RSES - NIER

Institutional Repository of National Institute for Economic Research

Welcome to the platform of the open repository in the field of economic and social research of the National Institute of Economic Research from Republic of Moldova.

The repository is a digital archive and offers users open access to publications with full text for scientific, educational and methodological purposes. The materials placed in the collections are allowed to be used exclusively non-profit, with the compulsory indication of the author of the work and hyperlinks at this archive.

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Recent Submissions

  • Item type:Item,
    Impact of energy prices on absolute poverty in Moldova
    (2025) Balan, Aliona; Gutium, Tatiana
    Moldova is a country that imports energy. The energy crisis and repeated increases in end-user tariffs have impacted the population's well-being. This topic is relevant because it examines the vital role of energy security in ensuring citizens' economic well-being. This study aims to evaluate the impact of rising energy prices on absolute poverty in Moldova. Energy prices are one of the main factors affecting household expenditure, particularly for vulnerable groups who spend most of their income on meeting basic needs. The study focuses particularly on the relationship between energy prices and poverty, demonstrating how price fluctuations can exacerbate socio-economic inequality. To achieve this, econometric methods such as ordinary least squares (OLS) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) were employed while addressing issues such as multicollinearity and endogeneity. The results show that rising energy prices reduce disposable income by increasing expenditure on essential goods and services, thereby increasing the financial burden on households. Logically, an increase in absolute poverty will not only decrease the well-being of the population, but also undermine economic stability. Understanding these patterns is crucial for policymakers developing strategies to reduce poverty and ensure inclusive growth. This study proves that, in order to achieve energy security and social equality in Moldova, strategies must be promoted to ensure the availability of energy resources and increase households' resilience to economic shocks.
  • Item type:Item,
    The evolution of the banking sector in the Republic of Moldova from the perspective of economic resilience
    (PRO Universitaria, 2025) Popa, Viorica; Sargu, Lilia; Tirigan, Sergiu
    The banking sector in the Republic of Moldova has undergone significant transformation since the country’s independence in 1991. This evolution is closely tied to the nation’s broader economic trajectory and its ability to withstand various internal and external shocks. From the collapse of the Soviet economic system to the implementation of market-based reforms, the Moldovan banking sector has had to navigate a series of financial crises, regulatory changes, and geopolitical challenges. This paper examines the evolution of Moldova’s banking sector from the perspective of economic resilience, focusing on its capacity to absorb shocks and adapt to changing economic conditions. The study highlights key phases in the development of the banking system, including the post-Soviet transition period, the consolidation of the banking sector, and the 2008 global financial crisis, which exposed vulnerabilities in Moldova's financial system. It further explores the effects of the 2014 "billion-dollar theft" on public trust in banks and the subsequent reforms implemented by the National Bank of Moldova to restore stability and strengthen financial supervision. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with banking professionals and quantitative analysis of key financial indicators, this research assesses how regulatory frameworks, institutional reforms, and macroeconomic factors have influenced the resilience of the banking sector. It concludes by discussing the ongoing challenges and opportunities for the sector in the face of economic volatility, political instability, and the evolving role of remittances in Moldova's economy. The findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in enhancing the banking system's resilience, the sector must continue to adapt to both domestic and global economic pressures to ensure long-term stability and growth. The article was developed within the framework of Subprogram 030101 „Strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the accession process to the European Union”, institutional funding.