ESTDEV joins EU twinning project to align Moldova’s Agri-Food Sector with EU standards

The project, titled “Strengthening Sector Monitoring, Data Management, and Payment Administration,” will provide the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) with in-depth technical assistance to reform and modernize the way Moldova supports its farmers. By aligning policies, institutions, and tools with EU best practices, the project aims to increase transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in agricultural public spending. 

Funded under the European Union’s Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), the project marks a key milestone in Moldova’s EU integration journey. It will be implemented over 24 months in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the Agency for Interventions and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA) and supported by public sector experts from Estonia and the Netherlands—two EU Member States with strong expertise in agricultural policy, data governance, and rural development. 

Following its launch in February 2025, the project is now entering a dynamic implementation phase. Frequent expert missions from Estonia and the Netherlands guide Moldovan institutions through legislative harmonization, institutional benchmarking, and the development of modern tools for data integration and payment administration. These efforts are designed to create a more service-oriented public administration that better supports Moldovan farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. 

“This Twinning project comes at a strategic time for Moldova’s agricultural development,” said Mr Sergiu Gherciu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. “As we advance in negotiations with the European Commission, this support will strengthen our capacity to deliver smart, transparent, and data-driven agricultural policies aligned with EU standards.” 

Ms Ilona Gruenewald, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative: “The EU remains fully committed to support Moldova on its path towards European integration. Twinning is more than technical assistance - it fosters enduring partnerships and institutional trust. The collaboration with Estonia and the Netherlands will ensure that Moldova receives not only expertise, but also inspiration from countries that have successfully navigated the EU accession process.” 

"Estonia's journey towards EU integration in the agri-food sector provides a valuable roadmap for Moldova,” said Mr Klen Jäärats, Executive Director of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). “Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Moldova can accelerate its agricultural reforms, enhance competitiveness and sustainability, and align with EU standards, ultimately fostering a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector." 

The Twinning project is built on a principle of co-creation between EU and Moldovan institutions, focusing on sustainable, needs-based reforms that can deliver tangible benefits for both farmers and policymakers. By the end of the project, MAFI and AIPA are expected to have significantly improved their capacity to design, implement, and monitor agricultural support programs in line with EU expectations. 

This initiative reinforces the EU’s broader support for Moldova’s reform agenda, helping to build stronger public institutions and prepare the country for eventual EU membership.