“Republic of Moldova needs substantial financial support to address rising poverty risks”. Public appeal to the international community ahead of the donors’ conference in Bucharest

Moldova faces rising energy and food prices, war at its border, drought and stagnation. It is unprepared for a new inflationary wave from drought and higher winter gas prices, in a country where a quarter of the population lives in absolute poverty and foodstuffs and utilities make up about 60% of household expenditure.

The appeal sets out five priorities: grants rather than loans, as external public debt, planned at about 38% of GDP in 2022, could approach the 45% threshold; about EUR 500 million to compensate gas tariffs; EUR 10-12 million for “Prima Casa” mortgage interest; about EUR 15 million for fertiliser costs; and about EUR 50 million for residential energy efficiency. Rising poverty is called the main challenge for the country.