Norwegian Engagement in Moldova
Norwegian involvement in Moldova has intensified following the outbreak of the Russian war against Ukraine in 2022. Among the countries most severely impacted - aside from Ukraine itself - Moldova has faced significant challenges. The country experienced a sudden and substantial influx of refugees, earning the reputation as “the country with the big heart”. Moldova also experienced an energy crisis, high inflation and a demanding security situation.
Through the Nansen Support Programme, Norway is partnering with different actors in their efforts to handle these crises and to contribute to good governance, reforms and closer cooperation with the rest of Europe. Norad (The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) is responsible for the management of Norway’s civilian support to Moldova. The support is to be flexible and based on Moldova’s needs. The Embassy Office follows the different projects on the ground.
Below is an overview of Norwegian-funded projects in Moldova
ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIROMENT
Moldova’s previous heavy reliance on Russian gas and energy made it urgent in 2022 to pursue energy independence and implement smart solutions for improving energy efficiency in households. As a result, energy, climate, and environment have become one of the largest Norwegian support portfolios, and in 2025 it was the biggest with NOK 194.2 million in support.
A key implementing partner, GIZ, is running the Energy 4 Moldova programme (2024–2026), which focuses on strengthening energy efficiency in the residential sector. The programme includes initiatives such as energy vouchers (ecovouchers) for replacing old household appliances and other measures to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and household energy costs.
Furthermore, Norway supports two EBRD-led initiatives in Moldova. The Residential Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) through HIPCA promotes energy-efficient and renewable technologies in outdated housing and includes a gender-responsive approach that ensures at least 20% of funds benefit women sub-borrowers. Norway also contributes to the E5P Moldova Window, which co-finances municipal infrastructure projects to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen environmental protection.
Through the Resilient Communities through Women's empowerment (2024-2027) programme, Norway, together with Sweden and UNDP, supports the preparedness of Moldovan local communities for climate change and climate-smart solutions for women-led small businesses. Norwegian support is also helping Moldova pioneer its first renewable energy communities, creating a decentralized system that enables shared access to clean power and promotes long-term energy sustainability.
In 2025, nearly 150,000 vulnerable households received support to cover heating costs through a Norwegian contribution of NOK 100 million to the EVRF (Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund), channeled via UNDP Moldova.
GOVERNANCE, DEMOCRACY AND REFORMS
In 2023-2025, Norway allocated NOK 180 million to the World Bank's multi-donor fund Moldova Growth, Resilience and Opportunities for Wellbeing (M-GROW). The fund provides Moldovan authorities with support for critical investments, improved competitiveness, strengthened institutions, and increased energy efficiency.
Norway also supports reform efforts throught the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Moldova, focusing on rule of law, democracy, and human rights. From 2024-2025 the support has amounted to NOK 18 million.
In addition, Norway has supported two other development cooperation projects with the OECD and UNDP in 2025.
EDUCATION
In 2024, Norway signed a four-year agreement with UNDP for a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of school educatrion in Moldova, in close collaboration with the Moldovan Ministry of Education. The project Transforming Education in Moldova through Model Schools (2024–2028) is supported by Norway, which has allocated NOK 139 million for 2024 and 2025.
The project upgrades five schools into modern Model Schools, improves teaching practices, strengthens teacher training, and enhances local education governance. Renovations ensure accessibility and equitable education, including for children with disabilities, while fostering students’ 21st-century skills and supporting curricular reform.
CIVIL SOCIETY
Moldova is a target for Russian hybrid warfare and disinformation, seeking to undermine the country’s stability. Therefore, Norway supports independent media and efforts to combat disinformation. In 2025, NOK 9.5 million was being provided to the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and NOK 5 million to International Media Support (IMS). Much of the funding was given in the form of grants to independent media and local NGOs.
In November 2025, Norway signed agreements with two civil society organisations on the provision of a total of NOK 45 million in support for the period 2025 to 2028. East Europe Foundation Moldova will receive NOK 30 million, and NOK 15 million will go to the CONTACT Center. The projects will provide small grants, build expertise and strengthen networks that make civil society organisations better equipped to promote democratic values.
HUMANITARIAN AID
Since February 2022, about 1.8 million Ukrainians have crossed into Moldova. By March 2025, the country was hosting approximately 127,000 Ukrainian refugees according to UNHCR, half of them children. With a population of only 2.4 million, Moldova has welcomed more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country in Europe, despite being among the poorest. As a neighboring state, Moldova plays a unique role in the UN-coordinated humanitarian response, where vulnerable Moldovans receive assistance alongside refugees from Ukraine.
The large influx of refugees has placed Moldova under significant and ongoing humanitarian pressure. Support for key humanitarian actors such as the UN agencies, the Red Cross, and Norwegian organizations including the Norwegian Refugee Council, Kirkens Nødhjelp, Caritas Norway and NORCAP has been crucial. Norway is among the largest humanitarian donors in Moldova. Since 2022, Norway has provided a total of NOK 749.5 million in humanitarian support to Moldova, with NOK 150 million distributed in 2025.