Moldova’s Diaspora Returns to Drive Reform: A Strategic Initiative for European Integration

Moldova’s Diaspora Returns to Drive Reform: A Strategic Initiative for European Integration

(IN BRIEF) Moldova’s aspiration for EU membership is met with the recognition of significant challenges in key sectors like energy, trade, and banking. In response, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) formulated the Reform Support Team (RST) program, engaging members of the Moldovan diaspora to facilitate essential reforms. Through personal stories like Roman Cozma’s expertise in transport connectivity and Olga Albulesa’s financial sector insights, the initiative aims to enhance Moldova’s regulatory frameworks, energy diversification, and economic resilience. With support from France and the EU, this program underscores the importance of harnessing diaspora knowledge to drive Moldova’s path towards European integration and sustainable development.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 16-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The country’s economy has been facing challenges in sectors such as energy, trade and banking. With accession negotiations about to begin, Moldova needs to work closely with the EU, EBRD and international partners to implement a long series of very ambitious reforms.

In response to a request from the Moldovan government, the EBRD mapped out a Reform Support Team (RST) programme to help deliver priority reforms and accelerate alignment with EU requirements. One component is the recruitment of members of the Moldovan diaspora as a way of bringing skills and knowledge acquired abroad back in Moldova. France and the EU are supporting this initiative.

Keeping citizens mobile  

Roman Cozma had the opportunity to live outside his home country of Moldova. After completing his studies in economics at the University of Lyon, Roman worked in various roles overseeing transport connectivity and network lines in France. A few months ago, he returned home to work as a reform support expert on the RST programme. He recognises that Moldova needs the knowledge that people like him hold. “The diaspora has tools that are useful to the government,” explains Roman. “Moldova needs us because we have specific skills.”

 “The objective of my assignment is quite ambitious,” he adds. “We’re working on aligning the Moldovan transport system with the European Union’s best practice in local and public transport, for example, by developing the ticketing system and designing and implementing a sustainable urban mobility plan.”

Stronger and more resilient financial systems

After working in Luxembourg for a multinational corporate services company, Olga Lozan came back to Moldova in August 2023. Her experience of employment abroad and in Chisinau reiterated her belief in the immense potential that exists within the country: “Moldova is home to competent and professional individuals with great potential, who need confidence in themselves and guidance.”

Olga’s return to Moldova was a personal decision driven by a commitment to contribute to the country’s development and its pro-European efforts. Hired as a reform support expert in the financial sector, she believes that Moldova needs to acquire good practices and ensure a proper regulatory framework for the banking sector. “Addressing these issues is crucial for increasing investors’ confidence, fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the living standards of Moldovans,” she adds.

Liberating and diversifying the natural gas market

Moldova’s energy sector faces several challenges that require strategic interventions. Having gained extensive experience in different European companies, Sergiu Brasoveanu returned to Moldova to join the programme as an energy expert. “Historically, Moldova has heavily relied on Gazprom, which poses vulnerabilities to our energy security,” says Sergiu. “We’re working towards diversifying import sources and establishing an open and competitive market with natural gas flows from various regions, including America and the Middle East.”

Sergiu sees a unique opportunity to share his skills and knowledge with the government. He believes that, while returning to his home city is sometimes difficult, it is ultimately rewarding: “The satisfaction of working towards positive change on Moldova’s energy landscape, combined with the joy of bringing my family home, motivated me to join the initiative,” he says.

Bringing more diaspora to deliver key priorities

The four-year capacity-building RST programme is a structured initiative focused on reinforcing Moldova’s capacity to design, implement and manage essential and effective reforms. Spanning several sectors, the project seeks to empower local authorities and institutions with diverse and relevant perspectives to address the country’s vulnerabilities. “This isn’t just a funding programme,” says Roman. “It’s about connecting the diaspora with the country’s reformers, with Moldova and with its needs.”

The initiative is growing exponentially thanks to the support of our donors. The pilot phase, funded by France, allowed Roman, Olga and Sergiu to join the programme, and several more experts are being recruited. The additional funding from the EU will strengthen and expand the teams and provide further support to central government institutions.

The success so far of the RST programme in Moldova proves that welcoming different sources of knowledge and skills, particularly those in the diaspora, is a valuable resource to harness the country’s potential in developing practical, inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Media Contact:

Tel: +44 207 338 7805
Email: Group-PressUnit@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD