Moldova plans IMF talks on cooperation without initial financing

Moldova’s government plans to discuss cooperation with the International Monetary Fund without borrowing at the initial stage. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said he saw no immediate need to seek loans, while leaving open the possibility of financing later.

Speaking on Exclusiv TV, Tofan said Moldova had no active programme. He said a financing component, if needed, would most likely come only in the second half of next year. He acknowledged difficult economic conditions but said cooperation with the fund was useful chiefly for the discipline it provided.

In May, the government of then-prime minister Alexandru Munteanu reached a staff-level agreement on a Policy Coordination Instrument. The IMF confirmed that the agreement required Executive Board approval. Its objectives included reducing the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP by 2029, supporting investment, broadening the VAT base and simplifying income taxation.

The previous lending programme ended in October 2025. Its final reviews were not completed because of delays in meeting financial and governance commitments. Moldova did not receive a final disbursement of about $170 million.

The talks come amid energy difficulties and rising imported fuel costs. An energy state of emergency has been in force since September 26. In its October outlook, the IMF maintained its growth forecast of 1.5% for this year and cut its projection for 2027 from 3.2% to 2.3%.

An IMF mission led by Alina Iancu will visit Chisinau from October 21 to October 28, 2026. The fund’s representative office said the team would assess economic conditions and discuss economic policy priorities with the authorities.