Since declaring independence following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Moldova has made great progress toward becoming a strong, independent, and market-oriented democracy. USAID launched an assistance program in Moldova in 1992 to support this transition - establishing health and social safety net programs, fostering democratic processes, and helping to restructure and privatize key industries to jump-start economic growth.

Today, Moldova is benefitting from democratic, economic and social reforms made since independence, and pursuing a path toward European integration that takes advantage of the country’s geographic and cultural connections. However, many challenges still remain. Moldova has the lowest gross domestic product per capita in Europe, with a narrow economic base that is heavily reliant on remittances and does not generate enough revenues for the country to provide adequate services to citizens. Although foreign investment has increased significantly, Moldova needs to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework to sustain a competitive, export-oriented economy that will create more jobs. In 2009, Moldovans broke from eight years of Communist party leadership, electing a more western-oriented government that promised change and greater integration with Europe. In order to maintain citizens’ confidence in Moldova’s democratic future, the country must continue to make progress in strengthening democratic processes and reinforcing rule of law.