Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has caused large flows of refugees to several neighbouring countries, including Moldova. During her visit on March 14-15 the Minister for International Development Cooperation will meet, among others, Nicu Popescu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ana Revenco, Minister for Internal Affairs, Dimitru Urdea, Head of Crisis Response in Moldova and representatives of international and local organizations. Ernkrans will also visit a refugee reception centre on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border.
The large influx of refugees has a major impact on the countries around Ukraine. An estimated 300 000 refugees have crossed the border from Ukraine into Moldova, of which 120 000 are in the country. Moldova with a population of 2,6 million, making it the country with the most refugees per capita.
- I travel to Moldova to better understand the situation of those who have fled Ukraine, and what needs people and Moldova as a country have, in order to best receive the people who are now fleeing the war in Ukraine. During the trip, I will meet both political representatives and international aid organisations in Moldova, says Minister Ernkrans.
Sweden has committed large amounts of humanitarian support to the crisis, through international organisations working in the region, including Moldova. In addition to this, the following material has been sent to Moldova: ten 48 m2 emergency tents, a large electricity generator, and lighting, heating systems. Also, two Swedish emergency response experts assessed the situation.
Sweden is a long-standing partner to the Republic of Moldova with an assistance estimated at EUR 15 million for 2022. Sweden is primarily supporting civil society organisations and multilateral entities through close to 40 projects under the Strategy for Sweden’s reform cooperation with Eastern Europe for 2021–2027 .
The strategy aims at supporting the reform agenda and promote sustainable and democratic developments, with a multi-dimensional poverty focus.
The seven-year strategy outlines four main objectives, namely: 1. Human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality 2. Peaceful and inclusive societies 3. Sustainable development and sustainable use of natural resources 4. Economic development.
