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

Costești Town Hall prepares its first municipal bond issue – financial intermediary contracted

Monday, 23 June 2025

Costesti Town Hall is preparing its first municipal bond issue and has contracted maib as financial intermediary after a transparent, competitive procedure. The process is supported by Expert-Grup experts under a programme backed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova.

Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds

Government Factoring – a solution for reviving Moldova's agricultural sector, analysed at a roundtable

Friday, 20 June 2025

Expert-Grup held a roundtable on Government Factoring as a way to revive Moldova's agricultural sector. Participants discussed how the mechanism could release liquidity for farmers and strengthen economic stability in rural areas and related fields.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Early Movers: Thermal Retrofit of Bălți's Tallest Building, a Model of Energy Efficiency for Moldova

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented the results of the thermal retrofit of a 16-storey residential block in Bălți, the tallest in the city. The event, backed by the Dutch and Slovak embassies, SlovakAid and the Energy Community Secretariat, brought together officials, ambassadors, development partners, banks, civil society and residents.

”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova

Consumer protection enters the digital era: AGE and Expert-Grup launched, at Moldova Digital Summit 2025, a joint initiative to modernise and simplify the petitioning process for consumers

Friday, 06 June 2025

At Moldova Digital Summit 2025, held on 5-7 June, the e-Democrație platform is being officially launched, a digital tool that will help strengthen citizens’ participation in decision-making and facilitate direct communication with public authorities. By the end of the year, the platform will include a module dedicated to consumers, which will allow petitions to be submitted in a simplified way to all institutions responsible for consumer protection.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

Six young entrepreneurs to receive EUR 5,000 grants under Tulip Business Incubator 2.0

Monday, 02 June 2025

The second edition of the Tulip Business Incubator programme has named its winners after a final pitching session held before a panel of experts and potential investors. Six young entrepreneurs from Moldova will each receive a grant of EUR 5,000, together with six months of personalised mentoring.

Tulip Business Incubator 2.0 - support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova

Protection of Communications Service Consumers: Problems Consumers Face and Available Solutions, Discussed at a Press Club Organised by Expert-Grup

Thursday, 22 May 2025

On 22 May 2025, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” hosted at its Chișinău headquarters the second press club of the EU-funded project “Strengthening the Consumer Protection Framework in the Republic of Moldova”. Journalists, communications regulator representatives and civil society discussed consumer problems with communications services and the available solutions.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

Moldova's Growth Plan analysed in dialogue with the media

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

On 13 May 2025, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), Institutum Virtutes Civilis (IVC) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, held a press club on the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, discussing expectations, implementation and what to monitor.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Labour Market Challenges Debated at the National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum: Shortages, Informal Employment and Institutional Reforms

Thursday, 08 May 2025

On 6 May 2025, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, held the National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum. It brought together officials, business, trade unions, international organisations and experts to discuss the challenges and prospects of Moldova’s labour market.

Assistance for labor market reform

First Municipal Bonds for Sireți Town Hall: Financial Intermediary Contracted

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

The Sireți town hall has signed an intermediation contract with Victoriabank and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” for its first municipal bond issue. The bank was selected through an open competition in March 2025. The issue will raise funds for local road infrastructure projects in the village of Sireți, Moldova.

Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds

Consumer Protection in the Consumer Credit Market Discussed at a Dedicated Press Club Organised by Expert-Grup

Thursday, 24 April 2025

On 24 April, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a press club on consumer protection in the consumer credit market. Participants discussed how to avoid over-indebtedness, abusive clauses and fraud, and how the National Commission for Financial Markets protects the rights of users of lending services.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

Expert-Grup: “Budget Plus” Must Be Aligned with Good Governance Principles and an Economic Model Based on Value Added

Wednesday, 16 April 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented a position paper at a press conference on the draft amendment to the 2025 State Budget Law, known as “Budget Plus”, and on the implementation of Moldova's Economic Growth Plan, which is financially supported by the European Union.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Moldova must transition to a new economic growth model based on higher added value

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the support of the Centre for Social and Economic Research (CASE, Poland), argues in a new position paper that Moldova, whose economy stagnated in 2024 with GDP growth of 0.1%, must shift to a growth model built on higher added value.

Expert-Grup Launches Study: The Transition to Renewable Energy: Opportunities and Policy Recommendations

Thursday, 20 March 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova, held a round table and launched a policy study on Moldova's transition to renewable energy. The event brought together experts, government officials, diplomats, academics and private companies to discuss opportunities and challenges.

Consumer protection in focus: key conclusions of the international conference

Friday, 14 March 2025

On 13 and 14 March 2025, the first international scientific conference “Consumer protection: integrated approaches in the legal system” was held in a hybrid format. It was organised by the European Consumer Centre of the Republic of Moldova with several academic partners, with European Union and Soros Foundation Moldova support.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

Tulip Business Incubator 2.0 – A New Boost for Young Entrepreneurs in Moldova

Friday, 14 March 2025

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” officially launched the second edition of “Tulip Business Incubator 2.0”, a programme for young entrepreneurs in Moldova. Thirty participants were selected from more than 70 applicants from across the country.

Tulip Business Incubator 2.0 - support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova

We are launching the European.md Chatbot – Quick answers about the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, using clear information and trusted sources!

Thursday, 13 February 2025

The revolution in the field of artificial intelligence brings not only risks related to disinformation and fake news, but also opportunities to combat these phenomena and inform ourselves correctly.

A New Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs: Tulip Business Incubator 2.0

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Chișinău and in partnership with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, has launched Tulip Business Incubator 2.0, a support programme for young entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova aged up to 35. Applications close on 28 February 2025.

Tulip Business Incubator 2.0 - support program for young entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova

Moldova's Macroeconomic Resilience in the Context of Regional Security: Prospects and Vulnerabilities Presented at an Expert-Grup Round Table

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” hosted a round table on the macroeconomic resilience of the Republic of Moldova amid regional and global security threats. The event brought together economists, policy experts, government officials, embassy and donor representatives and civil society to assess the country's exposure to external shocks and policy options.

Increasing the economic resilience of Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova

Launch of the State of the Country Report 2024: Trends, Forecasts and Vulnerabilities of the National Economy

Friday, 13 December 2024

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, launched the State of the Country Report 2024 on 12 December in Chișinău, at the 12th annual international MACRO 2024 Conference. The report analyses Moldova's economic trends, forecasts and vulnerabilities, and offers policy recommendations.

“Financial Education for All” Forum: Achievements and Actions for the Future

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

More than 100 participants gathered at the National Forum “Financial Education for All” to assess the results of the largest financial education campaign in the history of the Republic of Moldova and to set future strategic directions. It was organised by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

Results of the “Financial Education for All” campaign and the Strategic National Financial Education Programme to be presented at a national forum

Friday, 06 December 2024

The National Bank of Moldova, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, is organising a National Financial Education Forum on 10 December. The event will bring together over 100 participants and present the results of the “Financial Education for All” national campaign, supported by the USAID MISRA programme.

Financial literacy campaign

Strengthening the Corporate Governance of State-Owned Companies: Closing Event of the Technical Assistance Project

Tuesday, 03 December 2024

On 3 December, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Public Property Agency and with the support of the Soros Foundation Moldova, held the closing event of a technical assistance project on adopting international best practices in the corporate governance of state-owned companies.

Technical assistance to the SOEs’ governance reform

MACRO Annual International Conference: ”Moldovan economy amid electoral cycles”, twelfth edition

Tuesday, 03 December 2024

The Independent Think-Tank ”Expert-Grup” and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova (FES), we are honoured to invite you to participate in the twelfth edition of MACRO Annual International Conference: ”Moldovan economy amid electoral cycles”.

“A series of complex actions will follow to strengthen social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova and counter disinformation in the context of EU accession,” the EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform said at its 14th meeting

Monday, 18 November 2024

On 15 November 2024, the 14th meeting of the European Union – Republic of Moldova Civil Society Platform took place in Brussels. Participants assessed Moldova's progress in implementing the Association Agreement and the European Commission's recommendations on the country's accession to the European Union.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Launch of the European Consumer Centre in the Republic of Moldova – an important step in strengthening the consumer protection framework and trust in the mechanisms of the European single market

Tuesday, 05 November 2024

The European Consumer Centre in the Republic of Moldova (ECCM) was officially launched at an event attended by Moldovan and Romanian public authorities, donors, business associations, academics and consumer protection experts. A roundtable discussed the centre's role, its short-, medium- and long-term plans, and what the authorities expect of it.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

“The First Swallow/Mover” in Bălți: Residents of the City’s Tallest 16-Storey Residential Building Will Be Able to Save Up to 30% on Bills

Friday, 01 November 2024

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, backed by SlovakAid, the Netherlands, the Energy Community Secretariat, the Ministry of Energy and the National Centre for Sustainable Energy, has launched the thermal insulation and façade renovation of a 16-storey apartment block at 3/A Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Street in Bălți.

”Early movers” - Technical assistance for increasing energy efficiency and security in Moldova

Savings and investment opportunities on Moldova’s financial market discussed with media representatives

Thursday, 31 October 2024

On 31 October, World Savings Day, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the National Bank of Moldova and with USAID MISRA support, held a press club in Chișinău. Journalists and experts reviewed the savings and investment products available on the financial market of the Republic of Moldova.

Financial literacy campaign

Ceadîr-Lunga Launches Second Municipal Bond Issue to Modernise Infrastructure

Monday, 07 October 2024

On 7 October, the municipality of Ceadîr-Lunga launched its second municipal bond issue, aiming to raise MDL 5 million to rehabilitate road infrastructure. The launch event brought together the town hall, Victoriabank, the National Financial Market Commission, the Embassy of the Netherlands, public authorities and potential investors.

Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds

Corporate Governance Training Platform: A New Tool for Professionalising the Boards of State-Owned Companies

Thursday, 26 September 2024

The Public Property Agency, in collaboration with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and with financial support from the Soros Foundation Moldova, has launched an online training platform for members of the boards of state-owned companies. It is also open to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of good corporate governance.

Press Club: “Assessing the Republic of Moldova’s Progress in Implementing the European Commission’s Recommendations in the Area of Justice in the Context of EU Accession”

Saturday, 21 September 2024

On 18 September, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a press club with journalists to discuss how far the Moldovan authorities have progressed in implementing the European Commission’s justice-related recommendations under the EU accession process, drawing on the first independent monitoring report.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Discussions on creating an Economic and Social Committee in the Republic of Moldova: a new institutional framework to strengthen dialogue between civil society and the authorities

Tuesday, 10 September 2024

On Monday, 9 September, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), Institutum Virtutes Civilis (IVC) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, held a round table on creating an Economic and Social Committee in the Republic of Moldova, bringing together officials, donors, civil society and media.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Discussions with Media Representatives on Moldova's Progress in Implementing the European Commission's Recommendations on Fundamental Rights, Freedom of Expression, and Social Policy and Employment

Tuesday, 03 September 2024

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and its partners held a press club with media representatives to discuss Moldova's progress in implementing the European Commission's recommendations on fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and social policy and employment, based on the first independent monitoring report on the country's EU accession process.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Press Club: “Assessing the Republic of Moldova’s Progress in Implementing the European Commission’s Economic Recommendations in the EU Accession Process”

Thursday, 01 August 2024

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a press club with journalists to discuss the reforms of the Chișinău authorities in implementing European Commission recommendations on the economic chapters of EU accession. The discussion drew on the first independent monitoring report, produced with IPRE, IVC and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Round table: “Mobility Strategy: how do we ensure infrastructure modernisation, the competitiveness of domestic transport and good governance in the system?”

Wednesday, 31 July 2024

On 30 July 2024, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy, presented at a round table its analytical note on Moldova's draft Mobility Strategy 2030. The note was written by Vitalie Rapcea, Expert-Grup's director of the economic and environmental infrastructure programme.

Strengthening the Monitoring Capacity of Civil Society in Moldova

Launch of the first Independent Monitoring Report on Moldova's progress in implementing the European Commission's recommendations in the EU accession process: achievements, constraints, priorities

Thursday, 25 July 2024

On 23 July 2024, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), Institutum Virtutes Civilis (IVC) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, presented Independent Monitoring Report No. 1, assessing Moldova's progress in implementing the European Commission's recommendations in the EU accession process.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Municipal Bonds in the Republic of Moldova: Results Three Years After the First Issues

Tuesday, 16 July 2024

On 16 July 2024, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova, presented the results of the first three municipal bond issues, launched in Chișinău, Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga in 2021-2022, to local authorities, experts, banks and civil society.

Program for supporting 4 LPAs in Launching Municipal Bonds

Accessible Financial Information for All Citizens Under the National Financial Education Campaign

Friday, 05 July 2024

The National Bank of Moldova, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, is launching a series of informative materials on financial topics for consumers of all ages. The materials will be disseminated under the National Financial Education Campaign, which is supported by USAID (MISRA).

Financial literacy campaign

The “Financial Education for All” Camp: Promoting Financial Responsibility among Young People

Friday, 28 June 2024

The “Financial Education for All” camp, organised by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, brought together young people from several Moldovan towns to learn about key financial concepts. Participants received certificates of participation at the end of the camp.

Financial literacy campaign

The Importance of Boards of Directors for Good Governance of State-Owned Companies Discussed at a Press Club

Friday, 14 June 2024

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Soros Foundation Moldova, held a press club on the reform of state-owned companies. The discussion focused on the role of boards of directors in ensuring good corporate governance, including the plan to attract independent members, notably from the diaspora.

Technical assistance to the SOEs’ governance reform

Moldova Significantly Improved Its Position in the Global Budget Transparency Ranking

Monday, 03 June 2024

Moldova has recorded significant improvements in public access to budget information, according to the Open Budget Survey 2023. 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, the Court of Accounts and parliamentary committees.

Over 20 young people receive financial education ambassador certificates from National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu

Friday, 24 May 2024

National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu presented certificates to 24 young financial education ambassadors. They organised training sessions for their peers in towns and villages across Moldova, as part of the National Financial Education Campaign run by the National Bank in partnership with Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

Financial literacy campaign

Financial Education Camp “Financial Education for All”, 2024 Edition

Wednesday, 22 May 2024

The National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, with USAID Moldova support, invite young people aged 15 to 19 to the 2024 “Financial Education for All” camp. It will take place on 26–28 June 2024 at the Odiseu resort in Vadul lui Vodă.

Financial literacy campaign

The European Union and Soros Moldova Foundation support the consumers protection framework in the Republic of Moldova as a key component of the association agenda and of the European integration process

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

The Independent Analytical Centre “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova, Soros Moldova Foundation and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms organized today, at April 30, the launching event of the project “Consolidation of Consumers Protection Framework in the Republic of Moldova”. It is a major importance project for our country since this area is indispensable for the assurance of a sound competition and a functional and fair market economy, but also considering the fact that consumers protection is a key-component for the European integration process.

Consolidation of the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova

Expert-Grup presented the conclusions and recommendations of its independent evaluation report on the pilot of the 2024 Population and Housing Census in the Republic of Moldova

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

On 23 April, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a round table titled “Population and Housing Census 2024: independent evaluation of the preparation and organisation of the process”. It presented the main findings and recommendations of its independent evaluation of the census pilot, carried out with European Union support.

Monitoring the pilot phase of the population census

“We want to help strengthen European integration processes and counter disinformation”, says the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform

Friday, 19 April 2024

At its 13th meeting, held in hybrid format, the EU-Republic of Moldova Civil Society Platform urged the authorities in Chișinău to continue dialogue with civil society on reforms, anti-corruption and the fight against disinformation. It was the first meeting since the European Council's decision of 14 December 2023 to open accession negotiations.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Launch of the New Website of the Public Property Agency and of the Training Platform for Board Members of State-Owned Enterprises

Thursday, 18 April 2024

The Public Property Agency, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, has launched its new website, www.app.gov.md, and a training platform for board members of state-owned companies. The launch aims to promote transparency and efficiency in managing public property in the Republic of Moldova.

Technical assistance to the SOEs’ governance reform

Low Level of Financial Literacy Increases the Number of Financial Fraud Victims

Monday, 01 April 2024

At a press club held as part of the National Financial Education Campaign, run by the National Bank of Moldova and Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with USAID support, officials presented 2023 data on cashless payments in Moldova and warned that weak financial literacy is fuelling payment fraud.

Financial literacy campaign

We appreciate our country's considerable progress on the European path and in the process of democratic transformation

Thursday, 28 March 2024

On 24 March 2025 in Chișinău, the fifteenth meeting of the European Union–Republic of Moldova Civil Society Platform took place. It reviewed Moldova's progress in EU accession negotiations across several thematic chapters, including environmental liability, human rights, consumer protection, company law and foreign policy, as well as the EU growth plan.

Resilient CSOs + Responsible Budgeting = Accelerated AA implementation

Results in advancing the State Labour Inspectorate and NEA reforms discussed at the closing event of the project “Technical Assistance to the Government and Parliament for Promoting Fair Recovery Policies and Economic Justice”

Monday, 18 March 2024

On 18 March, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, held the closing event of a technical assistance project for the Government and Parliament, implemented from April 2022 to March 2024 to tackle informal employment.

Technical assistance to the Government and Parliament to promote just recovery and economic justice policies

Public discussion: „Moldova under disinformation threats: Mapping Russian narratives and sharing the Lithuanian experience of countering disinformation”

Thursday, 14 March 2024

Expert-Grup în parteneriat cu Centrul de Studii Est-Europene din Lituania (Rytų Europos studijų centras / Eastern Europe Studies Centre a organizat, săptămâna aceasta, discuția publică cu genericul „Moldova sub amenințări de dezinformare: cartografierea narațiunilor rusești și împărtășirea experienței lituaniene de combatere a dezinformării”.

Building Strategic Communication to Counter Russian Disinformation in Moldova

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.

Demographic Study: Population ageing in the Republic of Moldova can be transformed into an opportunity for economic growth

Tuesday, 31 May 2022

Women in the Republic of Moldova earn less than they consume during their entire life, while the income of men exceeds the consumption only between 24 and 53 years of age. At the same time, the demographic shift towards an ageing population in the Republic of Moldova can offer opportunities for the country’s economic growth thanks to people’s life-time savings, made to cover their consumption when growing older. These are the main findings of the study ‘Analysis of the Demographic Dividends of the Republic of Moldova’, launched on Tuesday, 31 May 2022, during a public debate of the ‘Expert Grup’ Independent Think-Tank in partnership with UN Population Fund (UNFPA Moldova).

Soros Foundation Moldova invests USD 500,000 in developing state-owned enterprises; the project will be implemented by Expert-Grup in partnership with the Public Property Agency

Monday, 18 April 2022

The Soros Foundation Moldova, the Public Property Agency and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to develop the state-owned enterprise sector in the Republic of Moldova. The memorandum was signed on 18 April 2022 and backed by an investment of over half a million dollars.

Technical assistance to the SOEs’ governance reform

Launch of the New Edition of the Professional Training Course “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance”

Friday, 01 April 2022

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova and the National Anti-Corruption Centre, announced the launch of a new edition of the professional training course “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance” at a conference attended by public officials and graduates of the previous edition.

Anticorruption Certification Academic Course in Moldova

Joint Statement of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society National Platforms of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia on the European Union Membership Applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

Friday, 11 March 2022

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum National Platforms of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have issued a joint statement condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine. They express solidarity with Ukraine and welcome the three countries' applications for European Union membership, calling for swift candidate status for all three.

OPEN LETTER / Response to Putin's Invasion of Ukraine

Wednesday, 09 March 2022

Article available in English.

Maib launches public offering of municipal bonds issued by Chișinău City Hall

Wednesday, 02 March 2022

Maib has announced the launch of a public offering of municipal bonds issued by the Chișinău City Hall, worth MDL 65 million in total. The city intends to invest the proceeds in modernising the capital's trolleybus fleet, so that residents have access to quality public transport services.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Launch of the #StopWar Civic Information and Communication Campaign

Monday, 28 February 2022

The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum has set up an initiative group to design and run a nationwide civic information and communication campaign in Moldova. The campaign, provisionally called #StopWar, will be carried out during the state of emergency.

Declaration Condemning Russia’s Unprovoked Aggression against Ukraine

Thursday, 24 February 2022

The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in the Republic of Moldova, which brings together 100 member organisations, has issued a declaration firmly condemning Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, launched also from Belarusian territory, and calling for an immediate end to military operations.

Postponement – MACRO 2022 Conference

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Because of the military situation in Ukraine, the MACRO 2022 Conference, which was scheduled to take place today, 24 February, has been postponed. The organisers have announced the decision on the website of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and say they will provide updates on the new date.

First day of MACRO Conference 2022: Moldova's development priorities on the agenda of the country's leadership and international experts

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Global and regional trends that will shape the future global environment and their impact on a new model of sustainable economic growth and development of the Republic of Moldova are the main topics presented during the first day of the MACRO 2022 Annual International Conference, held on February 23 in Chisinau. The first day of the event was attended by officials, European dignitaries, international and local experts, researchers and professors from abroad, who discussed the main challenges and opportunities arising from global trends. The conference was inaugurated with the speech of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Alongside Moldova's Leadership and International Experts, Invited to MACRO 2022

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

The 10th International Annual Conference MACRO 2022 will bring together Moldova's leadership, senior European officials, international and local experts, researchers and professors in Chișinău on 23 and 24 February. The event is titled “Republic of Moldova: strengthening internal resilience in a transforming global environment”.

The 10th Annual International Conference MACRO 2022 to Be Held in Chișinău

Monday, 21 February 2022

The 10th edition of the Annual International Conference MACRO 2022 will take place in Chișinău on 23 and 24 February, under the theme “Republic of Moldova: strengthening domestic resilience in a transforming global environment”. It will bring together officials, experts, policy analysts, private-sector representatives and guests from Moldova and abroad.

2022 year comes with several major challenges for the population, companies and the public finance system

Monday, 31 January 2022

In 2021, the Republic of Moldova recorded the highest rate of economic growth in the last three decades: according to our estimates, the Gross Domestic Product increased by about 9.8%. However, this impressive figure offers no reason for over-optimism, as in 2022 the growth rate will be much more modest. The main economic and budgetary trends in 2021 and the forecast for 2022 can be found in the publication MEGA 23rd edition ((Moldovan Economic Growth Analysis)) entitled "Economy in 2022: from recovery to stagflation?" developed by the Independent Think Tank "Expert-Grup" launched today during the MEGA #23 conference "Economy and public finances in 2022: preparing the stage for local government reform."

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

‘My Budget’ Project Results: Residents from 25 settlements for the first time had participated in the budgeting for local development projects worth millions of MDL

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

Thanks to ‘My Budget’ project, 135 participatory budgeting projects were carried out in 25 localities – these are among the main results of the ‘Inform, Empower and Act! Civil Society for Better Budgetary Governance in Moldova’ project. They were presented at the summing-up event organised on 25 January 2022 by ‘Expert-Grup’ Independent Think Tank, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) and the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC, Lithuania), with the financial support of the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

The Republic of Moldova at 30 years of independence – fundamental failures of the past and development prospects for the next decade

Monday, 22 November 2021

Thirty years after gaining its independence, the Republic of Moldova remains a fractured state, marked by a series of chronic vulnerabilities and fundamental failures committed by governments over the past three decades. During this period, the Republic of Moldova fell short of its potential as a country, a state or even a nation. As a result, the country is struggling with the new development challenges. These are some of the conclusions of the State of the Country Report 2021 (SCR): ‘The Republic of Moldova at 30 years of independence’, developed by ‘Expert-Grup’ Independent Think-Tank in partnership with ‘Friedrich Ebert’ Foundation in Moldova and launched on 23 November during the 2021 MACRO Annual International Conference.

Although political clientelism is evident in the distribution of public financial resources, the phenomenon tends to diminish

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

A study on political clientelism in the management of public funds, presented online on 16 November by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with its partners, finds that budget allocations from central to local level are still influenced by political affiliation, although the practice is weakening.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

The second Annual Forum for Participatory Budgeting: Opportunities and challenges related to ensuring participatory budgeting at the local level

Monday, 11 October 2021

The Independent Think-Tank ”Expert-Grup” in cooperation with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) organised on 8 October 2021 the second Annual Forum for Participatory Budgeting under the project ‘Inform, Empower and Act. Civil Society for Good Budgetary Governance in Moldova’ co-funded by the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

The second edition of the “Dă sens banilor” Financial Education Camp reached over 80 localities in the Republic of Moldova

Thursday, 19 August 2021

The second edition of the “Dă sens banilor” Financial Education Camp, organised by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” on 9-13 August 2021, brought together hundreds of participants from over 80 localities in the Republic of Moldova. The five-day event was held online, giving people of different ages, occupations and places of residence equal chances to take part.

Invest in municipal bonds issued by the Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga city halls

Thursday, 05 August 2021

The city halls of Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga have carried out the first municipal bond issues in the Republic of Moldova, aiming to raise funds for two local infrastructure projects. The issues, intermediated by Victoriabank, were open for subscription from 5 August 2021 and have since closed early after full subscription.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Succesful debut on the Moldovan capital market: Public offers of bonds, launched by Singera and Ceadir-Lunga town halls, closed in advance

Thursday, 05 August 2021

The municipal bond issues launched by the City Hall of Singera and the City Hall of Ceadir-Lunga on August 5, 2021 can be considered a successful debut on the capital market of the Republic of Moldova. With the support of Victoriabank and the Independent Think-Tank "Expert-Grup" were fully subscribed the bonds issued in less than a week from the launch of the Public Offer.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga Town Halls – the First Local Authorities in Moldova to Launch Municipal Bond Issues

Wednesday, 04 August 2021

The town halls of Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga have launched the first municipal bond issues by local public authorities in the Republic of Moldova. The public offers, supported by Victoriabank, are part of a project implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with funding from the Dutch Embassy.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Join the 2nd Edition of the “Dă sens banilor” Financial Education Camp

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

The National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” are organising the second edition of the financial education camp “Dă sens banilor”. The camp will take place online from 9 to 13 August 2021, and registration is open to participants aged over 16.

Are you a master's student or a young professional who wants to help fight corruption? Join the “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Academic Course”

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with the National Anticorruption Centre (CNA) and the Academy of Economic Studies (ASEM), is launching the second edition of its “Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Academic Course”. It is open to master's students and young professionals, with training running from September to December 2021.

Anticorruption Certification Academic Course in Moldova

Electoral Promises of Candidates in the Snap Parliamentary Elections: Abundant Populism and Lack of Feasibility

Thursday, 01 July 2021

An analysis by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova, examined the socio-economic programmes and promises of the 22 candidates in Moldova's snap parliamentary elections of 11 July 2021. It concludes that many pledges are populist and financially unfeasible.

The Role of Public Policies and Authorities' Actions in Reducing Political Clientelism

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

A study on political clientelism and public investment, presented online on 29 June by Expert-Grup and its partners, finds that the allocation of central budget funds to local authorities in Moldova's 2021 state budget is linked to political affiliation, especially for capital expenditure transfers.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

The Western Balkans serve as a precious example for the Rep. of Moldova and the other two associated countries in their path of European integration

Monday, 31 May 2021

The best time to bring the Republic of Moldova on its way to European integration is now. This trial new momentum has to be accompanied by a set of implemented reforms and a firm position of the Moldovan authorities looking to the European country’s vector.

Understanding the EU’s Association Agreements, and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

Moldova's degree of accountability in managing COVID-19 pandemic funds is low

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

The way Moldova's authorities managed funds allocated to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic shows low accountability and transparency, according to the report “Managing COVID-19 Funds”, produced under the international Open Budget Survey research programme. The study assessed 120 countries using 26 indicators of transparency, oversight and public participation.

The first municipal bond issues in Moldova: the municipalities of Sîngera and Ceadîr-Lunga contract a financial intermediary

Friday, 30 April 2021

The town hall of Sîngera and the municipality of Ceadîr-Lunga have taken another step towards Moldova's first municipal bond issues. Through an open competition they selected BC “Victoriabank” SA as financial intermediary and are now contracting it, with support from Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in a project funded by the Netherlands Embassy.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Waste management development in Moldova lags 40 years behind the EU. How it can be improved by implementing EPR mechanisms

Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the National Environmental Centre, with Swedish support, have produced a study on introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms in Moldova. It aims to improve waste recycling in a country where waste management is still inadequate and the relevant legal provisions cannot yet be applied in practice.

What Is the Impact of Women's Economic Empowerment Programmes Implemented in Moldova, and How Can Their Effectiveness Be Improved

Thursday, 25 March 2021

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Women's Law Centre, with financial support from the Embassy of Sweden in Moldova, launched a study evaluating the impact of women's economic empowerment support programmes. The study was presented at a public online event and offers recommendations for improving the programmes.

Institutional Support for Organization Development

Public Lessons on “Make Sense of Money” with Financial Education Ambassadors

Tuesday, 23 March 2021

Pupils and students from six districts and municipalities of Moldova will take part in online public lessons on how to make sense of money, delivered over the coming days by eight financial education ambassadors. The project is run by the National Bank of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

The “Expert-Grup” Office Will Be Closed from 17 March to 17 April 2021

Thursday, 18 March 2021

Because of the current situation in the country regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the office of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău will be closed from 17 March to 17 April 2021. The organisation's team will work remotely and remain fully available online during this period.

Gender stereotypes and unequal distribution of household and child care responsibilities have a major impact on women's and men's income

Wednesday, 03 March 2021

The lack of a work-life balance, childcare and household responsibilities, which are unfairly shared between women and men, has economic implications for the life cycle. Throughout life, the average consumption of women (public and private) on average is the same as for men, but their income from work is considerably lower. At the same time, women's life expectancy is more than eight years longer than men's, so when they reach retirement age, they are at increased risk of poverty.

Declaration of the National Platform on the Need for Additional Measures to Support SMEs in the COVID-19 Crisis

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Member organisations of the Moldovan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum have issued a declaration calling for additional support for small and medium-sized enterprises. They argue that the COVID-19 pandemic and natural risk factors in 2020 caused the biggest shock to Moldova's economy in two decades.

State support for firms in Moldova during the pandemic crisis is the lowest in the region

Monday, 22 February 2021

Companies in the Republic of Moldova received the least state support during the pandemic crisis compared with regional countries such as Romania, Poland, Georgia and Russia. This is shown by a World Bank survey cited in the 22nd edition of the MEGA Publication by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

The main economic forecasts for 2021 - a year marked by the pandemic extension and political instability

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Pandemic developments and political instability are the main economic risks in 2021. On the one hand, we can expect a relatively high economic growth (+5,4%), but on the other hand, the economy will be relaunched without investments and with a high budgetary deficit. This conclusions and forecasts have been made by the authors of MEGA Publication, 22nd edition, for the 1st quarter, of 2021.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

Invitation to the webinar “The Transition from Trump to Biden through the Eyes of Eastern Europe (and the European Union)”

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

The CEPS project “3 DCFTAs”, together with the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, invites the public to a webinar on 27 January 2021 on the transition from Trump to Biden, as seen from Eastern Europe and the European Union. It will be held on Zoom.

PUBLIC STATEMENT of the National Platform on the Degradation of the Legislative Process and Governance in the Republic of Moldova

Monday, 21 December 2020

The National Civil Society Platform of the Eastern Partnership condemns what it calls an unprecedented decline in the quality of governance in the Republic of Moldova. It blames the parliamentary majority of the Socialists, the Șor Party and the “For Moldova” group for breaching legal procedures when adopting laws on 3 and 16 December 2020.

Ten mayoralties from the Republic of Moldova have participated in the Expert-Grup's training on municipal bonds

Friday, 18 December 2020

Representatives of ten mayoralties from the Republic of Moldova have participated in online training on municipal bonds emission organized by "Expert-Grup" Independent Think-Tank in the frame of the project "Local Government Bonds - as a measure to foster the local autonomy", funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chisinau.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

The COVID-19 pandemic also hits state-owned companies: many face additional risks of falling revenues and rising debt

Friday, 11 December 2020

A study by Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” economists Dumitru Pîntea and Vadim Gumene, supported by Soros Foundation Moldova, finds that the COVID-19 crisis has hit Moldova's state-owned companies hard. Many report growing risks to forecast revenues and to meeting obligations towards the state and creditors, according to a survey of the companies.

The Role of State-Owned Companies in the National Economy and the Sectors Where They Are Most Present

Thursday, 10 December 2020

State-owned companies and joint-stock companies with a majority state stake play a significant role in Moldova's economy. They employ about 6.2% of all employees (over 34,000), according to a study by Stas Madan of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, supported by Soros Foundation Moldova and presented at an online event.

Fostering the corporate governance in the state owned enterprises

Fifth round of Youth Essay Prize Competition: winners

Wednesday, 09 December 2020

The winners of the fifth Youth Essay Prize competition have been announced. The contest was open to citizens of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine under 30, with no lower age limit, and asked for English-language essays of up to 3,000 words on European relevance or their country's European aspirations.

How Effective Is the Use of Budgetary and Fiscal Instruments for Environmental Protection in the Republic of Moldova

Tuesday, 08 December 2020

On 8 December, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Aarhus Centre “EcoContact” and the National Environmental Centre launched two studies in Chișinău, with Swedish financial support. They examine how environmental permit fees are calculated and how fiscal and budgetary instruments are applied to environmental problems in the Republic of Moldova.

Energy integration in the EU via interconnections: Moldova and the EaP

Wednesday, 02 December 2020

Denis Cenusa, Research Assistant at the Institut für Politikwiesenschaft, Justus-Liebig Universität and Associated Expert at the Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, held the webinar “Energy integration in the EU via interconnections: Moldova and the EaP” on 2 December. It is one of six webinars in an online course for civil society organisations.

First Annual Forum for Participatory Budgeting: Opportunities and Priorities for Better Budget Efficiency and Transparency at Central and Local Level

Friday, 27 November 2020

The Independent Think-Tank "Expert-Grup" in cooperation with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) organized, on Friday, November 27, 2020, the First Annual Forum on Participatory Budgeting held within the project "Inform, empower and act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in the Republic Moldova ”, co-financed by the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Inform, Empower, Act! Civil Society for good budgetary governance in Moldova

Competition: “Expert-Grup” Selects Three Town Halls to Receive Support in Issuing Municipal Bonds

Friday, 13 November 2020

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced a competition to select three town halls in Moldova that will receive training and assistance in issuing municipal bonds for investment projects of community importance. Interested municipalities must submit a letter of interest by 27 November 2020.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

How local authorities can obtain financial resources for development projects by issuing municipal bonds

Thursday, 12 November 2020

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented online a study on municipal bonds as a tool for developing local communities in the Republic of Moldova. The study was prepared under a project supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and aims to help local authorities finance investment projects.

Local Government Bonds – as a measure to foster the local autonomy

Invitation to the event: Launch of the study “Municipal Bonds as a Measure of Local Development”

Monday, 09 November 2020

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” invites the public to the online launch of its study “Municipal Bonds as a Measure of Local Development”, produced with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova. The event takes place on 12 November 2020 at 14.00 on Zoom.

Press Release: “Winning or Losing? Major Environmental Problems Caused by Mineral Resource Extraction in the Republic of Moldova”

Thursday, 05 November 2020

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and Working Group No. 3 of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum held a press conference on the environmental impact of mining in the Republic of Moldova. The event was supported by the Soros Foundation Moldova.

Invitation to press conference: “Do we win or lose? Major environmental problems caused by mineral resource extraction in the Republic of Moldova”

Wednesday, 04 November 2020

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and Working Group No. 3 of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum invite media representatives to a press conference on the environmental problems of mineral extraction in the Republic of Moldova. It takes place online on Thursday, 5 November, at 14.00.

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.

Petru Rareș Lyceum in Soroca: Four Years After the “My School” Project

Thursday, 15 March 2018

Four years after joining the “My School” project in 2014, the Petru Rareș Lyceum in Soroca, Moldova, has made budget transparency and the involvement of parents, pupils and teachers part of everyday school management. A journalist visited the lyceum to see how its decision-making has changed since then.

Strengthening the regulator can help improve tariff policy in the energy sector

Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Despite the progress achieved in the energy legislation over the past few years, additional efforts are needed to improve the tariff policy for electricity and gas. Both energy sector actors and civil society representatives believe that the tariff setting mechanism, the criteria applied to suppliers, and the real decision-making independence of the sector regulator over policy makers need to be adjusted.

Another 20 General Education Institutions across the Country to Receive Assistance under the “My School” Project

Monday, 05 March 2018

Directors of 20 general education institutions joining the “My School” project in 2018 signed multilateral cooperation memorandums with district and local authorities. The signing event was attended by State Secretary Angela Cutasevici of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, and confirms the registration of the schools in the initiative.

Victoria Romanov: Future applicants should bring a creative perspective on how they see and feel about the European Union

Monday, 26 February 2018

Victoria Romanov, a 17-year-old from Rezina, has become one of the winners of the Youth Essay Prize Competition, organised for young people from Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, the three signatories of Association Agreements and DCFTAs with the EU. In an interview, she explains what the win meant to her.

Meet the Moldovan winner of the international “Youth Essay Prize Competition” launched by Expert-Grup

Thursday, 22 February 2018

On 21 February, the Swedish Embassy in Chișinău hosted the award ceremony for the best essay in the international Essay Prize Competition. Winner Victoria Romanov received the Diploma of Merit from Swedish Ambassador Signe Burgstaller and Adrian Lupușor, Executive Director of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, along with a set of textbooks.

Open Budget Index 2017 – the position of Moldova on a global level

Thursday, 01 February 2018

For the first time in history, Republic of Moldova was officially included in the OBI (Open Budget Index), reaching a score of 58 points out of 100, or 16 points higher than the global average (42 points), being ranked 33rd at the global level. The results reveal that our country offers limited budget information, along with Slovakia and Poland (59 points), higher than Ukraine (54) and Hungary (46), however, registering a lower score compared to Romania (75 points out of 100).

The Year of “My School” at the “Meșterul Manole” Lyceum in Sălcuța

Wednesday, 24 January 2018

A report by journalist Mihaela Gherasim describes how the “Meșterul Manole” Lyceum in Sălcuța, Moldova, used the “My School” project in 2017 to make its budget transparent and involve pupils, parents and the community in decisions. The project was implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with World Bank support.

The Health System of the Republic of Moldova: Real Needs for Strengthening and Optimisation

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

An analysis of the Moldovan health system's results for 1990–2015, presented at an event organised by Expert-Grup, shows a rather bleak picture compared with Western Europe and even with the former socialist countries of the region. Progress has been made, but it has not been enough to close the gaps.

Find out which schools will receive assistance under the “My School” project in 2018

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

On 19 January, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” announced the list of schools that will receive assistance under the “My School” project in 2018, its final year of implementation. Twenty lyceums and gymnasiums were selected to learn how to involve their communities in solving school problems and manage budgets more transparently.

Is Police Funding Too Expensive for the Republic of Moldova?

Thursday, 11 January 2018

On 11 January, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” held a press conference on the volume, structure and efficiency of budget spending on the Police in the Republic of Moldova. Study author Iurie Morcotîlo notes that police funding has risen continuously in both nominal and real terms, even during economic crises.

Republic of Moldova participates for the first time in the international ranking OBI (Open Budget Index)

Thursday, 04 January 2018

For the first time in history Republic of Moldova takes part in the OBI (Open Budget Index). This index measures the budgetary transparency and the access of public to the budgetary information. About 115 countries participate in this ranking, and the results are determined by the accumulated points. Among the countries with the highest points are New Zeeland, Sweden and South Africa.

Winners of the Second Call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition Announced

Wednesday, 27 December 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels, has announced the results of the second call of the Youth Essay Prize Competition. It ran from 15 May to 30 August 2017 in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, the three countries with Association Agreements and DCFTAs with the EU.

To date, the implementation level of the Roadmap on the priority reform agenda of Parliament and Government is 37.25%

Tuesday, 26 December 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Association for Participatory Democracy “ADEPT” and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova, with USAID support, are monitoring the Roadmap of priority reforms of the Government and Parliament for the second half of 2017. Implementation currently stands at 37.25%.

Ana Vivdici on “My School”: Teachers, Parents and Pupils Must Become the Engine of Their School’s Development

Friday, 22 December 2017

Ana Vivdici, head of the National School Inspectorate and former director of the Mihai Eminescu Lyceum in Hâncești, describes in an interview what the “My School” project run by Expert-Grup meant for her school in 2014, and how she applies that experience today.

Expert-Grup: 2018 will bring positive economic growth, but it will be too slow on the background of major risks

Thursday, 14 December 2017

In the absence of sustainable development models, the Moldovan economy could grow in 2018 by only 4%, concluded the experts of the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup during the XVIIth edition of the MEGA economic conference. According to analysts, the next year's economic growth will be based on the assumption that the agricultural year will be favourable, the external budget support will continue and the household consumption will grow. However, the forecast reveals as well a number of concerns related to the competitiveness of the economy and the uncertainty regarding the 2018 parliamentary elections, that could affect the business investment decisions with eventual repercussions on bank lending.

Școala Mea: 20 schools awarded by the World Bank and Ministry of Education, Culture and Research for promotion of social responsibility

Monday, 04 December 2017

Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup summarizes the results of the fourth year of implementation of “Scoala Mea” (My School) project during the annual conference held at World Bank Office in Chisinau, today, December 4, 2017. During the event, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research appreciated the efforts of 20 beneficiary schools, awarding their managers with certificates for implication of citizens in budgetary dialogue and promotion social responsibility in the educational sector.

Great Ambitions - Limited Capacity: the Mid-term Evaluation of the Priority Reforms Roadmap Implementation by the Government and the Parliament

Friday, 01 December 2017

The Independent Analytic Centre ”Expert-Grup”, the Association for Participatory Democracy ”ADEPT”, and the Legal Resource Centre in Moldova, with the support of the USAID, have initiated the monitoring process of the Priority Reform Action Roadmap implementation. The aim of this exercise is to offer the public an independent opinion about the process of the reforms’ implementation by the Government and the Parliament and also increase the level of governance accountability. The mid-term evaluation is performed for the period between the date of signature of the document on July 5, 2017 until November 22, 2017. As stated by the authors of the document, it was designed to synchronize the efforts of both institutions to implement a series of urgent commitments under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, as well as to expedite some reforms to strengthen relations with the International Monetary Fund and other development partners.

Elena Cernei: “My School” – a project that teaches you how to make your school better

Monday, 20 November 2017

Elena Cernei, director of the “Onisifor Ghibu” Lyceum in Chișinău and a former Deputy Minister of Education, describes what her school learned from taking part in the “My School” project in 2014-2015, especially about managing budgets, transparency and involving pupils and parents in decisions.

The Need for Energy Sector Reform on the Agenda of Cahul Residents

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

On 13 November, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with Expert-Forum, held the first public debate, “Energy, Politics and the Citizen's Pocket”, in Cahul. More than 50 students, civil society representatives, academics and local authorities discussed energy reform, interconnection projects with Romania and unfulfilled international commitments.

My School: The Public Hearing at School, an Exercise in Community Involvement and Accountability

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

A public hearing held at the Costuleni gymnasium in Ungheni district, Moldova, brought together parents, pupils, teachers, local officials and development partners to discuss the school's budget and problems. It was the school's first such hearing, organised under the “My School” project, which involves 20 schools nationwide.

Towards Moldova 2030: The new National Development Strategy must be people-centered

Wednesday, 08 November 2017

The mid-term review of the Moldova 2020 National Development Strategy (NDS Moldova 2020), presented today, shows modest progress, with only half of the corresponding targets being reached. Based on the constraints and lessons learned from its implementation, it is necessary to formulate a vision for 2030, integrating the Sustainable Development Agenda and the Moldova-EU Association Agreement. The new strategic document must be people-centered, based on human rights and gender equality, strengthening human potential, with an emphasis on raising the level of education of the population and improving health indicators.

GPSA Forum 2017: What “Democratises Democracy” and How Can the Crisis of Trust in State Institutions Be Overcome?

Wednesday, 08 November 2017

The fourth Global GPSA Forum took place from 30 October to 1 November at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington. Expert-Grup attended as a GPSA fund beneficiary and implementer of the national “Școala Mea” (My School) project in Moldova, alongside participants discussing citizen engagement and government accountability.

Expert-Grup announces the selection of schools to benefit from the “My School” initiative for 2018

Monday, 23 October 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched a competition to select 20 schools as beneficiaries and partners for the final year of the “My School” initiative. Schools can apply between 25 October and 30 November 2017 by completing a short form and signing an expression of interest on scoalamea.md.

Declaration of the Third Meeting of the Domestic Advisory Groups between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on Trade and Sustainable Development

Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Members of the Domestic Advisory Groups between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on trade and sustainable development held their third annual meeting on 17 October 2017, in line with Chapter 13 (Art. 377) on Trade and Sustainable Development of the Association Agreement between the two parties.

Press release: Three non-governmental organisations monitor the implementation of the Government's and Parliament's priority reform agenda

Friday, 13 October 2017

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, the Association for Participatory Democracy “ADEPT” and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova, with USAID support, have launched monitoring of the Roadmap for the priority reform agenda for the second half of 2017, to be carried out from October 2017 to January 2018.

Press Release: Ranking of Banking Performance in the Republic of Moldova

Thursday, 12 October 2017

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has developed a Banking Performance Ranking for the Republic of Moldova. It aims to objectively assess and compare the results of domestic commercial banks and to inform the public about the situation in the sector, using publicly available financial data.

International Annual Conference Macro 2017, 5th Edition

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

For the fifth consecutive year, Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup together with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung have organized one of the most important conference – MACRO 2017. At the event the “State of the Country Report 2017" was presented. This report represents a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social and political situation in the Republic of Moldova. The event took place on October 6 and gathered 13 speakers, from 6 countries: Hungary, Norway, Belgium, United Kingdom, Romania, and Republic of Moldova, to discuss the main development opportunities for the Republic of Moldova until 2030.

Expert-Grup launches the “la punct” campaign

Monday, 09 October 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has launched the “la punct” campaign, a 12-month project in the Republic of Moldova. It aims to raise public awareness of the causes and risks of systemic corruption and of the policies needed to reduce or even eliminate it.

Press Release: State of the Country Report 2017

Friday, 06 October 2017

State of the Country Report 2017 is a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social and political situation in the Republic of Moldova developed on an annual basis by the Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova. According to Adrian Lupușor, co-author of the study and executive director of the Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup, the objective of the 2017edition of the State of the Country Report is to analyse the development gaps between the Republic of Moldova and East and Central European countries and provide recommendations as how to overcome those gaps.

5 reasons to come to MACRO 2017

Wednesday, 04 October 2017

MACRO 2017 is one of the most anticipated economic conferences of the year. With only days left before the event starts, the organisers have compiled a list of five reasons to attend, from meeting international experts to hearing the findings of the State of the Country Report.

Despite the Increasing Reforms, Banking Sector’s Capacity to Adapt to the New Requirements can be Improved

Friday, 29 September 2017

Expert-Grup continues to monitor the economic tendencies in the Banking Sector. According to the author of the publication, Eugen Ghiletchi, banking sector reforms have recorded an increasing momentum once support programs from the IMF and the EU have been put in place, however, the main constraint remains the banking sector’s capacity to adapt to the new requirements.

MACRO 2017: “Moldova of 2030 in Europe of 2030: defining a sustainable development path in a dynamic environment”

Friday, 08 September 2017

MACRO 2017 is organized by the Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova. The conference aims to serve as a high-level intellectual platform to dissect the country’s economic, political and security related risks and opportunities, and discuss the way they shape the economic and social development path of the Republic of Moldova.

Expert-Grup offers support to parents to resolve problems with children's meals in public kindergartens in Chișinău

Monday, 31 July 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has issued a call to parents who want to help tackle the unresolved problem of children's meals in public kindergartens in Chișinău. The centre is offering consultancy and support to parents and parents' associations, with registration open until the 30 September 2017 deadline.

The law on bank activity - an important but insufficient step in overcoming the deficiencies of the banking sector

Tuesday, 25 July 2017

The analysis of the main reforms in the financial sector of Moldova, conducted by Expert – Grup in May - July 2017, reveals that transparency and governance remain the weak points that delay the reform of the banking sector. Compared with the last analysis of the financial sector reforms, conduced in April 2017, the author of the study, Eugen Ghileţchi noticed a relatively slow progress in the implementation of the plan for strengthening the banking industry, which focused on 7 directions of reform. In addition, the author mentioned that the approval of the new law on bank activity will improve the regulatory framework of the sector, but will not ensure the qualitative changes of the sector without their effective implementation.

Questionnaire for the mid-term evaluation of the National Development Strategy “Moldova 2020”

Friday, 21 July 2017

The Moldovan Government has launched the mid-term evaluation of the National Development Strategy (NDS) “Moldova 2020”, to be completed by the end of July 2017. It invites the public to complete an anonymous online questionnaire on how the strategy has been implemented.

The National Regional Development Fund: an underused instrument for regional economic development

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

On 11 July, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” discussed at a public event how the National Regional Development Fund (NRDF) is used, and the impact and efficiency of its investments in regional development in the Republic of Moldova. The Fund's annual budget is about MDL 150-200 million, roughly 1% of State Budget revenue.

Moldova has committed to achieving 106 targets for a better life by 2030

Wednesday, 05 July 2017

The Republic of Moldova has committed to achieving 106 targets for a better life by 2030. The respective targets represent the outcome of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’s nationalization. Moldova has committed to implement the 2030 Agenda jointly with the other 192 UN Member States by adopting the Declaration of the Sustainable Development Summit that took place in September 2015 in New York.

Expert-Grup announces a new call for participation in the Youth Essay Prize Competition

Monday, 03 July 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), has launched the second call for entries to the Youth Essay Prize competition. Essays should address the Association Agreements and DCFTAs between the EU and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, and entries are open to young people up to 30 years old.

Youth Essay Prize Competition Awards Its First Finalists and Launches a New Call for Entries

Thursday, 29 June 2017

On 28 June, the first finalists of the international Youth Essay Prize Competition, Dinu Codreanu and Bogdan Cuza, received their awards at the Swedish Embassy in Chișinău. The prizes were presented by Ambassador Signe Burgstaller and Adrian Lupușor of the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

Parliament Has Yet to Find Solutions to Increase Implementation of Court of Accounts Recommendations

Thursday, 22 June 2017

On 22 June, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented at a public event a study on how the Court of Accounts' recommendations were implemented. Of roughly 1,446 recommendations issued in 2015–2016, whose deadline expired on 1 June 2017, implementation remains extremely low.

How can we grant full property rights to citizens and local authorities who invested in natural gas distribution networks?

Friday, 16 June 2017

On 16 June, at a press conference, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” put the unresolved issue of gas pipelines built under the so-called “national gasification programme” back on the public agenda. The experts call on central authorities to implement a roadmap and register the property of investors who helped build the infrastructure.

The justice sector remains non-transparent, the pay system underperforms, and public-private partnerships serve as a tool for diverting the public interest

Thursday, 15 June 2017

An analysis by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” reviews public sector performance in three areas: implementation of the 2011–2016 justice sector reform strategy, public sector pay, and public-private partnerships. It finds inefficient use of money, inequity and a lack of transparency in Moldova.

Expert-Grup proposes a reform of the government securities market that would cut debt servicing costs and mobilise resources for infrastructure projects

Tuesday, 13 June 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has presented, at a public event, a concept for reforming Moldova's government securities market. The proposal aims to reduce the cost of servicing public debt and to mobilise resources for infrastructure projects, by reducing the dominance of commercial banks in the market.

Public Procurement Reform in the Republic of Moldova: A Reform with Backlogs

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” economist Iurie Morcotîlo argues in his latest publication that Moldova's public procurement reform remains half-finished. Despite the EU Association Agreement and the new procurement law, the National Authority for Complaint Resolution (ANSC) has still not been created, leaving the system without a dedicated body for handling complaints for over a year.

Expert-Grup: in 2017 the Moldovan economy will grow by 6%, but the growth factors are temporary

Thursday, 18 May 2017

The XVIth edition of the economic magazine MEGA, brings back today, May 18, the issue of the economic growth of the Republic of Moldova. According to experts, in 2016 the country’s Gross Domestic Product increased by 4.1%, exceeding the forecasts. The evolution was mainly determined by the higher than expected increase in consumption and exports of goods and services, which grew quicker than imports. The main growth factor was the recovery of the agriculture after the 2015 drought, which was undermined by the slumps in investement and construction activities. All in all, the economy did not perform much better compared to the countries in Central and Eastern Europe with GDP per capita several times bigger compared to that of Moldova.

Who are the first winners of the essay contest organised by Expert-Grup in partnership with CEPS?

Monday, 15 May 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels, has announced the results of the first call of its essay contest on the Association Agreements and DCFTAs between the European Union and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.

Despite Some Progress in Reforming the Banking Sector, the Major Vulnerabilities That Caused the Banking Crisis Persist

Thursday, 04 May 2017

At a press conference, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented its assessment of how the authorities have implemented its recommendations for consolidating Moldova's banking sector. It found moderate progress: of 35 recommendations, 9 were implemented, 15 partly or in progress, and 11 not implemented. It also presented a bank shareholder transparency rating.

Authorities must review the incentive mechanisms for healthy lending in Moldova's economy

Thursday, 13 April 2017

At a press conference in Chișinău on 13 April, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” called for comprehensive policies to overcome the crisis of confidence between banks and the real economy and to revive bank lending. It presented three policy documents proposing ways to widen firms' access to bank credit.

Moldovan Exports to the EU Trended Upwards in the First Two Years of DCFTA Implementation

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

On 11 April in Chișinău, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” revisited the debated question of how Moldovan exports have evolved since the DCFTA took effect. At a public event, its experts said exports rose 6.9% in 2016 compared with 2014, with EU-bound sales more stable than those to other destinations.

Where Does Corruption in Chișinău Municipality Come From and What Does It Cost Us?

Thursday, 06 April 2017

On 6 April, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented a study assessing the impact of corruption on good governance in Chișinău municipality. The experts estimate corruption risks for services provided by the local administration at MDL 111.7 million per year, and identify the main sources of these risks.

The Concession Contract for Exploration Works on 40% of Moldova's Territory: To Be or Not to Be?

Wednesday, 05 April 2017

Experts from the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” called on 5 April, at a press conference, for the suspension of the contract concessioning geological exploration works on 40% of the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and for an assessment of the concession tender.

Selecting schools as beneficiaries of the “My School” initiative for 2017

Friday, 27 January 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced a competition to select 20 schools teaching in Romanian or Russian as beneficiaries and partners for the fourth year of the “My School” initiative, which promotes social accountability in Moldova’s education reform. Applications were due by 6 February 2017.

Despite Significant Progress, the Pace of Banking Sector Reforms Must Be Maintained

Thursday, 26 January 2017

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” presented a study today at a press conference, “Results of monitoring recent reforms in the financial and banking sector of the Republic of Moldova”. It covers reforms from August to December 2016 and concludes that progress is notable but authorities must not relax.

Announcement on the launch of public consultation on the Study on the nationalisation of the SDGs

Friday, 20 January 2017

The State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova has opened a public consultation on the Study on the nationalisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study was prepared in partnership with the United Nations in the Republic of Moldova and the Independent Think Tank Expert-Grup. Comments are accepted until 30 January 2017.

Electricity interconnection with Romania - higher energy security for Moldova

Thursday, 19 January 2017

The electricity interconnection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is a viable project and an emergency that would increase Moldova’s energy security, would offer more alternatives to Moldovan consumers and would strengthen the integration of the Moldovan energy system, through the Romanian one, into the European energy system. This is the conclusion of the study developed by Expert-Grup Independent Think Tank and Expert-Forum, Romania, with the financial support of the Netherlands Embassy in Bucharest, launched today during a public event.

“My School”: Communities Contribute to Better Education Results through Participation

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has presented the annual results of the “My School” project, implemented with the Ministry of Education and five regional civil society organisations, with support from the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability. Over three years, it engaged about 40,000 people in school budget discussions.

Public Procurement in Vocational Schools in Chișinău: Problems and Solutions

Wednesday, 28 December 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has recently assessed the public procurement process in vocational schools in the municipality of Chișinău. The analysis identified a set of problems, gaps and risks, chiefly stemming from officials’ insufficient knowledge of the existing regulatory framework and from missing key documents in procurement files.

The legislative initiative on tax and capital amnesty carries high risks of corruption, money laundering and tax evasion

Monday, 19 December 2016

The Independent Think Tank "Expert-Grup" and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova launch today, 19 December 2016, a Position Note on the legislative initiative related to tax and capital amnesty. This note is being supported by a group of non-commercial organizations and unaffiliated experts. It comes as a reaction to the approval in the first reading of the draft law on the liberalisation of capital and fiscal incentive (draft law no. 452) and the draft law on amendment of certain legislative acts (draft law no. 451) - both approved in unprecedented haste and with violation of legal norms related to transparency in decision-making and drafting of legislative acts.

The Most Important Public Procurement Problems in Road Works in Chișinău Municipality

Thursday, 15 December 2016

Expert-Grup has published an infographic, “Public procurement problems for roads in Chișinău municipality”, based on monitoring seven road infrastructure projects. It identifies low institutional capacity, integrity problems and weak oversight by the local authorities as the main obstacles to efficient public procurement in the capital's road sector.

Economic recovery of 2016-2017 – a sustainable path or iceberg effect?

Thursday, 08 December 2016

The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup is launching today, the 8th of December, the 15th edition of the MEGA, entitled "Economic recovery of 2016-2017 – a sustainable path or iceberg effect?". According to the experts, although the economic year 2016 was a more favorable one compared to 2015 and the forecast for 2016-2017 estimates an economic growth of about 3-4%, the competitiveness and sustainability of this growth remain to be the major challenges of the coming year.

New challenges and opportunities of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement

Monday, 28 November 2016

The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) from Brussels organized the conference "The EU-Moldova Association Agreement – new opportunities and challenges", held on the 28th of November in Chișinău. The conference focused on the major topics of the reform agenda of the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process.

Statement of the Second Meeting of the Domestic Advisory Groups of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on Trade and Sustainable Development

Sunday, 27 November 2016

The members of the Domestic Advisory Groups of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on trade and sustainable development held their second annual meeting on 17 October 2016, in line with Chapter 13 on Trade and Sustainable Development of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

Problem Roads: Non-Transparent Procurement and Procedural Violations in Major Road Repairs in Chisinau

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” monitored the public procurement of seven road infrastructure projects in Chisinau, carried out between 2012 and 2016. The projects, covering streets such as A. Russo, Prigoreni and Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard, have a total budget of MDL 437.2 million.

How Much Is Spent on Health Care in the Republic of Moldova?

Thursday, 03 November 2016

A study by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” examines how health care is financed in the Republic of Moldova. It finds that public funding has stayed at 5.1–5.3% of GDP in recent years, while households cover nearly half of all health spending out of their own pockets.

State of the Country Report 2016: the Republic of Moldova is facing a deep systemic crisis, that can be solved only by revolutionizing the governing mechanism

Friday, 30 September 2016

The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is launching today, the 30th of September, in the framework of the 4th Edition of the Annual International Conference MACRO 2016, the State of the Country Report 2016.

Public Procurement in Education: An Expert-Grup Look into One of the Most Corruption-Sensitive Areas

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has monitored public procurement in Chișinău's education system for 2012–2016. Its report on food supply and repair works in municipal schools and kindergartens identifies collusion between companies, corruption risks on the part of contracting authorities and weaknesses in the legal framework.

Reforms undertaken by the Government under the Roadmap for priority reforms only half implemented

Saturday, 17 September 2016

On 16 September 2016, the ADEPT Association for Participatory Democracy, Expert-Grup and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM) released their final report monitoring the Government's Roadmap for priority reforms. They found that only 55% of the 69 commitments were fulfilled without shortcomings between March and July 2016.

Court of Accounts Reports: Problems in Forest Fund Management, Healthcare and the Financial Management of State Enterprises

Thursday, 25 August 2016

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău analysed Court of Accounts reports on three subjects: the management of the Forest Fund, healthcare, and the financial management of majority state-owned enterprises. Its synthesis concludes that these sectors are managed poorly, without clear performance objectives and indicators.

Consultation on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Continues

Friday, 19 August 2016

The State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova, together with the UN Representation in Moldova and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, held consultation workshops on the Sustainable Development Goals on 10, 11 and 17 August. They aimed to identify the targets most relevant and important for Moldova.

Bank Shareholder Transparency Rating as of 31 July 2016

Thursday, 04 August 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău has published the second edition of its rating of shareholder transparency in Moldova's commercial banks. The analysis uses information available on the banks' websites as of 31 July 2016, together with other public sources.

Amid first signs of stabilization in Moldova’s banking sector, major risks persist

Thursday, 04 August 2016

Chișinău // The Independent Think-Tank Expert-Grup has assessed the main reform actions within Moldova’s financial banking sector during April – July 2016 and noted some signs of improvement. However, experts warn about the still existing shortcomings in transparency and quality of bank shareholders, insufficient intervention tools from the National Bank of Moldova, and the slow progress in investigating the banking fraud and the subsequent return of embezzled funds.

Uncertain Impact of the Reforms Implemented by the Government under the Roadmap

Wednesday, 03 August 2016

The Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM) monitored the 69 actions of the Government's Roadmap for priority reforms in 13 areas, whose implementation deadline expired on 31 July 2016.

4 Things We Learned at Expert-Grup in July

Monday, 01 August 2016

At the end of July, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” published a roundup of the most important topics its experts analysed during the month. They cover a road construction contract in Chișinău, the government's reform agenda, tax administration reform and the economic outlook of the Transnistrian region.

Another Year of Economic Crisis for the Transnistrian Region: A 6% Recession in 2016 (Estimates)

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” estimates that the economy of the Transnistrian region will shrink by about 5-6% in 2016, after a contraction of around 20% in 2015. The estimate appears in the latest issue of the “Regional Economic Review: the Transnistrian Region”, published with EU and UNDP support.

Tax reforms assisted by foreign donors brought additional 2 billion lei in revenues in 2015

Thursday, 07 July 2016

Chișinău // The reforms started by Moldova’s State Fiscal Service in 2014-2015 brought tangible results. Despite economic recession, decline in consumption and macroeconomic instability, these reforms brought 1.8 – 2,3 billion lei in tax revenues to the budget, due to improvements in interaction with taxpayers and reduction of time and costs when paying the taxes. Conclusions belong to a report published by Expert-Grup Think-Tank with the support from Swedish Embassy in Moldova.

How the reforms undertaken by the Government over the past four months have progressed

Wednesday, 06 July 2016

Fewer than one third of the actions the Government planned under its priority reform agenda for March–June 2016 have been fully implemented. This is the finding of an interim monitoring report on the reform roadmap, prepared in Chișinău by ADEPT, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (CRJM).

Application for monitoring the Government's priority reforms (March–August 2016)

Tuesday, 05 July 2016

ADEPT, the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (CRJM) and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” have produced an interactive application tracking the Government's priority reforms between March and August 2016. It was developed as part of their joint monitoring report on the Roadmap for the priority reform agenda.

Results of Monitoring the Construction Contract for Alecu Russo Street in Chișinău

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has analysed the contract for repairing Alecu Russo Street in Chișinău, covering both the tender and the execution of works. Its specialists found major irregularities in the tender, with clear signs of a rigged procurement, as well as flaws in the works themselves.

Economic crisis in the Transnistrian region worsened by political decisions

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

The economic crisis in Transnistria is deepening amid weaker domestic demand, eroding exports and political divisions ahead of the “presidential elections”. The June 2016 edition of Transnistrian Economic Reality, prepared by Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” with EU funding and UNDP implementation, shows the Convergence Indicator falling to 94.8% in Q2 2016.

Expert-Grup Welcomes the Ministry of Environment's Initiative to Ban the Leasing of Forests

Monday, 20 June 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has expressed its support for the Moldovan Government's decision of 15 June 2016 to ban the leasing of the country's forest heritage. The decision follows a Regulation drawn up by the Ministry of Environment, whose provisions match a 2013 Expert-Grup study.

An access road in Chișinău municipality built under suspicious tender-rigging conditions

Thursday, 12 May 2016

Experts at the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” have monitored the construction of the access road to Humulești village in Chișinău municipality. They found numerous irregularities, both at the tender stage and during the works, as well as major risks that the public procurement procedure was rigged.

Defence Spending Has Fallen Sharply in Recent Years

Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Expert-Grup has published a new study analysing national defence spending in the Republic of Moldova between 2000 and 2014. It finds that defence financing has not been a national development priority and that allocations have dropped sharply since 2009, leaving Moldova last in Central and Eastern Europe by 2015.

The economic situation in the Transnistrian region is worse than on the right bank of the Dniester

Thursday, 21 April 2016

The economy of the Transnistrian region is deteriorating faster than that of the right bank of the Dniester. The convergence indicator fell to 95.1% in Q1 2016, according to the latest Transnistrian Economic Reality, released by Expert-Grup with support from an EU-funded, UNDP-implemented programme.

Moldova’s economic growth in 2016, affected by the banking fraud (forecast)

Wednesday, 06 April 2016

CHIȘNĂU // Moldova’s economy shrank by only 0.5% in 2015, despite unprecedented internal and external constraints (the result is close to Expert-Grup baseline estimate of -0.8%). For 2016, Expert-Grup forecasts a slight economic recovery of 2.5% - a rate that is three times lower than the level required to catch up with other economies in the region. This is according to the latest issue of the MEGA report that was presented within a public event.

Reforms in the Financial and Banking Sector Have Begun, but Are Progressing Slowly

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” in Chișinău has monitored the latest actions in Moldova's financial and banking sector. It found greater activity by the authorities and the donor community since February 2016, but concluded that reforms with real impact are advancing very slowly and remain insufficient.

Reforming the National Financial Stability Committee Is Crucial to Preventing Potential Financial Crises (Analysis)

Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Experts from the German Economic Team and Expert-Grup have analysed the National Financial Stability Committee in Chișinău, the body tasked with coordinating the institutions responsible for financial sector stability. They conclude that serious governance problems, driven by strong political affiliation and an unclear mandate, have made it part of the problem in the banking crisis, and they propose a reform plan.

Citizens can estimate their contributions to the national budget with the Taxpayer Calculator

Wednesday, 09 March 2016

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, through its Budgetstories.md portal, is encouraging citizens to use the Taxpayer Calculator. The online tool lets people estimate their contributions to the National Public Budget on the basis of their monthly income and expenses.

Expert-Grup Publishes Rating of Transparency and Quality of Bank Shareholders in Moldova

Thursday, 25 February 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has published a rating of the transparency and quality of shareholders of commercial banks in the Republic of Moldova, based on the situation at 21 March 2016. The analysis draws on information available on the banks' websites and other public sources.

Selecting Schools as Beneficiaries of the “My School” Initiative in 2016

Thursday, 18 February 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced a competition to select 20 schools as beneficiaries and partners for the third year of the initiative “My School – social accountability for education reform in the Republic of Moldova”. Applications from interested schools must be submitted by 19 February 2016.

The Economies on Both Banks of the Dniester Are Heading Towards Decline in Tandem

Wednesday, 17 February 2016

The economies on the two banks of the Dniester have grown closer recently as conditions worsened on both sides, though faster in the Transnistrian region than on the right bank. This is the finding of the latest issue of Transnistrian Economic Reality, a journal tracking economic and political developments in eastern Moldova.

Political Instability – the Decisive Factor in the Stagnation of Budget Transparency in Moldova

Monday, 15 February 2016

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has assessed Moldova’s Budget Transparency Index, calculated from 2013-2014 data using the International Budget Partnership’s Open Budget Index methodology. Moldova scored 59 out of 100 in 2015, unchanged since 2012, indicating that the government gives the public only limited budget information, largely because of political factors.

7 solutions for strengthening the Moldovan banking industry

Monday, 08 February 2016

Chișinău /// The banking crisis, which sent shockwaves in the Moldovan economy in 2015, can be solved by implementing a Roadmap that includes seven urgent measures, implemented both at the level of the regulatory authority and other relevant institutions, and at the level of commercial banks. This action plan will be able to rehabilitate the banking sector and prevent similar crises in the future.

Extending the Iași-Ungheni Gas Pipeline to Chișinău Will Help Ensure Moldova's Energy Independence (Study)

Thursday, 04 February 2016

A study by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and Expert-Forum (Romania), financed by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bucharest, concludes that extending the Iași-Ungheni gas pipeline to Chișinău, where 50-60% of Moldova's imported gas is consumed, would be a decisive step towards energy independence and reduce dependence on Gazprom.

EU-Moldova energy relations: Similarities and distinctions between the Energy Community Treaty and the Association Agreement

Monday, 01 February 2016

As part of the WEASA 2015 follow-up activity, Denis Cenusa visited Warsaw in November 2015 to research the prospective implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) in Moldova. A policy brief on EU-Moldova energy relations was prepared following the visit.

Expert-Grup to scrutinise how Chișinău City Hall spends public money on street maintenance and construction

Friday, 29 January 2016

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” is launching the project “Transforming Chișinău into a better place to live”. Running from January to September 2016, it aims to make spending on street repair, maintenance and construction in Chișinău more efficient by monitoring and evaluating public authorities' actions throughout the procurement cycle.

What happened in the Moldovan banking sector in 2015 and further risks for 2016

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Last year was a turning one for Moldovan baking system, when systemic weaknesses combined with large-scale fraudulent transactions have triggered an unprecedented banking crisis. As a result, the reduction of deposits attracted and the worsened quality of loan portfolios have caused additional difficulties for the financial institutions.

Moldovan authorities implemented less than a third of the provisions under the EU Association Agreement

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

CHIȘINĂU /// During the last six months, experts from Expert-Grup and ADEPT assessed 407 actions within the Euromonitor report. Out of the total, only 24% were implemented, and 11% were partially implemented. At the same time, over a third of the actions (35%) are under implementation and 29% actions were not realized. Therefore, implementation of the Association Agreement can be assessed as a modest one for the monitored period.

Irregularities of MDL 2 billion identified by the Court of Accounts in the first half of 2015

Friday, 18 December 2015

The Court of Accounts of Moldova estimated irregularities exceeding MDL 2 billion in the first half of 2015, according to a synthesis report published by Expert-Grup in Chișinău. The audits revealed technical and operational problems in public institutions, as well as gaps in the legislative framework.

The economy will end 2015 in a 0.8% recession, while a deep restructuring of the economic model is needed

Thursday, 17 December 2015

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has published its MEGA (Moldovan Economic Growth Analysis) report for Q4 2015 in Chișinău. It estimates that Moldova's economy will contract by 0.8% in 2015, after the economic risks identified earlier in the year materialised, and expects a slow recovery in 2016.

The Transnistrian Region Hit by an Unprecedented Economic Crisis

Thursday, 10 December 2015

A study published by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” finds that the Transnistrian region is facing an unprecedented economic crisis. Regional GDP could contract by about 10-12% this year, driven by unfavourable conditions on the right bank of the Dniester, instability in Ukraine, recession in Russia and weaker demand in the EU.

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.

Open Data in Moldova: An Unexplored Mine

Monday, 24 November 2014

On 18 and 19 November 2014, Victoria Vlad, an economist at Expert-Grup, gave presentations at the Open Data Days in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She shared Expert-Grup's experience with initiatives built on open data, including BudgetStories.md and ScoalaMea.md, and moderated a discussion with business representatives.

How the Association Agreement Can Resolve the Challenges of Moldova’s Agriculture

Friday, 07 November 2014

An infographic-based article examines how the Association Agreement with the European Union can help address the long-standing problems of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova. It explains why Moldovan producers have not exported to the EU market so far and how the Agreement is expected to change this.

Public Hearings under the “My School” Project

Thursday, 06 November 2014

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced public hearings in the schools selected for the “My School” project. The hearings will bring together pupils, parents and teachers, on one side, and school administrations and local authorities, on the other, to discuss school development priorities.

MACRO-2014 Conference – European Integration for Citizens

Thursday, 23 October 2014

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Moldova, held the second edition of the MACRO Conference, titled “European Integration for People”. Three panels discussed the country's economic risks and opportunities and how European integration can serve citizens' interests.

Investigative Journalists' Club: Who Is Responsible for Abusive Land Seizure Schemes?

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” recommends a new meeting of the Investigative Journalists' Club, organised by the Centre for Investigative Journalism. It will take place on 23 October at 14.00 in the conference hall of the NATO Centre (2A Bănulescu-Bodoni St., State University of Moldova), in Chișinău.

Cooperation Memoranda Signed under the “My School” Project

Wednesday, 01 October 2014

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with regional partner organisations, held signing events for cooperation memoranda under the project “My School – Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”. The events took place in seven districts and in Chișinău.

Dionis Cenușă co-authors a study published by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)

Monday, 29 September 2014

The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) has recently published the study “Russia’s Punitive Trade Policy Measures towards Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia”. One of its co-authors is Dionis Cenușă, associate expert at the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.

Signing Events for the Cooperation Memoranda of the “My School” Project

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

From 18 to 25 September, EXPERT-GRUP and its regional partners are holding events to sign multilateral cooperation memoranda under the project “My School – Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”. The memoranda set out how school directors, local authorities and the project's authors will work together.

The First Meeting of the Advisory Council of the “My School” Project Has Taken Place

Monday, 15 September 2014

In the first week of September, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” hosted the first meeting of the Advisory Council of the “My School” project in Chișinău. The project aims to involve society in reforming Moldova's education system, and the Council brings together education policymakers and experts.

(Survey) Have your say on what the government should do to ensure a prosperous future for the people of the Republic of Moldova

Tuesday, 09 September 2014

UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, has launched an innovative interactive survey. It invites people to consider the most important challenges they believe will shape the future development of the Republic of Moldova, and to reflect on the solutions and public policies that could help the government address them.

Schools Selected as Beneficiaries of the “My School” Project

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”, together with regional partner organisations and with the support of the Ministry of Education, has announced the 20 schools selected this year to benefit from the “My School” project in Moldova, spanning seven districts and Chișinău.

Expert-Grup Attends GPSA Events in Washington DC, USA

Monday, 09 June 2014

From 12 to 15 May, Victoria Vlad, an economist at Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” and coordinator of the project “Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”, represented the organisation at two events of the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) held in Washington DC, United States.

GET Moldova and EXPERT-GRUP at a Breakfast Briefing with Journalists

Friday, 16 May 2014

Members of the German Economic Team Moldova (Ricardo Giucci, Jörg Radeke and David Saha) and Adrian Lupușor, Executive Director of EXPERT-GRUP, held an unusual breakfast-format press briefing for journalists on optimal trade policy and potential future economic risks for Moldova and the Transnistrian region.

Expert-Grup Represented at the World Conference on Youth in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Radu Marian of Expert-Grup took part in the World Conference on Youth 2014, held on 6–10 May 2014 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was selected by the organisers as an international delegate to present his views at an event that brought together young people from around the world.

Expert-Grup Attends the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC

Monday, 14 April 2014

Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” was represented by Adrian Lupușor at the 2014 Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, in the United States. The event brings together thousands of government officials, journalists, civil society organisations, and representatives of academia and the private sector.

We Are Selecting Schools as Beneficiaries of the “My School” Project

Thursday, 10 April 2014

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” has announced a competition to select 20 schools as beneficiaries and partners for the first year of the project “My School – Social Accountability for Education Reform in the Republic of Moldova”. Applications must be submitted by 12 May 2014.

MEGA X: A Different Kind of Economic Conference

Monday, 07 April 2014

On 4 April 2014, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” launched the 10th edition of its publication MEGA: Analysis of Economic Growth in Moldova at the Leogrand Convention Centre in the capital. The event brought together central authorities, diplomatic missions, donors, the media and experts.