Moldova remains underrepresented in the scholarship and grant programs of the International Visegrad Fund, according to its Executive Director Linda Kapustová Helbichová, who visited the country for the first time this week.
Speaking during her visit to Chișinău, Helbichová said the main purpose of her trip was to raise awareness about funding opportunities available to Moldovan students, researchers, and organizations through the International Visegrad Fund.
“We do not have enough participating scholarship fellows or grantees from Moldova. That is why I am here — to spread more information about the granting opportunities offered by the International Visegrad Fund,” she said.
Helbichová noted that Moldova had left a strong positive impression on her despite having arrived without specific expectations.
“The people are amazing and very helpful. Everyone wants to cooperate,” she stated.
She also praised Moldova’s public administration, describing the country as “very young and dynamic,” and highlighted the hospitality she experienced during the visit.
In particular, the Executive Director commended State Secretary of Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stella Leuca-Perebinos for her cooperation and support.
Founded in 2000 by the governments of the Visegrad Group countries — Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia — the International Visegrad Fund supports regional cooperation through grants, scholarships, and cultural, academic, and research exchange programs.