Resolute IMF program implementation remains critical, evaluators

IPN.md

14 March 2023
17:42

Continued resolute implementation of the IMF program remains critical for creating a solid foundation for strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth, catalyzing external financing, and entrenching reform momentum, stated an IMF mission, led by Ruben Atoyan, on concluding a visit for the third review of Moldova’s program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements.

While the Moldovan economy contracted significantly in 2022, reflecting spillovers from Russia’s war in Ukraine, a modest recovery is expected in 2023, the mission found, among other things.

Ruben Atoyan announced that a staff-level agreement was reached with the Moldovan authorities on economic policies to complete the third review under the ECF/EFF arrangements. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s management and board, which is expected by the end of April. Completing the review will make SDR 70.95 million (about $94.40 million) available to Moldova, bringing total disbursements under the program to nearly $369.30 million (about SDR 277.55 million).

“Program implementation remains broadly strong despite the challenging circumstances and overlapping crises. The authorities met all the quantitative performance criteria. Structural reforms are gradually advancing, with work still needed to promote the integrity, capacity, and independence of key anti-corruption institutions and enhance the enforcement of the anti-corruption legal framework. Good progress has been made toward eliminating inefficiencies and inequities in the tax system, including by institutionalizing tax expenditure reviews as part of the annual state budget. The new government reaffirmed sustained ownership of the program and signaled strong determination to advance prudent fiscal policies in support of economic resilience. With risks skewed to the downside, strong policy momentum remains critical, including to secure budget financing from external partners”, Ruben Atoyan was quoted in a press release.

“Moldova’s progress on the EU accession path will provide a critical anchor for strong implementation of reforms”, the IMF official added.

Economy & Business

IPN | Cultural Agenda | July 30

Agenda of events for Thursday, July 30

The Prime Minister, in discussions with ambassadors: EU accession and attracting investments are priorities

Romania declares a crisis situation in the fuel market and restricts the export of diesel

MEC comes with clarifications following Dan Perciun’s statements regarding teachers’ salaries

UEFA requests clarification on FIFA’s plan to attract private investors for commercial rights

by Irina Botu 29.07.2026

UEFA has expressed reservations about FIFA’s plan to create a commercial company that would manage the commercial rights of major competitions, including the World Cup. The organization believes that the initiative requires more clarity in terms of governance and transparency, reports IPN.

In a press release, UEFA stated that it is analyzing the proposal and that it must be examined by the national federations as well. The European body mentioned that the project raises questions about the management of the new structure and the distribution of financial benefits.

The reaction comes after FIFA announced its intention to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a subsidiary that would manage commercial activities and the organization of major competitions, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

FIFA intends to attract approximately 4.2 billion dollars by selling a minority stake of up to 20% to private investors. According to the organization, the funds will be used for the development of football, and FIFA will retain control over governance, competitions, and sporting decisions.

According to the British press, UEFA is expected to discuss the project with its 55 member federations at the end of this week, to establish a common position. Reservations about the initiative have also been expressed by the English Football Federation, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, which have called for consultations and a transparent decision-making process.

29.07.2026

The People’s Assembly of Gagauzia asks the Parliament to suspend the examination of amendments to the Electoral Code

Iurie Tap: The APL reform must create authorities capable of providing services to the population

AOVA requests guarantees for the land intended for the relocation of dogs from the shelter

Oleg Ivancioglo: The consultation of citizens must remain a condition even in the case of normative amalgamation

Dan Nicorici: Financial incentives are the engine of voluntary amalgamation

Resolute IMF program implementation remains critical, evaluators

IPN.md

14 March 2023
17:42

While the Moldovan economy contracted significantly in 2022, reflecting spillovers from Russia’s war in Ukraine, a modest recovery is expected in 2023, the mission found, among other things.

“Moldova’s progress on the EU accession path will provide a critical anchor for strong implementation of reforms”, the IMF official added.

Economy & Business

Patients at the Stefan Voda District Hospital complain that they have seen mice and frogs in a ward

Solar energy covers 60% of the renewable energy consumption of the Republic of Moldova

Promo-LEX supports electoral changes for the elections in Gagauzia, but calls for consultations

Brussels is investigating the payment of 42.2 million euros in compensation by Romania to energy investors

New rules for bathing areas: the water will be checked periodically, and risks will be announced

Major fire on the Greek island of Paros. Several localities have been evacuated

by Bolohan Maxim 29.07.2026

A significant vegetation fire has broken out on the Greek island of Paros, one of the well-known tourist destinations in the Aegean Sea. According to euronews.ro, quoted by IPN, several localities have been evacuated, and firefighters are intervening on multiple fronts to limit the spread of the flames, as the strong wind complicates operations.

The fire broke out on Tuesday near the town of Kambi, in an area with low vegetation and waste. The Civil Protection Service of Greece has issued alerts through the 112 system for the residents of Agios Charalambos, Kambi, Bougados, Aneratzia, and Kamari, who were urged to move towards the coastal town of Aliki.

The intervention is carried out both on the ground and from the air, with the help of airplanes and helicopters. Additional firefighters and equipment have been brought from the neighboring islands of Naxos and Syros. The authorities have not reported any casualties or material damage, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Greece maintains a high level of alert for fires in several regions, due to high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds.

In the meantime, wildfires continue in Spain and France, amidst a new heatwave. In France, 16 departments are under an orange heatwave alert, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to +41 degrees Celsius. In Gironde, authorities warn of the risk of rekindling hotspots due to the dry wind.

In Spain, the fire in Burgohondo, considered the largest in the country’s history, has destroyed over 43 thousand hectares of forest. Although thousands of evacuated people have returned to their localities, authorities warn that the situation remains unstable due to high temperatures.

29.07.2026

Alexandru Tanase: The simple merging of town halls does not mean the reform of local administration

Former deputy Fiodor Gagauz announces that he will run for the position of Governor of Gagauzia

Explainer | The neutrality of the Republic of Moldova, between “militarization” and the alleged participation in the war in Ukraine

Eremei Priseajniuc: Nobody knows what the criterion for merging districts is

Alexandru Arsenie: Four-five districts must be unified into a single administrative entity