ABSTRACT
The Republic of Moldova is a landlocked country between Ukraine and Romania founded in 1991 after the dissolution of the former Soviet Union. The government's reform programme includes European integration, economic development, rule of law, administrative and fiscal decentralization, and reunification of the country. Since April 2014, visa restrictions have been lifted for Moldovans to travel freely throughout the Schengen area. Moldova faces a number of interconnected challenges. Poverty alleviation remains a top priority in Moldova. Although the country has made great progress in reducing poverty, in 2011 more than half of the population still was considered poor and about 10% extremely poor. Non-profit organizations and civic associations are currently the main actors, alongside the State, in tackling social issues in Moldova. In addition, a very small social entrepreneurial sector is emerging, mostly comprised of social enterprises that were externally financed.
