Ukraine and Moldova Development Day

On December 5, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) held their annual Ukraine-Moldova Development Day conference.

Photo: SCEEUS

The conference gathered a series of panels discussing Ukraine and Moldova’s paths toward EU membership. Topics of discussion ranged from macroeconomics issues, including the conditions of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s public finances, to human capital such as Ukrainian and Moldovan nationals studying abroad and their prospects of returning home. In a panel on democratic resilience and disinformation in the context of EU accession, SCEEUS analyst Klara Lindström contributed with her insights on the importance of including local authorities and perspectives in Ukraine’s work on reforms and EU accession. 

Klara pointed out that it is crucial to focus on Ukrainian hromadas and regions early in the accession process, as 70% of the EU acquis is implemented at local levels. EU partners should therefore focus on local presence to gain insight into on-the-ground challenges, which would also support trust-building efforts. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that capital flowing into Ukraine reaches rural and more frontline areas.  

The other panelists discussed corruption, the positive takeaways on functioning institutions in Ukraine, and lessons from Moldova’s success on countering Russian disinformation. 

Among other topics, the co-chairs of the panel discussed corruption, the positive takeaways on functioning anti-corruption institutions in Ukraine, and lessons from Moldova’s success in countering Russian disinformation.