Analysis of Budget Prospects for 2021 in the Context of the Needs of Vulnerable Groups Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Recommendations for Drafting the 2022 Budget

The pandemic deepened social vulnerabilities in Moldova and widened the range of vulnerable groups. Women, already a major vulnerable group before the crisis, face even more challenges. The crisis exposed weaknesses in public policies supporting these groups and in the social and economic protection system's ability to respond to crises.

Almost two years after the pandemic began, no medium- or long-term post-crisis government strategies are available, and Moldova remains among the most affected countries in Europe. There are no clear forecasts of how long recovery will take. The findings rest on a needs assessment drawing on primary and secondary data, including official and shadow reports and studies by donors, implementing agencies and civil society. The recommendations target the Ministry of Finance, focusing on faster budget planning and gender-sensitive participation of vulnerable groups in the budget process.