Moldova ranks 99^th (2010) in the HDI (Human Development Index) published by the UNDP, which annually monitors the social and economic development of countries around the world. The country has a low level of GDP growth and of other development indicators; it is one of the most impoverished countries in Europe, largely dependent on foreign aid. Moldova has a population of 4.3m, with 40% of all employed working in agriculture. Despite good reforms, the economy is based on monoculture, which makes it prone to economic fluctuations and export limitations. A serious problem for the Moldovan economy is its dependence on Russian supplies of raw materials and the existence of the internationally unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic in the most industrialized region, Transnistria. A significant issue from the EU perspective is the trail leading through Moldova which is used to traffic illegal migrants from the Middle East, South and South-East Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Since 2004, Moldova has been on the list of priority recipients of Polish development aid.

2010

Projects implemented in 2010 corresponded to the principal areas of support for the Republic of Moldova as defined in the Polish foreign aid programme, and consisted of supporting and promoting good governance, agricultural and rural development, counteracting human trafficking and implementing European standards.

In 2010, 13 aid projects were implemented in Moldova by NGOs, government administration, and local government bodies, and the Polish Embassy in Kishinev. Total appropriations for activities implemented in Moldova in the framework of the 2010 Polish foreign aid programme amounted to ca. PLN 2m.

2009

In 2009, Polish development aid for Moldova focused on the following areas:

• rural and agricultural development (including agritourism),
• developing local governance and civil society,
• developing small enterprise,
• strengthening public administration (esp. with regard to migration management, counteracting human trafficking, financial system transparency, and implementing European standards).

In 2009, 15 projects were implemented in Moldova, with appropriations of over PLN 1.5m.  Additionally, the MFA financed the participation of Polish observers as part of the OECD mission during the Moldovan general elections in April and July 2009 (total cost: PLN 224 000).

More information on all 2009 projects can be found in the Annual Report on "Poland's Development Co-operation Programme" (see: Documents and Publications).

2008

Priority sectors of Polish development aid in Moldova in 2008 included:

• rural and agricultural development
• supporting civil society, in particular through the development of local government and democratisation of the Moldovan media,
• strengthening public administration (esp. with regard to migration management, counteracting human trafficking, organizing trainings in obtaining EU funds).

In 2008, 26 projects were implemented in Moldova, with appropriations of over PLN 4.3m.

More information on all 2008 projects can be found in the Annual Report on "Poland's Development Co-operation Programme" (see: Documents and Publications).