Policy background
The Republic of Moldova is an Eastern Partnership (EaP) country within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). In June 2022, the European Council recognised the European perspective of the Republic of Moldova by granting candidate status to the country. Following a recommendation by the European Commission, EU leaders decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova in December 2023. Since January 2012, the Republic of Moldova has been an associated member of the 7th Framework Programme. In July 2014, Moldova became the first EaP country to associate to Horizon 2020.
In October 2021, the Republic of Moldova signed an Association Agreement on the participation in Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027. The Republic of Moldova enjoys the status of an Associated Country under Horizon Europe. This status gives Moldovan research entities the possibility to participate in Horizon Europe on equal footing with entities from EU Member States.
At the request of Moldovan authorities in 2015, the Policy Support Facility (PSF) performed a peer review of the Moldovan research and innovation system, which is meant to offer support in improving the design, implementation and evaluation of research and innovation policies. It triggered a wave of reforms in the country. In March 2020, a second targeted request was initiated for PSF support focused on research and innovation infrastructure, funding systems for public research and links between research and business. The results of the peer review fed into the design of future research and innovation policies of the Republic of Moldova. The next research and innovation national programme is planned to cover the 2024-2027 period.
Funding opportunities
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion available over 7 years (2021 to 2027).
Support to EaP partner countries
The European Commission is implementing a project within the Global Support Service Facility to facilitate a stronger participation of the 5 EaP countries making resources available to help increase participation in Horizon Europe.
Projects and results
Research project database (CORDIS)
The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded research projects. Here you can find International cooperation projects related to Moldova.
Examples of international cooperation projects
- HESPRI (2023-2026) addresses innovative strategies to strengthen public policies and improve the competitiveness of the Higher Education sector. It aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for governments, policymakers and universities. The project proposal also incorporates global digitalisation trends and is aligned with international strategies and programmes, such as the UN global policies of SDGs.
- ARIEN (2023-2026) leverages on innovative AI techniques to monitor online illicit drugs markets and collects precious information on physical drug-dealing hotspots. Additional layers of analysis provide actionable knowledge on modus operandi and emerging threats by means of integrations with criminal records data and detection of online activities. The project promotes effective strategies on international cooperation among agencies, authorities and policymakers to enhance investigative activities against criminal groups.
- FLOURISH (2023-2026) evaluates, implements and adapts the Parenting for Lifelong Health programme for adolescents aged 10-14 years to the service delivery and cultural setting of the Moldovan and North Macedonian health networks, including the needs of ethnic minorities and the refugee populations from Ukraine. Through building skills and strengthening the adolescent-caregiver relationship, the project has the potential to reduce the risk and prevent future non-communicable diseases.
Contact
National Contact Points
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
The Horizon Europe National Office, established in 2023, supports the involvement of Moldovan applicants by identifying fitting calls and partners for project proposals, assisting with counselling and promoting R&I cooperation opportunities.
European Commission
Ludmila NISTOR MIHAJLOVA
Policy Officer
DG Research and Innovation
Unit 03 – Horizon Europe Association
Telephone: +32 229 83809 | Email: Ludmila [dot] NISTOR-MIHAJLOVA
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (Ludmila[dot]NISTOR-MIHAJLOVA[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
