Italy is contributing, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an additional €14 million to strengthen social protection and energy resilience in the Republic of Moldova. Focused on digitalization, inclusion, and sustainability, the support targets five key areas: efficiency and resilience of the social protection system—including the renovation of specialized public infrastructure in the social protection field; continued support for the winter compensation program “Ajutor la contor” (“Help at the Meter”); expansion of smart metering, aiming to reach 100,000 meters; promotion of renewable energy; and strengthening cybersecurity in the energy sector.

This financial agreement between Italy and UNDP, signed on June 12, 2025, complements the €20 million support provided in November 2023 and January 2025.

“This new commitment reinforces Italy’s ongoing support for the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to assist its most vulnerable citizens and advance its reform agenda,” said Lorenzo Tomassoni, Italy’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.

“Through this partnership, we are contributing to real change — from energy bill compensation for low-income families to the digitalization of public services — key steps in Moldova’s European integration process and in ensuring long-term stability. We value the efforts and results of the pro-European Government in improving the quality of life for the people of Moldova.”

“This funding agreement allows us to scale up a well-targeted intervention with tangible impact,” added Pietro Pipi, Head of the Kyiv Regional Office for Ukraine and Moldova, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

“We are investing in the modernization of inclusive social service centers, the expansion of smart metering, and support for energy-vulnerable households through the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund. These are not abstract ideas but concrete solutions aimed at reducing inequality, improving efficiency, and providing future-ready public services.”

“We appreciate the additional support from the Government of Italy, which will accelerate the digitalization of both the energy and social protection sectors — essential pillars for ensuring better lives and access to affordable, reliable energy for all,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

Thanks to Italy’s financial contribution, two regional social service centers will be renovated and equipped based on a modern one-stop-shop model that integrates energy-efficient technologies and user-centered design principles. This intervention will help reduce administrative costs, improve service quality, and ensure accessibility for all population groups, including persons with disabilities.

Italy’s support also targets the government’s energy compensation program “Ajutor la contor” by sustaining the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF) and its dedicated Call Center — supported by Italy since 2024 — as well as providing compensation for energy-vulnerable households. For the 2024–2025 heating season, Italy is contributing €5 million to the EVRF.

In addition, due to the supplementary funding from the Italian Government, the smart metering pilot project — currently run by the Ministry of Energy — will be expanded. By the end of 2027, the number of installed smart meters is expected to reach 100,000, representing 7% of Moldova’s 1.4 million electricity consumers. Between 2023 and 2025, 35,000 smart devices have been delivered to distribution operators, which are being installed this year in the North and Central-South distribution zones. Another batch of 25,000 smart meters will be installed by the end of 2026, and an additional 40,000 by 2027.

The initiative contributes to resilient energy infrastructure and efficient energy demand management. It can also generate savings on consumer bills by encouraging adjustments in consumption behavior.

“Smart meters, installed with the support of the Italian Government, are a key element for implementing differentiated electricity tariffs and shaping consumer behavior to reduce peak-hour usage and lower household energy bills,” said Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy.

With the support of Italy and UNDP, Moldova will also implement a set of integrated measures to enhance cybersecurity and climate resilience in the energy sector. These include equipping energy system operators with real-time detection systems and measures to protect against cyber and climate-related risks. These efforts will help safeguard energy infrastructure amid rapid digitalization.

The Italian Government and UNDP will also support the creation and operationalization of at least three renewable energy communities, which will serve as best practice models at both local and national levels. These energy communities will allow households, public institutions, and private entities to collectively generate, consume, sell, and share renewable energy, helping to lower costs and increase energy independence.