News & press releases
Attend a financial education training and become an ambassador in the National Financial Education Campaign in your community!
Tuesday, 13 February 2024
The National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with support from the USAID MISRA Programme, are selecting and training students and upper-secondary pupils to become financial education ambassadors. Applications close on 26 February 2024, and the training takes place in Chișinău in early March.
Financial literacy campaign
Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs: Tulip Business Incubator
Friday, 09 February 2024
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Chișinău, has launched “Tulip Business Incubator”, a support programme for young entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova. It is open to people aged up to 35 who want to start a business or expand an existing one.
Tulip Business Incubator – Support program for young entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova
Energy consumption in about 5,000 public institutions monitored through the EMIS energy management information system
Friday, 15 December 2023
The energy and water consumption of about 5,000 public institutions in Moldova is now monitored through EMIS, an energy management information system. It was launched with UNDP and GEF support and extended nationwide by Green City Lab Moldova, together with the Ministry of Energy, Expert-Grup and the Embassy of the Netherlands.
State of the Country Report 2023: “Moldova’s Economy in the Context of European Integration: Solutions to Boost Economic Development, Inclusion and Resilience”
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, launched the State of the Country Report 2023 on 12 December at the 11th International Annual Conference MACRO 2023. The report concludes that Moldova stands at a historic turning point after the European Commission recommended opening accession negotiations.
EaP CSF Steering Committee Statement calls on the European Council to follow through on the European Commission’s recommendations to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant EU candidate status to Georgia
Thursday, 07 December 2023
The EaP CSF Steering Committee welcomes the European Commission’s adoption of the 2023 Enlargement package to recommend the opening of negotiations with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and the granting of EU candidate status to Georgia.
EUROSFAT 2023: European Parliamentary Groups Support Moldova’s Accession to the European Union
Thursday, 30 November 2023
Moldova’s European aspirations will continue to be supported by the European parliamentary groups and the speed of our country’s accession to the EU depends on the pace of the reforms that will be carried out in the future. Today, Moldova’s European course is guaranteed, and at this pace, in a few years our country will be ready to join the big European family. These are the main conclusions of the largest Romanian forum on European affairs – EUROSFAT, which was held for the first time on 28 November in Chişinău
Moldova’s Challenges and Priorities in Justice, Social and Economic Areas Following the European Commission’s Recommendation to Open EU Accession Negotiations, Discussed with Media Representatives
Tuesday, 14 November 2023
On 13 November, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with IPRE, the Institutum Virtutes Civilis and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, held a press club with journalists on the next steps and reform priorities in justice, the economy and social policy after the European Commission recommended opening EU accession negotiations with Moldova.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
Eurosfat 2023: European Union and new horizons - Republic of Moldova
Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Romania's largest European business forum - EUROSFAT 2023 - arrives for the first time in the Republic of Moldova.After several successful editions of the event, held in Bucharest and Timisoara, the event crosses the Prut, where it will bring together European, Romanian, Moldovan officials together with the private sector, academia and civil society, to identify #NewHorizons for our country's accession to the EU.
The members of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, the RM-EU Platform and the Domestic Advisory Group on Trade and Sustainable Development benefited from a series of trainings dedicated to institutional growth and development
Monday, 06 November 2023
In October – November, 5 training sessions were held dedicated to the growth and development of the capacities of the members of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, the RM-EU Platform and the Domestic Advisory Group on Trade and Sustainable Development.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
The Largest Financial Education Campaign in the Republic of Moldova Launched with USAID Support
Tuesday, 31 October 2023
On International Savings Day, 31 October, the National Bank of Moldova launched the largest financial education campaign in the country's history, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and with support from the USAID programme MISRA. Priorities and the results of a financial literacy survey were presented at a public event.
Financial literacy campaign
Reform of state-owned enterprises and the Public Property Agency: immediate needs
Thursday, 05 October 2023
On 5 October 2023, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented its analysis of the functional alignment of the organisational structure of the Public Property Agency (APP) at a round table. Representatives of specialised organisations, state institutions and experts discussed reform of the agency and of state-owned enterprises.
Strengthening the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises by bolstering corporate governance
Fifteen civil society organisations have strengthened their knowledge in monitoring and analysing budget expenses at both local and central levels
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
From July to September 2023, these 15 civil society organisations, beneficiaries of the "Civil Society for European Integration" project, participated in five thematic training sessions related to the monitoring and analysis of budget expenses. The training sessions aimed at enhancing the organisations’ capacities to support and promote the alignment of budgetary priorities with the Europeanisation agenda at the national and local levels, as well as at increasing their involvement in the decision-making.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
Twelfth meeting of the Civil Society Platform European Union - Republic of Moldova: progress, commitments, recommendations for launching EU accession negotiations by the end of the year
Friday, 01 September 2023
On September 1, 2023, the twelfth meeting of the Civil Society Platform European Union - Republic of Moldova was held in Chișinău. During the Platform's meeting was discussed and evaluated the progress Moldova made in fulfilling the 9 recommendations of the European Commission for opening the accession negotiations to the EU. The importance of joint efforts of all stakeholders was reiterated in order to fulfil the commitments undertaken in the field of justice and the fight against corruption, as well as to advance the implementation of all chapters of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
The Fourth Edition of the “Make Sense of Money” Financial Education Camp Has Ended
Thursday, 10 August 2023
The fourth edition of the financial education camp “Dă sens banilor” (“Make Sense of Money”), organised by the National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup, took place on 7–10 August 2023. It brought together more than 80 participants from various localities across the Republic of Moldova.
Financial Education Camp, 4th Edition: Registration Is Now Open!
Wednesday, 02 August 2023
The National Bank of Moldova, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, is holding the fourth edition of its Financial Education Camp on 7-10 August 2023. The online event, run under the “Dă sens banilor” financial education project, is open to adults aged 18 and over.
#MoldovaEUCandidateCheck – 2nd Shadow Report on the implementation of Moldova’s commitments for opening EU accession negotiations
Thursday, 20 July 2023
The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), the Independent Think Tank "Expert-Grup" and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM), within the #ThinkTanks4EUMembership initiative and in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in the Republic of Moldova, presented on Thursday, July 20, 2023, during the press conference, the second Shadow Report on the implementation of the Moldova’s Action Plan for the implementation of the 9 steps of the European Commission in the context of Moldova’s EU membership application.
Expert-Grup Awarded by the European Union for Implementing the Project “Inform, Empower and Act! Civil Society for Better Budget Governance in Moldova” (My Budget)
Friday, 09 June 2023
On 7 June 2023, at the fourth Civil Society Gala 2022, organised by the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” received the “Stronger Governance” Award for its “My Budget” project, co-financed by the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova
The prospects of issuing Eurobonds by the Republic of Moldova, a topic of discussion in the press club dedicated to the financial instrument
Wednesday, 07 June 2023
Perspectivele emiterii de euroobligațiuni de către Republica Moldova și aspectele principale ce țin de instrumentul financiar Eurobond și ratingul de țară, au constituit subiectul de discuție a clubului de presă desfășurat miercuri, 6 iunie 2023,
Energy and water consumption of over 3,000 public institutions to be monitored through an energy management information system
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
The energy and water consumption of more than 3,000 public institutions in the Republic of Moldova will be monitored through the EMIS energy management information system. The system, tested earlier in 17 institutions in Chișinău, is now being extended nationwide by Green City Lab Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.
The European Union supports Civil Society in promoting the Europeanization agenda
Tuesday, 16 May 2023
The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup as the main partner, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), the Institutum Virtutes Civilis (IVC) and the "Friedrich Ebert" Foundation organized on Monday, May 15, 2023, the launch event of the project "Civil Society for European Integration", financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
10 of the homeowners' associations in the “Primele Rândunele” project implemented by Expert-Grup have received free energy audit reports for the apartment blocks they manage
Friday, 12 May 2023
Ten of the homeowners' associations taking part in the “Primele Rândunele” project, implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, have received free energy audit reports for the apartment blocks they manage. Residents can now see which energy efficiency measures their building needs, along with estimated costs.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Concept for Reforming the National Employment Agency Discussed with Media Representatives at a Press Club
Thursday, 04 May 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, held a press club on the concept of reforming the National Employment Agency (ANOFM). State Secretary Felicia Bechtoldt, Stas Madan of “Expert-Grup” and ministry official Anna Gherganova took part.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Presented the Concept for Reforming the National Employment Agency
Wednesday, 03 May 2023
On 2 May 2023, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, held a public event presenting the concept for reforming the National Employment Agency (ANOFM), focused on a more competitive and innovative labour market.
Moldova's Economy between the Echo of War and Resilience: Forecasts for 2023-2024
Thursday, 27 April 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” launched the 24th edition of its MEGA (Moldova Economic Growth Analysis) publication on 27 April 2023 at a press conference. It forecasts that Moldova's economy will recover in 2023 and regain the decline recorded in 2022, despite multiple crises and persistent regional risks.
#MoldovaEUCandidateCheck - First Shadow Report on the implementation of Moldova’s commitments for opening the accession negotiations with the EU
Thursday, 13 April 2023
The #MoldovaEUCandidateCheck report reflects the main findings regarding the progress, constraints, and priorities recommended for each of the 9 commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova. The report is the result of an independent monitoring and evaluation exercise of the implementation of the Action Plan, adopted by the National Committee for European Integration, in the period from 1 July 2022 to 31 March 2023 and is based on a methodology focused on quantitative and qualitative assessment.
Members of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform discussed at Bruxelles the developments, challenges and priorities of the Republic of Moldova for opening the accession negotiations with the European Union
Wednesday, 05 April 2023
On 29-31 March this year, Expert-Grup Independent Think-Tank, the Institute for European Policy and Reform (IPRE) and Institutum Virtutes Civilis (IVC) participated in a series of advocacy visits in Bruxelles, carried out under the ‘Civil Society for European Integration’ project, financed by the European Union and co-financed by ‘Friedrich Ebert’ Foundation. The purpose of the meetings with EU officials was to discuss the main developments, challenges and priorities for the implementation of the nine recommendations of the European Commission to launch accession negotiations with the European Union of the Republic of Moldova.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
“Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings” Discussed at the Third Training Session of the “Early Movers” Project
Thursday, 23 March 2023
The third training session under the “Early Movers” project, dedicated to homeowners’ associations, focused on the fundamentals of energy efficiency in apartment buildings. The seminar was led by two experts from Ukraine, Serhii Kazaku and Oleg Pokidko, who presented practical examples from their country.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
We continue to train the Homeowners' Associations enrolled in the “Early Movers” project on good practices and legislative updates on condominium management
Friday, 10 March 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” is continuing to train the homeowners' associations enrolled in its “First Swallows” project in Moldova. This week's session covered good practices and recent legislative updates on managing condominiums, including a new regulation on selecting a condominium manager.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Consumer protection is indispensable for healthy competition and a functional, sound market economy
Wednesday, 01 March 2023
On 28 February 2023, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a press club titled “It is time to bring consumer protection out of anonymity!”. It was organised with the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS), supported by the Soros Foundation Moldova, under the initiative “Socially responsible management of external funding”.
10 Homeowners' Associations to Receive Energy Audits of Their Apartment Buildings
Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has concluded its competition to select energy audit specialists. The winning company will assess the condition of 10 apartment buildings for homeowners' associations taking part in the “Primele Rândunele” (First Swallows) pilot project in Moldova, with Expert-Grup financing the auditors' work in full.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Expert-Grup organized a new training for Tenant Associations registered in the ”Early Movers” project
Monday, 20 February 2023
Expert Grup organized a new training for Tenant Associations registered in the "First Movers" project, wiht the topic "Reorganization of Associations in the context of the entry into force of the new condominium law".
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Reform of the State-Owned Enterprise Sector: Proposals and Prospects for Improving the Performance of State-Owned Companies
Tuesday, 14 February 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Soros Foundation Moldova and with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), held the round table “How can we reform the state-owned enterprise sector?” on Tuesday, 14 February, discussing the state property strategy and the role of supervisory boards.
Strengthening the Monitoring Capacity of Civil Society in Moldova
Access to Information on Foreign Assistance Received, Related Challenges and Measures to Overcome Them
Monday, 30 January 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS) and with support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, held the press club “Access to Information on Foreign Assistance” on Thursday, 26 January, discussing public access to such information in the Republic of Moldova.
Reform of the State Labour Inspectorate and Its Role in Combating Undeclared and Underdeclared Work
Friday, 20 January 2023
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS) and with support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, held a press club on Thursday, 19 January. It discussed informal employment, underdeclared work in Moldova and why reforming the State Labour Inspectorate matters.
The Demographic Profile of Chișinău Municipality: An Important Tool for Local Authorities to Improve People’s Quality of Life
Thursday, 08 December 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, launched the study “Demographic Profile of Chișinău Municipality” at a public debate on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. The study aims to help local authorities design evidence-based policies that improve the quality of life of the city’s residents, who make up 26% of the country’s population.
Public policies adapted to the needs of Ialoveni district – a decisive tool for unlocking the region’s economic potential
Tuesday, 06 December 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, presented the study “Demographic Profile of Ialoveni District” at a public debate hosted by the Ialoveni District Council. The study examines the district’s demographic and socio-economic situation and proposes policy recommendations tailored to local needs.
Approximately 40 tenant associations in the country were trained on the possibilities of obtaining financing within the ”Early Movers” project
Monday, 05 December 2022
As part of the "Early Movers" project, the first trainings were started with the administrators of Tenant Associations from the 7 cities in the country, on improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Evidence-Based Public Policies: A Key Factor in the Socio-Economic Development of the Bălți Municipality Region
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, launched the study “Demographic Profile of the Municipality of Bălți” at a public debate hosted by the Bălți City Hall. The analysis examines demographic change in Moldova’s second-largest city and proposes policies to keep residents in the region.
We Go “Legit”! Government Solutions for Encouraging the Shift to Legal Work Discussed at a Dedicated Conference
Friday, 04 November 2022
The international conference “Moldova Goes Legit: Solutions for Encouraging the Transition to Legal Work” discussed the Government's policies against undeclared employment. President Maia Sandu delivered the opening speech. The event was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Soros Foundation Moldova.
Announcement for homeowners' associations: financial and technical support project for energy efficiency investments in buildings, “First Swallows”
Thursday, 20 October 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova, has launched a competition for homeowners' associations under the “First Swallows” pilot project, with applications open until 6 November 2022.
Closing Event of the Second Edition of the “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance” Professional Training Course
Friday, 07 October 2022
On 5 October 2022, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held the closing event of the second edition of its professional training course “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance”, which ran from May to July 2022. Twenty-six graduates of the second cohort received their diplomas.
Expert-Grup, with the support of the EVA project, strengthened local partnerships to promote gender-sensitive policies and budgeting
Tuesday, 30 August 2022
Under the EVA project, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” formed joint teams with four local NGOs from Cahul and Ungheni to identify the most pressing local needs in promoting gender equality. The exercise produced four monitoring reports covering local development, healthcare access, women's participation in decision-making and education budgeting.
Strengthened Gender Action in Cahul and Ungheni districts
We Have Successfully Completed the Third Edition of the “Dă sens banilor” Financial Education Camp
Thursday, 18 August 2022
The third edition of the “Dă sens banilor” financial education camp took place online from 15 to 18 August 2022. It brought together more than 70 participants from different localities across the Republic of Moldova, regardless of age, occupation or place of residence.
VIDEO: Local Government Bonds – Success Models and Lessons Learned
Thursday, 11 August 2022
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has released a video on the success models and lessons learned from the first municipal bond issues in the Republic of Moldova. The material was produced under a project on local government bonds, implemented in 2020-2022 with Dutch financial support.
Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy
Financial Literacy Camp “Give Meaning to Money”: Registration Is Open
Friday, 05 August 2022
Registration has opened for the third edition of the financial literacy camp “Give Meaning to Money”, initiated by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”. The online event will take place on 15-18 August and is aimed at people who want to learn more about financial concepts.
Expert Grup in partnership with MIRD with the support of the Dutch Government will contribute to strengthening energy security, increasing energy efficiency and stimulating the development of renewable sources in Moldova
Friday, 05 August 2022
On August 3, 2022, during a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the technical assistance project for strengthening energy security in the Republic of Moldova was launched.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Launch of the study “Corruption Risks in State Controls and Entrepreneurial Activity”
Thursday, 28 July 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched a study titled “Corruption Risks in State Controls and Entrepreneurial Activity”, produced with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Officials, including representatives of the National Anticorruption Centre and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, attended the launch event in Moldova.
Strengthening the Monitoring Capacity of Civil Society in Moldova
Launch of the study “Corruption risks in customs administration: how the media and civil society can monitor them”
Thursday, 21 July 2022
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” launched its study on corruption risks in customs administration on 21 July 2022 at a roundtable held with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The study examines how the media and civil society can monitor these risks in the Republic of Moldova.
Launch of the Study “The State-Owned Enterprise Sector: Corruption Risks and Necessary Reforms”
Thursday, 14 July 2022
On 14 July 2022, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” launched its study “The State-Owned Enterprise Sector: Corruption Risks and Necessary Reforms” at a roundtable supported by NED. The study identifies integrity obstacles at state and enterprise level that fuel corruption risks in Moldova's state-owned companies.
Strengthening the Monitoring Capacity of Civil Society in Moldova
Moldova Scored 65 out of 100 in the Global Budget Transparency Ranking
Wednesday, 01 June 2022
Moldova improved public access to budget information, according to the Open Budget Survey 2021. The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented the results at a dedicated conference, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the EU Delegation, the IMF Office in Moldova and the Court of Accounts.