News & press releases
Expert-Grup held a public policy study workshop for civic activists from the Transnistrian region
Wednesday, 09 December 2015
Experts from the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” recently held a two-day workshop for teachers, researchers, entrepreneurs and civic activists from the Transnistrian region. The training covered the development of public policy studies, the analysis of statistical data and communication strategy.
DCFTA results after one year – overshadowed by Moldova’s economic and political struggles
Friday, 04 December 2015
CHIȘINĂU // September 2015 marked one year since the implementation of DCFTA (Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement) between Moldova and EU began, and its results were overshadowed by the country’s economic and political problems, says a report published by Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup, author Ana Popa.
”Scoala Mea” initiative: quality of education and transparency improved in 20 more schools
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
”Scoala Mea” initiative (eng. trans. “My School”) has organized, over the past two months, public hearings at the 20 beneficiary schools, where over 2,800 citizens - students, teachers, parents and representatives of local and regional authorities participated. During the public hearings, citizens were able to take collective decisions on schools’ issues and development priorities. In addition, school principals presented to the community the progress in implementing educational reform in the institution, budget expenditures in recent years and the draft budgets for 2016.
Although budget disaster will be avoided in 2015, risks are higher for 2016 (study)
Monday, 16 November 2015
A study by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, authored by Iurie Morcotîlo and funded by the Soros Foundation Moldova, finds that Moldova's public finances will avoid a critical situation at the end of 2015, despite an unfavourable economic context, but that risks for the 2016 budget are greater.
Childcare Leave: Problems and Solutions
Friday, 16 October 2015
A study released last week by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, “Reform of Childcare Leave” by Constanța Popescu, reviews good practices from Lithuania and Romania to pinpoint weaknesses in Moldova’s current childcare leave system, identifying six main problems.
Lack of qualified staff – one of the major causes of poor management of public money
Monday, 12 October 2015
A study by Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, authored by Tatiana Savva and funded by the Soros-Moldova Foundation, was presented at a public event on 12 October in Chișinău. It found that irregularities estimated by the Court of Accounts exceeded MDL 7 billion in 2014, and that most of its recommendations go unimplemented.
Expert-Grup Recommendations on Reforming Childcare Leave
Wednesday, 07 October 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău has produced a study on reforming childcare leave for children aged 0-3 and 3-6, authored by Constanța Popescu. It was commissioned by the Parliamentary Committee on Social Protection, Health and Family, with support from UNICEF and the Government of Sweden.
Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement – overshadowed by “black holes” in justice and banking sectors (report)
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
The Independent Think Tanks, Expert-Grup and ADEPT, present the results of their study “Euromonitor: First Achievements and Difficulties in Implementing Moldova-European Union (EU) Association Agreement”. The report covers commitments undertaken by national authorities in 23 political areas, 15 fields related to economic and sector cooperation and 10 fields related to Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It was conducted with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under FHI 360’s Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society (MPSCS) program.
Expert-Grup announces a report assessing and monitoring public procurement in Education
Wednesday, 09 September 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced that it will prepare a Report assessing and monitoring public procurement in Education. The report will draw on earlier research and on findings of the Court of Accounts, which show that significant public funds are lost through public procurement.
Veaceslav Negruță, former Minister of Finance, joins Expert-Grup
Friday, 07 August 2015
CHIȘINĂU // We are glad to anounce that Mr. Veaceslav Negruța is joining the Expert-Grup team as the "Economic Policies" program director. Mr. Negruța will undertake research in the fields of macroeconomy, budget-fiscal & monetary-credit policies, public debt management, as well as trade policies.
Problems in the Banking Sector Have Left Their Mark on the National Budget
Tuesday, 04 August 2015
A new study by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” analyses how recent macroeconomic developments and banking-sector problems affect Moldova’s National Public Budget. It concludes that the current economic downturn is driven mainly by domestic factors, above all the banking crisis, rather than by external ones.
In Its Current Form, the Road Fund Is Not Necessary for Financing and Maintaining Roads
Friday, 31 July 2015
A study by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău finds that Moldova's Road Fund, which grew from MDL 1.033 billion in 2012 to MDL 1.366 billion in 2014, suffers from poor planning, arbitrary allocation and a lack of transparency, and concludes that it is unnecessary in its current form.
Moldova Misses Out on MDL 3 Billion as External Donors Freeze Funding
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Moldova has fallen into serious financial difficulty after some development partners suspended funding. According to an analysis by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the direct and immediate financial effect of the freeze will be around MDL 3 billion, forcing the Ministry of Finance to block 2015 budget spending.
How the State Budget Was Executed and How Money Was Spent on Education
Monday, 27 July 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has released two studies in Chișinău, supported by the Soros-Moldova Foundation, on the execution of the State Budget and on education spending. They find that the Government meets only about 60% of its budget policy objectives and that education funding does not match the size of the sector.
Budget Transparency in Moldova Is Marking Time
Monday, 20 July 2015
Budget transparency in Moldova has not improved in recent years, mainly because of political factors, according to a study launched in Chișinău by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with support from the Soros-Moldova Foundation. The Budget Transparency Index scored 59 out of 100 in 2015, unchanged from 2012.
MACRO 2015 Conference: Ideas for the Country’s Economic and Social Security
Monday, 13 July 2015
On 10 July 2015, Expert-Grup and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung hosted the third annual international MACRO conference, themed “Promoting economic and social security in the context of major risks”. Held in three discussion panels, it examined the economic risks and opportunities facing the Republic of Moldova.
State of Country Report 2015: Moldova facing unprecedented challenges for its economic and social security
Friday, 10 July 2015
CHIȘINĂU // Currently, Moldova is facing perhaps its biggest challenge in economic security since 1991. The hardship is being caused by economic recession in the region and by state institutions that are weak and easily influenced by obscure interests, which allowed the deep banking crisis to spread out. Conclusions belong to the State of the Country Report 2015, published by Expert-Grup Think-Tank together with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, at the MACRO 2015 International Conference.
To Whom and for What Agricultural Subsidies Were Granted in 2014
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
In 2014 the Moldovan Government allocated MDL 544 million to subsidise agricultural producers, reaching almost 5,300 farmers. Criuleni, Soroca and Hâncești had the most beneficiaries, according to an infographic published by Budgetstories.md and prepared by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.
Rampant corruption and poor performance of public institutions have slowed down Moldova’s European integration in the last 10 years
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
CHIȘINĂU // During 2005-2014, Moldova saw important progress in terms of European integration - signing the Association Agreement, visa liberalization with the EU, ensuring more respect for human rights, providing e-governance, IT sector and social services’ reform. However, major weaknesses remain in a number of sectors, particularly in fighting corruption, banking sector, implementation of EU quality standards and energy sector.
Massive investment in agriculture in recent years is not paying off because of inefficient allocation of funds
Friday, 12 June 2015
An analysis by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” finds that heavy investment in Moldovan agriculture over the past decade has not produced sustainable growth. Although the sector employs about 30.5% of workers and contributed some 13% of GDP in 2014, inefficient allocation of money is cited as a main cause of stagnation.
Effective Measures and Political Will Can Save Moldova's Public Pension System from Collapse
Tuesday, 09 June 2015
A new study published by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and authored by Adrian Lupușor finds that Moldova's public pension system is unsustainable both financially and socially. It sets out a package of reforms covering contributions, indexation, the retirement age, multi-pillar pensions and the fight against informal employment.
Expert-Grup welcomes the Prime Minister's initiative to demand better management of public money from state institutions
Thursday, 04 June 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău welcomes the initiative of Moldovan Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici, who issued order no. 1221-127 of 21 May 2015. The order requests information from institutions on how ministries and central administrative authorities implemented Court of Accounts decisions in 2013-2014.
Lack of political will and civil servants' competence among major causes of budget gaps in local public authorities
Wednesday, 03 June 2015
A new infographic published by Budgetstories.md shows that in 2014 the irregularities in public money management identified by the Court of Accounts totalled MDL 8 billion, with one third of the losses occurring in local public authorities. It attributes them largely to a lack of political will and to civil servants' incompetence.
Expert-Grup's recommendations after studying the Kroll report
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Chișinău-based Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has studied the Kroll report on the banking crisis and prepared an analysis of it. The analysis describes five fundamental factors that worsened the situation in the banking system and proposes solutions for strengthening the sector.
Better Roads and Railways Thanks to the Association Agreement
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Budgetstories.md has published a new infographic and an analytical note setting out how the EU Association Agreement will benefit transport in Moldova. They describe the poor state of roads and railways and the investments and reforms planned to modernise both.
Free Trade with the EU and the CIS: Two Compatible Options
Monday, 27 April 2015
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has released an analytical note and an infographic on Budgetstories.md showing that the Free Trade Agreements with the EU and with the CIS are compatible options for the Republic of Moldova, which can pursue its external economic activity in both zones simultaneously.
Moldova awaits an up to 1.8% recession in 2015, amid the regional crisis and problems in the country’s banking system (estimates)
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
CHIȘINĂU, Expert-Grup / Moldova will face difficult economic prospects in 2015, GDP being projected to decline by 0.2% in the base rundown and 1.8% in the pessimistic scenario, all while public authorities do not seem sufficiently prepared to face the difficulties, according to a new report published by Chisinau based Expert-Grup think tank.
Moldovan economy becoming less dependent of the Russian Market
Tuesday, 07 April 2015
The EU Association Agreement Brings Financial Support for the Development of Moldovan SMEs
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Budgetstories.md has launched a new infographic, “Why do Moldovan entrepreneurs need free trade with the EU?”, explaining how the EU Association Agreement benefits Moldovan entrepreneurs and SME owners. It outlines the financial and non-financial support instruments the Agreement offers to small and medium-sized businesses.
Euromonitor: 2014 saw a turning point in the relations between Moldova and the EU
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Expert-Grup Recommendations on Stabilising the Moldovan Leu
Friday, 13 March 2015
On 13 March 2015, in Chișinău, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with support from the Soros-Moldova Foundation, launched the study “Diagnosis of the Depreciation of the Moldovan Leu”. It explains the causes of the recent depreciation, outlines possible scenarios for Moldova's economy and proposes ways to stabilise the national currency.
Identifying an External Evaluator for the Project “Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”
Friday, 13 March 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău, funded by the World Bank, is inviting expressions of interest from individual consultants to evaluate the first year of its “Școala Mea” education project. Applications must be submitted by 20 March 2015, 19.00 Moldovan time.
Ready for post-2015? A place to start in Moldova
Monday, 09 March 2015
In a post originally published on UNDP's Voice for Eurasia blog, the authors present findings from a foresighting exercise in Moldova run with Futurescaper. They examine which public institutions should lead the adaptation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the main institutional challenges, and six areas of recommendations for reform.
We Are Selecting Schools as Beneficiaries of the “My School” Initiative
Thursday, 26 February 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău has announced a competition to select 20 schools as beneficiaries and partners for the second year of the initiative “My School – Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”. Applications must be submitted by 11 March 2015.
The challenges facing Moldova on its path to Europe, by Denis Cenușă
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
The London-based Foreign Policy Centre has recently published a set of articles on the EU's Neighbourhood countries, titled “Trouble in the Neighbourhood? The future of the EU's Eastern Partnership”. The collection includes a contribution by Denis Cenușă, an associate expert of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.
Reasons for Energy Consumers to Be Glad as the EU Association Agreement Is Implemented
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
Budgetstories.md has launched a new infographic, “Modernisation of the energy sector after the implementation of the EU Association Agreement”. It shows the opportunities the Agreement offers for modernising the energy sector in the Republic of Moldova, and what ordinary consumers can expect once its provisions are put into practice.
Major Irregularities in Agricultural Subsidies and Energy Efficiency Fund Management Found by the Court of Accounts
Friday, 20 February 2015
On 20 February 2014 in Chișinău, Expert-Grup, supported by the Soros Foundation Moldova, launched the study “How Public Money Is Lost” for the fourth quarter of 2014. It monitors the implementation of Court of Accounts reports following its 2013 audits of the agricultural producers subsidy fund and the Energy Efficiency Fund.
Scoalamea.md website was launched – an online platform that aims to increase participation in Moldovan schools
Friday, 20 February 2015
Political difficulties hinder the proper implementation of reforms undertaken towards the EU
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
The Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT and Expert-Grup have presented a new edition of their quarterly publication “EUROMONITOR” in Chișinău. It describes the main developments and shortcomings in implementing the EU-Moldova Action Plan between October and December 2014. The document can be downloaded from www.expert-grup.org.
NGO Leaders Learn How to Influence Social Policies for the Benefit of Children and Families
Friday, 06 February 2015
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a training workshop on “Public Policy and Advocacy” in Chișinău on 5-6 February 2015 for members of the Alliance of NGOs active in child and family protection (APSCF). It was supported by UNICEF Moldova and the Government of Sweden.
How will the Association Agreement change the lives of Moldovan consumers?
Thursday, 29 January 2015
Budgetstories.md has launched a new infographic explaining how the Association Agreement with the EU will benefit consumers in the Republic of Moldova. It sets out the expected changes in consumer protection, from cross-border complaints to faster removal of dangerous products, as Moldova's system becomes part of the European one.
We Declare a Boycott of the Media Outlet Pro TV Chișinău for Defying the Code of Ethics
Friday, 23 January 2015
Several NGOs have joined an initiative by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” to boycott the media outlet Pro TV Chișinău. The move follows a news item broadcast on 16 January, which violated human dignity and the right to private life and defied the Journalist's Code of Ethics.
We Declare a Boycott of the Media Outlet Pro TV Chișinău for Defying the Code of Ethics
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced a boycott of the television channel Pro TV Chișinău. It says the channel's report from Ungheni disregarded the right to private life and human dignity, and that the broadcaster has neither removed the report from its website nor apologised publicly.
Top 5 Economic Successes and Failures in 2014 and Top 5 Challenges for 2015
Monday, 29 December 2014
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched the seventh annual “X-ray” of the economy of the Republic of Moldova. It comprises three “Top 5” lists, in random order: the economic successes and failures of 2014, and the economic challenges expected in 2015.
Expert-Grup estimates an economic recession of 3%-5% for the Transnistrian region in 2015
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched the second edition of its Regional Economic Review: the Transnistrian region. The publication analyses the economic performance of the left bank of the Dniester in 2014 and forecasts the main challenges for 2015, including an expected recession of 3-5%.
Recommendations on the draft law for implementing the 2015 budget and fiscal policy
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
On Tuesday, 16 December, Expert-Grup held a round table titled “Presentation of the draft fiscal, customs and budget policy for 2015”. The event presented the think tank's proposals on the 2015 budget and fiscal policy and discussed the main challenges seen by business representatives.
The new government must make a decisive choice for modernising the country and moving it closer to the EU
Thursday, 11 December 2014
The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched the 11th edition of its publication MEGA: Analysis of Moldova’s Economic Growth for 2014-2015. The presentation drew a broad audience of state institutions, the National Bank of Moldova, the private sector, commercial banks, donors, diplomatic missions, academia and civil society.
Budget Transparency as a General Factor in the Fight against Grand Corruption (Presentation)
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Dumitru Budianschi, Programme Director at Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, gave a presentation at the National Anticorruption Conference. Titled “Budget transparency as a general factor in the fight against grand corruption”, it was delivered at the event held on 9 December 2014.
Public Hearings: An Unprecedented Exercise in Civic Participation
Friday, 05 December 2014
The “My School” initiative held a series of public hearings in all 20 of its partner schools across Moldova. More than 1,500 pupils, parents, teachers, school administrators and mayors took part in what the organisers describe as an unprecedented democratic exercise in the Republic of Moldova.
After Only Two Months of Implementation, the EU Association Agreement Brings the First Tangible Results
Monday, 24 November 2014
Only two months after the EU Association Agreement entered into provisional force on 1 September 2014, it is already producing tangible effects for Moldova. Under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, producers that have implemented EU standards can export to that market without customs duties.