Expert-Grup recommends bringing the Budget+ amendment package in line with the principles of good governance and the value-added economic model
The independent think tank Expert-Grup presented its analysis of the draft law, criticizing it and drawing attention to a number of conceptual and procedural shortcomings. In particular, the experts pointed out several systemic problems: lack of transparency in the decision-making process, inconsistency between a number of budget measures and the goals and priorities of the Economic Growth Plan, risks associated with limiting the autonomy of local authorities, as well as increased risks of non-transparent distribution of funds, including according to political criteria. According to the experts, it is important that the resources provided by the EU under the Growth Plan are used responsibly - on the basis of clear, transparent criteria and directed towards productive investments that create added value. At the same time, the experts made a number of specific recommendations to the authorities: ensuring transparency of the budget process and conducting real consultations with stakeholders; aligning budget measures with the philosophy and goals of the Economic Growth Plan; strengthening the autonomy of local authorities and involving regional actors; refusal to finance populist or ineffective projects; priority investment in sectors that ensure the transition to a competitive and sustainable economic model. Recall that the European Parliament approved a new support fund for Moldova - the Reform and Growth Fund, through which Moldova will receive 1.885 billion euros in 2025-2027. This amount includes 1.5 billion euros in the form of preferential loans, 385 million euros in the form of grant support and 135 million euros - the amount reserved to secure EU loans. Taking into account future funding, as well as a number of other factors, the government decided to adjust the state budget for 2025: on April 3, the Cabinet approved the draft amendments, publishing an announcement on the same day about the start of public consultations, on April 7, the parliament approved the amendments in the first reading, and on April 17 - in the second. // 17.04.2025 — InfoMarket.
