German-Moldovan Agricultural Policy Dialogue
Agricultural policy dialogue to support Moldova's accession to the EU in the agricultural sector
The project
The project supports the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) of the Republic of Moldova in meeting the challenges of the EU accession process. This includes numerous analysis, coordination, counselling and training measures:
- Support in screening the EU acquis and aligning national agricultural policy with EU standards
- Secretariat function of an EU mentoring group
- Development of scientific co-operation
- Capacity building measures
The main target group is the employees of the ministry and the authorities responsible for the various specialised areas.
Project duration | November 2023 to October 2026 |
Project goals
The MAIA and the authorities responsible for the specialised areas should make significant progress in the accession process:
- Support the harmonisation of national law with EU law
- Strengthening administrative capacity to implement EU law
- Establishment of a dialogue and multi-stakeholder platform
Results and successes
On 15 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova. The German-Moldovan Agricultural Policy Dialogue (GAPD) is ready to actively support the upcoming accession process in the agricultural sector. The project includes the establishment of the APD as a central agricultural policy dialogue platform. Furthermore, the ODA supports the Republic of Moldova in the accession negotiations with the EU, which will begin with the so-called screening process for the negotiation chapters on agriculture, rural development and food safety. Finally, the ODA is intended to strengthen the MAIA's capacities in the area of programme development and agricultural policy monitoring.
Agriculture in Moldova
Agriculture is of great importance in the Republic of Moldova. It contributes just under 8 % to GDP and 45 % to exports. Around 38% of the labour force is employed in agriculture and forestry. The rural exodus is one of the biggest challenges. The national agricultural policy is aimed at competitiveness, sustainability and improving living conditions in rural areas. EU accession is both a great opportunity and a challenge for the agricultural sector. The Republic of Moldova must transpose the extensive EU legislation on agriculture, food safety and fisheries in the agricultural sector into national law and be demonstrably able to implement it.