Moldova's Lost Billions: Why EU Funds Remain Untapped

Moldova's Struggle to Absorb EU Funds: Expert Highlights Capacity Issues Moldova faces challenges in effectively using funds from the EU Growth Plan, according to a recent interview with economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță on Cinema 1 Moldova. This issue, he argues, stems from systemic weaknesses and historical financial mismanagement. "The trend isn't new; it's been happening since the billion-dollar theft," stated Ioniță. He points to 2014 as a high point, when Moldova received 3% of its GDP in grants. Today, that would equate to 10 billion lei annually – a sum Ioniță says is unimaginable for the country to currently manage. This illustrates the vast discrepancy between the potential for external support and Moldova's capacity to utilize it effectively. Ioniță's analysis provides a sobering assessment of Moldova's economic situation, highlighting the need for institutional reforms and improved financial management to fully benefit from international aid. The interview underscores the long-term consequences of past corruption and the urgent need for systemic change.