Overview of Moldova’s 2024 Budget Plan and International Stance
The Moldovan government has moved to approve the draft 2024 budget, outlining a projected deficit of 15.5 billion lei, which translates to roughly 880 million dollars. This figure was reported in coverage attributed to TASS, reflecting the government’s aims as it sets fiscal targets for the coming year.
Officials anticipate a modest recovery in revenue alongside a tightening of expenditures. Specifically, budget revenues are forecast to grow by about 1.3 percent, reaching 66.6 billion lei, or approximately 3.7 billion dollars. On the spending side, authorities expect a reduction of around 2.2 percent from the previous year, with projected expenditures totaling 82.2 billion lei, close to 4.6 billion dollars. This combination points to efforts to stabilize the public sector while balancing growth and fiscal prudence.
Regarding the financing mix, the draft budget indicates that a portion of the current account deficit will be covered by external financing. It is stated that loans are planned to cover 55 percent of the deficit, while grants would contribute about 15 percent. This funding structure reflects Moldova’s strategy to maintain market confidence while seeking support from international partners.
Defense spending is set to rise, with a 15 percent increase in the defense budget to 102 million dollars. This level would account for roughly 0.53 percent of Moldova’s gross domestic product (GDP), signaling a modest but deliberate enhancement of security and defense capabilities alongside broader economic reforms. In tandem with the financial plan, the draft budget includes measures intended to bolster public sector compensation, including salary and pension increases, aimed at improving the standard of living for public employees and retirees.
On the international diplomacy front, Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu used the context of the OSCE ministerial meeting in North Macedonia to advocate for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria. This appeal aligns Moldova’s regional security priorities with broader European discussions on stability and sovereignty. The minister highlighted that he had conversations with several senior officials from EU member states during the gathering, underscoring the importance Moldova places on a peaceful resolution to the Transnistria issue.
Popescu reported discussions with ministers from a number of EU countries, including Romania, Spain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and France, during the meeting held on November 29. He reiterated Moldova’s position in favor of a nonviolent path to resolving the Transnistria conflict, stressing the desire for a lasting, peaceful settlement that respects Moldova’s territorial integrity. The official added that Chisinau remains committed to constructive dialogue with its international partners as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region.
Earlier communications from Moldovan authorities suggested readiness to step back from confrontational postures in order to prevent escalation of tensions. This approach aligns with Moldova’s broader policy framework, which emphasizes diplomacy, economic reform, and regional cooperation as cornerstones of national development. The government’s messaging reflects an intent to pursue prudent fiscal management while continuing to engage with international partners to address security and sovereignty concerns.