CFAs: Strengthening the National Bank of Moldova’s Capacities Project

Deadline: 28-Oct-2026

The European Commission is inviting public administrations and mandated bodies from EU Member States to apply for a Twinning project supporting the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) in aligning its central banking, regulatory, institutional, operational, and supervisory functions with EU standards. The project has a total budget of €1.5 million and a maximum duration of 27 months, including 24 months of implementation. What Is the National Bank of Moldova Capacity-Building Project? The European Commission initiative, titled “Strengthening the National Bank of Moldova’s capacities to align with EU standards in central banking and support Moldova’s EU integration,” is designed to strengthen the institutional and supervisory capabilities of Moldova’s central bank. The project supports the Republic of Moldova’s broader process of European Union integration. It focuses on bringing relevant central banking practices, regulatory frameworks, and institutional procedures closer to the standards established by the EU. Main Objective of the Project The primary objective is to reinforce the institutional, operational, and supervisory capacities of the National Bank of Moldova. The project will help the NBM strengthen its ability to perform its central banking responsibilities in accordance with European standards.

Key objectives include:

- Improving central banking practices. - Strengthening institutional capacity. - Enhancing supervisory functions. - Supporting regulatory alignment. - Harmonising relevant practices with EU standards. - Strengthening Moldova’s capacity to meet EU integration requirements. Why This Project Matters Moldova’s EU integration process requires institutions to progressively align their legislation, policies, administrative systems, and technical practices with EU requirements. The National Bank of Moldova has an important role in this process because central banking and financial supervision are closely connected to: - Monetary stability - Banking supervision - Financial-sector regulation - Institutional governance - Financial stability - EU economic and monetary standards Strengthening the NBM’s institutional capacity can therefore support Moldova’s broader efforts to establish systems compatible with EU frameworks. EU Standards and Central Banking Alignment The project will support alignment with requirements and standards established under: - The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). - The Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank (ESCB/ECB Statute). - Relevant EU central banking and supervisory practices. The objective is not simply to introduce individual procedures but to strengthen the NBM’s overall institutional ability to operate consistently with applicable European standards. Key Areas of Support Institutional Capacity The project will strengthen the NBM’s institutional structures and operational capabilities. This may involve improving internal systems, procedures, coordination mechanisms, and institutional practices relevant to central banking responsibilities. Regulatory Frameworks Another important component is the strengthening and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks. This will support the NBM’s ability to apply regulatory practices that are consistent with relevant EU requirements. Supervisory Capacity The initiative will also reinforce the NBM’s supervisory functions. Improved supervisory capacity can help the institution effectively carry out its responsibilities within Moldova’s financial system while progressing toward EU-aligned practices. Central Banking Practices The project will promote greater alignment between Moldova’s central banking practices and relevant European standards. This includes strengthening the technical and institutional capacity needed to implement EU-compatible approaches. Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is highly restricted

The call is not open to NGOs, private companies, universities, individual consultants, or general international organisations.

Eligible applicants are:

- Public administrations of EU Member States. - Mandated bodies of EU Member States that meet the applicable requirements. - Entities eligible under the Twinning Manual. Applicants must submit their proposals through the relevant National Contact Points for Twinning (NCPs). Who Cannot Apply Directly? The following types of applicants are generally not eligible to apply directly under this call: - Individual researchers - Individual consultants - Private companies - NGOs - Civil society organisations - Universities acting independently - Organisations from non-EU countries - Applicants that do not qualify as eligible EU Member State public administrations or mandated bodies The specific eligibility conditions should be checked against the applicable Twinning rules and call documentation. Funding Available The total budget allocated to the project is: €1,500,000 This funding is intended to support the implementation of the institutional capacity-building and EU-alignment activities described in the Twinning project. Project Duration The maximum overall project duration is 27 months.

This includes:

- 24 months of implementation - Additional time associated with the overall project framework and closure requirements Applicants should therefore develop realistic implementation plans that can deliver the expected institutional and technical results within the specified timeframe. How the Twinning Application Process Works Because this is a Twinning opportunity, applications follow a specific institutional process rather than a standard open grant application.

Step 1: Confirm Institutional Eligibility

The interested organisation should first confirm that it is an eligible EU Member State public administration or mandated body under the Twinning Manual.

Step 2: Contact the National Contact Point

Eligible administrations should work through their country’s National Contact Point for Twinning.