News & press releases
Expert-Grup launches monthly press conference series on the state of the economy: growth, inflation and energy challenges at the centre of the first edition
Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched a monthly press conference series, “The Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, held on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00. The first edition reviewed the organisation's activity, the Moldova Economic Thermometer and experts' comments on the month's main economic events.
Moldova Economic Thermometer: The Economy Remains on a Growth Path, but Momentum Cooled in July; Q2 GDP Confirmed the Direction Signalled, but Not the Magnitude
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
The Expert-Grup Leading Economic Indicator fell to +0.08 standard deviations in July 2026, after the June peak of +0.23σ. The 3-month moving average, at +0.15σ, keeps the economy in a growth regime, but without acceleration. Official data published by the NBS on 14 September show GDP growth of 0.9% in the second quarter – the acceleration from the first quarter (+0.4%) anticipated by the indicator did occur, but at a smaller magnitude than the calibration suggested.
Expert-Grup launches “Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, a monthly press conference series on the state of the economy
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Starting on 29 September 2026, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” will hold a monthly press conference on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00. The series, “Economic Reality Analysed by Expert-Grup”, will present the state of the economy to the press and the public at the organisation’s office in Chișinău.
Results of the State Labour Inspectorate and the National Employment Agency, and New Solutions for Boosting the Labour Market Integration of Persons with Disabilities, Discussed at CONSECON
Friday, 11 September 2026
On 10 September, Expert-Grup facilitated a new meeting of Working Group No. 6 “Labour Market Development”, held on the platform of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. The discussions focused on the results of the State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) and the National Employment Agency (NEA), as well as on facilitating the employment of persons with disabilities.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova Launch the “Socio-Economic Encyclopaedia of Moldova”: 35 Years of Independence Analysed Through 35 Events
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova have launched the Socio-Economic Encyclopaedia of Moldova, which reviews 35 years of the country's independence through 35 key events. The publication, co-authored by Expert-Grup's executive director Adrian Lupușor, takes stock of Moldova's economic and social path since 1992.
Invest in Local Development Through Municipal Bonds: Subscription Opens for the Ungheni and Leova Issues
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The municipality of Ungheni and the town of Leova have launched public offers of municipal bonds worth a total of MDL 19 million, giving interested persons the opportunity to invest in local community development projects while earning interest income.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ungheni and Leova Launch Public Offers of Municipal Bonds Worth MDL 19 Million in Total for Local Development Projects
Monday, 10 August 2026
The town halls of Ungheni and Leova have launched their first public offers of municipal bonds, worth MDL 19 million in total, to finance local infrastructure projects. The offers were presented at a launch event and are supported by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Victoriabank as financial intermediary.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Consumers Can File Complaints Directly with Traders via edemocrație.gov.md
Monday, 10 August 2026
Moldovan consumers can now file complaints directly with traders through the eDemocrație platform at edemocrație.gov.md. A new Consumer Protection module lets them handle the whole process in one digital place, from the complaint to an individual or collective petition to the competent institution if no solution is found.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Ceadîr-Lunga Launches Its Third Municipal Bond Issue, Raising MDL 8 Million for Local Projects
Monday, 03 August 2026
The municipality of Ceadîr-Lunga launched on 3 August 2026 the public offer for its third municipal bond issue, raising MDL 8 million for four local projects. The launch took place at maib park, with maib as financial intermediary and support from Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
New Consumer Protection Module on the eDemocrație Platform Presented to Entrepreneurs at CONSECON
Friday, 31 July 2026
The new Consumer Protection module of the eDemocrație platform was presented to entrepreneurs at a CONSECON meeting, chaired by Liliana Busuioc of the SME Advisory Council. Officials, business associations and Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup discussed how traders will receive and resolve consumer complaints submitted through the platform.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Four Training Sessions to Prepare State-Owned Companies for Accessing the Capital Market
Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Four training sessions held on 7-10 July prepared Moldovan state-owned companies to raise financing on the capital market. The series is part of a project implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the Public Property Agency, the Moldova International Stock Exchange, maib and Victoriabank.
Supporting the SOE reform by improving the legal framework, reorganization of PPA and enforcing good governance
24 Municipalities from the Republic of Moldova Complete a Study Visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Monday, 22 June 2026
Representatives of 24 municipalities from the Republic of Moldova made a study visit to the Netherlands to exchange experience on local development. The visit was part of the programme European Integration through Local Development, which aims to widen local authorities' access to financing for infrastructure projects.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Winners of Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 Announced: Five Businesses to Receive EUR 5,000 Grants and Mentoring
Friday, 05 June 2026
The winners of Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 have been announced: five young businesses will each receive a EUR 5,000 grant and mentoring. The programme is implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), in partnership with ASEM, ISD and Backstage IT.
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Over 500 People Attended Public Discussions on European Integration Organised by Expert-Grup in Local Communities
Friday, 29 May 2026
Over 500 people attended public discussions on European integration organised by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup in local communities. The meetings were held in Sireți, Ungheni, Ceadîr-Lunga, Trușeni, Anenii Noi, Colibași and Leova, and brought together entrepreneurs, local authority representatives and young people.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Leova Town Hall to Issue Municipal Bonds Worth MDL 9 Million for Urban Development
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Leova Town Hall will issue municipal bonds worth MDL 9 million for urban development. The issue is prepared with the support of Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup experts and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Victoriabank will act as financial intermediary.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ungheni Municipality Town Hall to Issue Municipal Bonds for the First Time to Develop Local Infrastructure
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Ungheni Town Hall is preparing its first municipal bond issue to finance local infrastructure. Victoriabank will act as financial intermediary under a contract signed on 12 May, with Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup supporting the process and the Dutch ambassador attending the event.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
Ceadîr-Lunga Municipality Town Hall Prepares Its Third Municipal Bond Issue
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Ceadir-Lunga Municipality Town Hall is preparing its third municipal bond issue, the first local authority in Moldova to reach this stage. maib was selected as financial intermediary through a competitive public process and signed the contract on 11 May.
Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds
National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum: Reform Directions for a More Inclusive and Competitive Labour Market
Thursday, 30 April 2026
The National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum brought together government officials, experts and development partners to discuss reforms for a more inclusive and competitive labour market in Moldova. It was organised by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with support from Soros Foundation Moldova.
Assistance for labor market reform
Expert-Grup Publishes the Independent Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the State Property Management Strategy
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup has published an independent monitoring report on the implementation of the 2023-2030 State Property Management Strategy for state-owned enterprises and majority state-owned companies. It covers progress in 2023-2025 and the priorities for the next stage.
Supporting the SOE reform by improving the legal framework, reorganization of PPA and enforcing good governance
Third Edition of the Tulip Business Incubator Programme for Young Entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova Launched
Saturday, 25 April 2026
The third edition of the Tulip Business Incubator programme for young Moldovan entrepreneurs aged up to 35 has been launched at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova. It is implemented by Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with the Netherlands Embassy and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Specialists from the Republic of Moldova and Abroad Discuss Reconfiguring Consumer Protection in the Digital Age in Chișinău
Friday, 13 March 2026
Specialists from Moldova and abroad gathered in Chisinau for the second international scientific conference on reconfiguring consumer protection in the digital age. It is organised by the European Consumer Centre of Moldova and the Stefan cel Mare Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
The paradox between the labour shortage and the high inactivity rate in Moldova discussed at a CONSECON meeting
Friday, 06 March 2026
A meeting of the Economic Council's CONSECON working group, chaired by Sergiu Harea of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the paradox of labour shortages alongside high inactivity in Moldova. Ministers, state secretaries, immigration officials and business representatives took part.
Assistance for labor market reform
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0: grants, mentoring and development opportunities for young entrepreneurs (27 March: application deadline extended)
Tuesday, 03 March 2026
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup invites entrepreneurs aged up to 35 to apply for Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 (2026 edition), which offers training, mentoring and grants. The application deadline was extended to Friday, 27 March, 17:00.
Tulip Business Incubator 3.0 - a support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova (3rd edition)
Youth Guarantee discussed at the Economic Council to the Prime Minister
Thursday, 05 February 2026
The Youth Guarantee was discussed at a CONSECON meeting of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister, chaired by Sergiu Harea. About 100 participants joined in person and online, including EU, ILO and Commission experts, and Lithuanian and Ukrainian practitioners.
Assistance for labor market reform
26 municipalities selected for the project to strengthen the resilience of local public authorities
Friday, 30 January 2026
Twenty-six local authorities have been selected from 80 applicants for a project to strengthen the resilience of local public authorities in Moldova. The first online meeting with the selected town halls presented the programme and the stages planned for this year.
Strengthening the resilience capacity of local public authorities
A new meeting of the Supervisory Committee for the development of the Information System "Register of Public Assets and State Property Management"
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
The Supervisory Committee for the development of the Information System Register of Public Assets and State Property Management (SI RPPAPS) held a new meeting to review progress on the system's submodules, next steps and implementation constraints. The system is being developed by the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup for the Public Property Agency.
Labour market reform and priorities for 2026 discussed at a new meeting of the "Labour Market Development" Working Group
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
The Labour Market Development Working Group (No. 6) of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister met to discuss the labour ministry's reform priorities under the new Government's work plan and to approve the group's 2026 work plan. The meeting was chaired by Sergiu Harea and attended by Minister Natalia Plugaru and civil society representatives.
Assistance for labor market reform
Key results of the project Civil Society for European Integration: lessons learned, priorities, impact at local and central level
Friday, 12 December 2025
The project "Civil Society for European Integration", implemented by the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup with EU funding, held a closing event presenting its results after three years of work. It aimed to build an active, informed civil society supporting Moldova's EU integration agenda, and the event featured panels on lessons learned and on a future Economic and Social Committee.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
MACRO 2025: European integration and inclusion policies for Moldova's economic future
Friday, 28 November 2025
The MACRO 2025 conference, organised by the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, discussed European integration and inclusion policies for Moldova's economic future. The 13th edition focused on internal inequality and the gap with the EU, and presented the State of the Country Report 2025, with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu attending.
Programme for municipalities. European integration through local development: increasing local public authorities' access to funding opportunities for infrastructure projects
Thursday, 20 November 2025
The Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup, with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova, invites municipalities across the country to join a programme that helps local authorities access funding for infrastructure projects. The programme runs from January 2026 to June 2027, and applications are due by 20 December 2025.
MACRO 2025 Conference "Bridging the Divide: Addressing Poverty and Economic Divergence in the Context of the Republic of Moldova’s European Integration Process"
Monday, 17 November 2025
One of the most important forums for public debate on the economic and social developments of the Republic of Moldova – the MACRO Conference – returns this year. The 2025 edition, organized by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in partnership with the “Friedrich Ebert” Foundation Moldova, will take place on November 28, 2025, from 09:30 to 15:30, in Chisinau, and will have as its theme “Bridging the Divide: Addressing Poverty and Economic Divergence in the Context of the Republic of Moldova’s European Integration Process”.
16th meeting of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform: commitments on accession, social reforms and economic growth
Monday, 17 November 2025
The 16th meeting of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform, held on 11 November 2025 in Brussels, brought together civil society, EU institutions and Moldovan authorities to discuss accession negotiations and reforms. It ended with a joint declaration setting out civil society recommendations. The meeting was held under the project Civil Society for European Integration.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
15 Local Partner CSOs on Study Visit to Brussels: Dialogue with EU Institutions and Recommendations for Speeding Up Reforms
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Fifteen local partner civil society organisations from the project Civil Society for European Integration made a study visit to Brussels on 10-11 November 2025. They met EU and Moldovan officials, discussed the Growth Plan and a possible Economic and Social Council, and took part in the 16th meeting of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
How to Stop Bills Burning a Hole in Our Pockets: Energy, Water and Sewerage Consumer Problems Discussed at the Expert-Grup and ANRE Press Club
Thursday, 06 November 2025
The Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the energy regulator ANRE held a press club on 4 November 2025 on consumer problems with energy, water and sewerage bills. It brought together ANRE, the European Consumer Centre Moldova (ECC Moldova), experts and journalists to discuss frequent complaints and the tools available to resolve them.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
ECC Moldova: A Year of Prolific Activity in Support of Consumers
Wednesday, 05 November 2025
ECC Moldova, the European Consumer Centre of the Republic of Moldova, marked a year of activity supporting consumers. Created under the project Strengthening the Consumer Protection Framework in Moldova, implemented by Expert-Grup with IPRE, it provides free legal support, especially in cross-border disputes, and promotes consumer rights.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Winners of the Quiz at the 6th Financial Education Camp Receive Their Well-Earned Prizes
Friday, 24 October 2025
Winners of the quiz at the 6th Financial Education Camp, organised by the National Bank of Moldova and Expert-Grup, received their certificates and prizes. Governor Anca Dragu presented the awards, highlighting the value of financial education for the country's economic future.
Financial literacy campaign
Costești Town Hall Issues MDL 4.5 Million in Municipal Bonds to Finance Local Infrastructure
Monday, 22 September 2025
Costești town hall in Moldova has launched its first public offering of municipal bonds worth MDL 4.5 million to fund a sewerage and wastewater treatment project. The launch event brought together Dutch embassy, financial regulator, bank and local officials, with Expert-Grup as moderator.
Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds
Expert-Grup Presents Position Paper: Solutions for Remedying Moldova's Excessive Current Account Deficit
Friday, 19 September 2025
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup presented a position paper on how to reduce Moldova's large and growing current account deficit. The paper, written by Marina Soloviova, was discussed at an event with participants who proposed their own solutions.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
Thermal Retrofit of Bălți's Tallest Residential Block Brings Energy Bill Savings of Up to 50%
Monday, 08 September 2025
A thermal retrofit of the tallest residential block in Bălți, an 80-apartment building, has cut heating consumption and energy bills. The pilot project "Primele Rândunele" was implemented by Expert-Grup with Dutch and Slovak support and presented during a visit by State Secretary Carolina Novac.
”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Creation of the Moldovan Economic and Social Committee
Friday, 05 September 2025
Civil society organisations from Moldova signed a Memorandum of Understanding on creating a Moldovan Economic and Social Committee (CESM). The initiative supports civil and social dialogue in line with the European social model, in the context of Moldova's EU candidate status and accession negotiations.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
Sireți Launches MDL 3 Million Public Bond Offering
Wednesday, 03 September 2025
The village of Sireți in Moldova has launched a public offering of municipal bonds worth MDL 3 million to rebuild sections of local roads. The launch event gathered central and local officials, financial institutions, development partners and potential investors.
Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds
6th Edition of the Financial Education Camp Concludes Successfully
Thursday, 07 August 2025
The sixth edition of the Financial Education Camp, organised by the National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup, has concluded. Over four days, more than 230 young people from across the country took part in sessions on the financial system, payments, entrepreneurship and investment.
BNM and Expert-Grup launch the 6th edition of the Financial Education Camp for young people across the country
Tuesday, 05 August 2025
The National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup launched the sixth edition of the Financial Education Camp for young people nationwide. The opening featured Governor Anca Dragu and Expert-Grup executive director Adrian Lupușor.
Launch of the second Independent Monitoring Report on Moldova's implementation of the European Commission's recommendations – progress, challenges and priorities
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Expert-Grup and partners presented the second Independent Monitoring Report on how Moldova has implemented the European Commission's recommendations. It covers the "Fundamentals" cluster of the EU accession process and is meant to feed into the Commission's first Enlargement Report on Moldova, due in autumn 2025.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation
Labour market reform: employment and occupational safety policies at the centre of discussions in the "Labour Market Development" Working Group
Friday, 25 July 2025
The Labour Market Development Working Group (No. 6) of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister met to discuss active employment measures and a draft Government decision on occupational safety rules. The meeting brought together authorities, business, trade unions, civil society experts and international partners.
Assistance for labor market reform
"Financial Education Camp" – an initiative connecting young people across Moldova
Monday, 14 July 2025
The Financial Education Camp, a joint initiative of the National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup, is open for registration in an online edition for young people across Moldova. Sign-up is free and runs until 27 July 2025.
Delayed flights, lost luggage – what rights do passengers have? Press club with the Civil Aeronautical Authority and ECC Moldova
Friday, 11 July 2025
A press club hosted by Expert-Grup brought together the Civil Aeronautical Authority (AAC) and the European Consumer Centre Moldova (ECC Moldova) to explain passenger rights in cases of delayed flights and lost luggage. It was held in summer 2025, amid record passenger growth at Chisinau International Airport.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Soros Foundation Moldova, with financial support from the European Union, launches a grant programme for opening nurseries and supporting families in vulnerable situations
Friday, 04 July 2025
Soros Foundation Moldova, with European Union financing, has launched a grant programme to open nurseries and support parents in vulnerable situations. At least 24 Moldovan organisations will receive grants to develop local services combining employment opportunities with early childcare.
Increased local employment opportunities and access to nurseries for vulnerable parents
Expert-Grup and ANSA press club | Non-compliant food products and catering services: how consumers are protected
Friday, 27 June 2025
Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup and the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) held a press club on non-compliant food products and catering services and how consumers are protected. ANSA representatives, civil society and journalists discussed the main consumer complaints and institutional responses.
Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova
Reforming the legal framework for entrepreneurship – priorities proposed by Expert-Grup, discussed at a roundtable
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Expert-Grup held a roundtable to discuss priorities for reforming Moldova's legal framework for entrepreneurship. The event took place as the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation launched public consultations on a draft new law on entrepreneurship.
Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation