The Open Society Foundations in Moldova

When the Soros Foundation–Moldova began its work in 1992, as the first civil society organization, the country had just emerged from the former Soviet Union as an independent state. Since then, the foundation has supported civil society, media, human rights defenders, teachers, doctors, police officers, lawyers, vulnerable groups, civic promoters of public accountability, electoral integrity, and community mobilization. It has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant civic environment, empowering independent civil society organizations and think tanks to advocate for democracy and counter decades of Soviet influence. Over time, the foundation has remained a steadfast advocate for transparent governance and democratic accountability, safeguarding the well-being of Moldova’s citizens.

In 2023, Moldova achieved a significant milestone by becoming an EU candidate nation, showcasing its firm commitment to sustainable development and European standards. This is a historic moment for Moldova’s future, and the foundation remains committed to the country’s European integration by supporting democracy, the rule of law’s fortification, and the social and economic welfare advancement. This effort aims at enhancing Moldova’s resilience against crises, against Russian propaganda and expansionistic political pressure, and supports its population to live in peace and security. 

Nine Facts About Moldova and the Open Society Foundations

1. Since the 1990s, almost 2,000 young people from Moldova have received scholarships from the foundation to study at colleges and universities in Europe and the United States, including at the Central European University.
2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation donated hundreds of thousands of pieces of protective equipment to medical staff and frontline workers, while supporting an array of projects by local community groups aimed at protecting those most at risk, promoting human rights and combating COVID-19 misinformation.
3. In 2022, the foundation responded immediately to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, supporting unaccompanied children, older people, and women fleeing the war. The foundation backed the launch of a human rights advocates’ network for Ukrainian refugees, which has worked both to provide them with immediate legal assistance, and to facilitate the collection of testimony and evidence to document war crimes.
4. Since 2018, the foundation has worked with the European Union, civil society, and public authorities to develop social services to meet the needs of thousands of people with disabilities, children, vulnerable women, older people, and other marginalized groups. Projects have included establishing mobile teams for disability assistance, creating protected housing, and setting up community facilities such as canteens, laundries, and child care centers.
5. Over the past 25 years, the foundation has supported Moldovan independent media outlets at national and regional levels while fostering good quality journalism as a tool to expose corruption, to combat disinformation and propaganda, and to advance transparency and accountability.
6. The foundation has been a leading voice in advocating for reforms that ensure free access to justice for vulnerable groups. This included backing national justice reform, the development of Moldova’s National Legal Aid Council, and the country’s national network of paralegals.
7. The foundation has worked to bring the Moldovan police’s work in line with human rights guarantees and European Union standards. This has included advocating for human rights-based approach in police operations, new community-based policing approaches, and reforms to combat corruption and ensure zero tolerance for ill treatment and torture.
8. The foundation is one of the leading supporters of the development of an effective mechanism for the recovery of criminal assets in Moldova, including the strengthening the capacities of the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency.
9. The foundation continues to be a leading voice in efforts to combat institutional corruption by strengthening transparency and accountability. This has included assisting in digitizing the activities of the Public Property Agency, strengthening accountability of public enterprises, and improving the access to public information for media, civil society, and the general population.