The sixth international conference MACRO 2018, organised annually by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, will examine the role of investment in Moldova's economic and social development. Online registration opened on 14 September 2018 on the expert-grup.org website.
Expert-Grup, Soroca City Hall and the “DACIA” Youth Resource Centre Sign a Cooperation Memorandum to Boost Local Budget Transparency
Friday, 07 September 2018
On Friday, 7 September, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, Soroca City Hall and the “DACIA” Youth Resource Centre signed a multilateral cooperation memorandum. It falls under the project “Transparent Budgets and Active Citizens for Sustainable Development”, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, and aims to improve understanding and monitoring of the local budget.
“Alecu Russo” Lyceum in Sângereii Noi, an Example of Successful School Budget Management
Wednesday, 05 September 2018
The “Alecu Russo” Lyceum in Sângereii Noi, Sângerei district, has been managing its own budget since late 2013 and joined the first cohort of schools in the “My School” project in 2014. A new article by Mihaela Gherasim describes how the school spends its funds and reports to parents.
Local partnerships for greater budget transparency: Expert-Grup launches a project to support local public authorities in making budget processes transparent
Thursday, 30 August 2018
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Cimișlia town hall and the non-governmental organisation LDA Moldova signed a multilateral cooperation memorandum on 30 August. It falls under the project “Transparent budgets and active citizens for sustainable development”, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, and aims to improve budget transparency and civic participation locally.
Deadline extended: Expert-Grup announces a new call for the Youth Essay Prize Competition
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), has launched the third call for entries to the “Youth Essay Prize Competition”. Essays should address the Association Agreements and DCFTAs between the European Union and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.
Reforms are accelerating, the impact is delaying: current issues can not be addressed only from the banking sector perspective
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
This press release is only available in Romanian
“Liviu Damian” Lyceum in Râșcani Among the First Schools to Learn to Manage Their Budget with “My School”
Tuesday, 24 July 2018
The “Liviu Damian” Lyceum in Râșcani was among the first schools to take part in “My School”, a project launched in 2014 and implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”. It helped the school manage its budget under the “money follows the student” formula and make decisions more transparently.
Victoria Podubnîi, Head of Roșietici Gymnasium, Florești: “My School”, a Project That Unites the Community and Involves It in School Life
Monday, 09 July 2018
Roșietici Gymnasium in Florești district, which serves 206 pupils from six villages and recently marked 50 years since its founding, has involved parents, pupils and teachers in school decisions since 2016 through the “My School” project, according to its head, Victoria Podubnîi.
Young Journalists and Civic Activists Learn to Put Corruption “La Punct” at Expert-Grup's Summer School
Thursday, 28 June 2018
On 28 June, the second module of the summer school “Corruption ‘La Punct’” begins, organised by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”. Young journalists and civic activists, mentored by experts, will prepare draft outlines of future articles on corruption in the Republic of Moldova, after five training sessions held the previous week.
Rodica Caraja, Director of the “Ion Creangă” Lyceum in Cahul: “My School” Convinced Us We Can No Longer Make Decisions Alone; We Need Everyone’s Involvement
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
The “Ion Creangă” Theoretical Lyceum in Cahul, in southern Moldova, has become a model of social accountability in its district. Its director, Rodica Caraja, explains how taking part in the “My School” project from 2016 changed budget management and involved pupils, parents and teachers in school decisions.
Expert-Grup to Hold a Summer School for Young Journalists on the Economic and Social Costs of Corruption and Available Remedies
Monday, 18 June 2018
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” will hold a summer school, “Corruption ‘To the Point’: the economic and social costs of corruption and what remedies exist”, from 19 June to 4 July. The event is aimed mainly at young journalists and seeks to strengthen their analytical skills in reporting on corruption in the Republic of Moldova.
Expert-Grup: the Early Warning Index signals a slowdown of the economic growth for the coming months
Thursday, 14 June 2018
Despite the positive economic dynamics of the recent months, there are signals that the economic growth will slow down in the nearest future. The factors that will limit the economic expansion are determined by the well-known flaws of the national economy, low competitiveness and labour productivity, unfavourable weather conditions, as well as the repercussions of the autumn elections upon the business environment. The conclusions have been presented today, the 15th of June, at a press conference launching the quarterly publication “Real Economy”.
Maria Soltan, Director of Puhoi Lyceum, Ialoveni: “My School”, a Wonderful Challenge for Every School Director
Monday, 28 May 2018
Maria Soltan, who has directed the Puhoi Lyceum in Ialoveni since 2006, describes how joining the “My School” project in 2016 helped her make the school’s budget and decision-making transparent. The article, produced under a project implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, presents the lyceum’s experience.
Money and public procurement: how are financial allocations directed according to political colour?
Wednesday, 23 May 2018
On 21 May, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and Expert Forum (EFOR) of Bucharest held a workshop on combating political clientelism in the allocation of funds to local budgets and in public procurement. It drew on over 10 years of Romanian research to help build capacity for monitoring transfers in Moldova.
“My School”: Big Results Can Be Achieved in a Small Community Too. The “Ion Vatamanu” Gymnasium in Pîrlița
Monday, 07 May 2018
The “Ion Vatamanu” Gymnasium in Pîrlița, a commune of just over five thousand people in Ungheni district, was one of 20 schools in the “My School” project in 2015. A report by Mihaela Gherasim shows how transparent budgeting and community involvement helped the school modernise despite a small budget.
Expert-Grup: The Republic of Moldova is entering the “electoral marathon” unprepared from the economic and institutional point of view
Wednesday, 25 April 2018
The electoral marathon Moldova has entered this year could easily turn into a major constraint for the national economy in the years to come – opinion voiced by the experts of the Independent Analytical Center “Expert-Grup” within the 18th edition of the MEGA biannual conference.
Expert-Grup encourages you to contribute to the National Strategy for Development ”Moldova 2030”
Saturday, 14 April 2018
The “My School” Lesson at Ion Pelivan Lyceum in Răzeni: Quality Education Involves the Whole Community
Tuesday, 03 April 2018
Ion Pelivan Lyceum in Răzeni, Ialoveni district, has adopted the “My School” tools and involves parents, pupils and the wider community in decision-making. Since a first public hearing in autumn 2016, the school has opened its budget to scrutiny, as described in an article produced under a project implemented by Expert-Grup.