The Republic of Moldova’s membership in Horizon Europe provides concrete benefits to the state budget, respectively, to the public sector employees, ASEN vice-rector Victoria Cociug stated in a public debate hosted by IPN News Agency. According to her, the salaries of researchers are paid from the European Commission’s funds, a part of the amount reaching the state budget through taxes.

The vice-rector of the Academy of Economic Studies noted that competing at European level with well-known researchers from highly developed states is the biggest challenge faced by researchers from the Republic of Moldova.

“Writing a project is not only about material aspects, but it is rather a challenge to try and see if you are capable enough to keep up with the great researchers of the world. Gaining experience in writing projects is a long-term process. The transfer of knowledge takes place in the communication with the evaluating European authorities. We are excited about these possibilities. We are glad that the recently formed Horizon Europe Office comes to our aid. It trains us, invites researchers to various project writing workshops involving personalities from abroad,” said the ASEM vice-rector.

She explained that the economic field is related to all the research fields. In this connection, the educational institution she represents applies for multiple projects within the EUs Framework Program for Research and Innovation.

“We can participate in various types of research, from medicine to green transition. The last project written and submitted by us is the microgrid project, which is not an economic project, but an economic impact study was conducted. All the areas that can be financed are presented by economists as they need funding. That’s why the economy can be found anywhere. But there is also specific economic research. It depends on the economy whether there will be money for research as well. So, there is a very close connection. That’s why, in the submitted projects, economic research is carried out quite frequently,” said Victoria Cociug.

According to data of the Horizon Europe National Office, the Republic of Moldova has obtained €5.38 million from the European Commission through this program. The ASEM vice-rector explained that the money reaches the state budget through contributions to social and medical insurance funds. Also, the European Union’s money is invested in research and studies that, in the long term, contribute to improving people’s quality of life.

“The salaries paid by the European Commission to researchers are paid here with 24%, which are distributed to the social fund that goes to pay pensions. From the same salaries, the medical insurance fund is supplemented by 9%. There are also the income taxes. The higher the researchers’ salaries, the higher the further transfers, which come from the European Commission and reach the state budget. But it does not go only to money. This money comes to create new knowledge or discovery. Our mission is to know how to develop it further. Once this ‘child’ is born, following a research project, it must be raised. Any discovered mechanism must be implemented at the local level so that everyone feels the benefits,” said the ASEM vice-rector.

The public debate entitled “European integration of the Republic of Moldova’s research sector” was the tenth installment of the project “Benefits of Moldova’s accession to the EU for people, community and country”, which is implemented with support from Soros Foundation Moldova.