81312072 - Short-term expert pool for Public Administration Reform and Public Financial Management in Moldova

Moldova officially became a candidate for EU accession on June 23, 2022. In December 2023, EU leadership decided to initiate negotiations with Moldova, bringing these talks to the forefront of the Moldovan government's agenda. A key focus of these accession negotiations will revolve around administrative reform and essential aspects of public finances. The government has crafted a well-developed strategic framework that holds the potential to structure reform efforts towards EU accession. The development strategy, "European Moldova 2030," aligns national priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the EU accession process. This strategy aims to establish an integrated, responsible, efficient, and transparent administration, open to citizen participation and tailored to the needs of the population. Additionally, the Administrative Reform Strategy 2023-2030 and the Public Finance Reform Strategy 2023-2030, underpinned by implementation programs, further concretize this goal. Objective The project supports the Moldovan government in strengthening the capacities of its public administration. Key intervention areas are the strengthening of strategic governance capacity in the context of the EU accession process, the improvement of civil service management and the creation of better conditions for the provision of administrative services. Approach The project focuses on supporting the implementation of key partner strategies, emphasizing public service reform and improved administrative services at national and subnational levels. Targeting national partners, it impacts subnational levels through regulatory changes, enhanced coordination, municipal oversight, expanded subnational administration training, and establishment of "Unified Centres for Public Service Provision". The Capacity Development Strategy addresses individual, organizational, and systemic levels, enhancing skills, advising sustainable planning, and promoting strategic governance. Aligned with the human rights approach, it ensures improved access for disadvantaged populations, prioritizing social and economic equality, women's quality, and reducing access barriers.