The European Union is moving to strengthen control over funds allocated to Moldova under investment and reform programmes, making continued financial support conditional on expanded audit mechanisms.
Brussels has set a clear requirement: future disbursements to Chișinău will depend on the ability of EU institutions to verify how funds are spent and whether they are used for their intended purposes.
EU audit Moldova funds becomes key condition
According to official information, Moldova’s State Chancellery has been tasked with drafting a framework that would regulate audits by authorised EU bodies over the use of financial assistance.
Under the proposed system, inspections could be carried out by the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors. In addition, access to financial documentation would also be granted to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Auditors from these institutions would be given broad access to state institutions, documents and relevant data, in line with Moldova’s international commitments.
Expanded monitoring of spending and compliance
Beyond reviewing expenditures, EU bodies are also expected to cross-check Moldova’s sanctions lists against European ones. This is intended to ensure that individuals or entities subject to international restrictions do not participate in EU-funded programmes.
The broader objective is to increase transparency and ensure that allocated funds contribute effectively to reforms and economic development.
Funding tied to oversight mechanisms
EU officials have indicated that the introduction of such oversight measures is a key condition for continued financial support.
In practice, this means that without strengthened auditing and monitoring procedures, further tranches under EU-backed reform and growth programmes may be withheld.
The move reflects a more cautious approach by Brussels, as it seeks greater assurance over how funds are managed particularly in countries undergoing complex reform processes.
