Moldova

Moldova, a small landlocked country bordering Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east, is one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe. 

Nevertheless, since February 2022, Moldova has welcomed the highest rate of Ukrainian refugees per capita. A rapid escalation in energy and food prices has disproportionately affected the socioeconomic status of many vulnerable Moldovans, especially rural, elderly families with multiple children, and people with disabilities. This has led to a significant increase in poverty rates, with 31 percent of the Moldovan population now living below the poverty line compared to 25 percent prior to the war. It has also contributed to an increased risk of tensions between refugees and host communities. In response to a request from the Government of Moldova, The  World Food Programme (WFP) established an office in Chișinău in March 2022, to provide support to Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovans.  We have partnered with the Government, UN agencies and other organizations to support ongoing transition from emergency response to promoting economic stability. WFP also works with partners to strengthen social protection systems. 

In 2022, the European Council recognized Moldova's European perspective and granted it candidate country status for the EU, opening a new strategic phase for its development. WFP and international partners including donors and NGOs are working to address urgent economic, social and systemic effects of the war in Ukraine, while pursuing long-term plans for EU accession.