Foreign Policy Newsletter 04/230 April 2025: EU development money: between growth and electioneering

This edition of the Foreign Policy Newsletter focuses on Moldova’s crucial economic moment, particularly the launch of the “Budget + Plus” Programme and the steps needed to ensure its success. Marina Soloviova, an economic expert from the Expert-Grup Think-Thank, offers insights into the programme’s potential to generate economic growth, the public consultations surrounding it and the shortcomings that need addressing. PAS MP Radu Marian discusses the government’s plans for the “Budget + Plus” Programme, highlighting the programme’s design to spur economic growth and its alignment with Moldova’s European integration goals. At the same time, an analysis document developed by the „Center for Policies and Reforms” experts, Andrei Lutenco and Dan Nicorici, criticizes the way the programme was promoted and approved – highlighting a lack of transparency, inclusion, and potential electoral motives. The editorial is signed by Mădălin Necsutu, TVR Moldova and Balkan Insight journalist, which outlines the vision the Republic of Moldova should adopt in the regional context and how Chisinau should align certain economic steps with Bucharest and Kyiv.

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