Democracy in the Republic of Moldova is facing increased threats from hostile interference, especially in the lead-up to crucial elections, said Peter Wagner, head of the European Commission’s External Policy Instruments Service. His statement came as the European Union announced €2.3 million in funding to support the fight against electoral corruption and illicit political financing, IPN reports.
The funds will be channeled through the project “Resilient Democracy by Fighting Corruption”, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Moldova.
“Thanks to this project, institutions will gain more effective tools, better coordination, and legal mechanisms aligned with international standards—crucial for safeguarding electoral integrity and strengthening Moldova’s democratic future,” Wagner stated.
With EU financial backing, institutions tasked with preventing and combating corruption will receive tools, methodologies, and technical assistance to improve their capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute electoral fraud and corruption.
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The project will also bolster the efforts of financial oversight bodies and anti-money laundering agencies by enhancing legal frameworks aimed at preventing illicit political financing and money laundering.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova, Daniela Gasparikova, voiced strong support for the EU-UNDP partnership, expressing confidence that it will significantly strengthen institutional capacities to fight corruption. “These efforts are essential to promoting electoral integrity,” she said.
In addition to institutional support, the project will include public awareness campaigns and civic education initiatives to inform citizens about the dangers of electoral corruption and encourage independent, informed voting choices.