LAUNCH OF A NEW RESEARCH PROJECT ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN MOLDOVA AT MOLDOVA STATE UNIVERSITY
A new research initiative titled “Strengthening Protection and Inclusion Through Entrepreneurship: Evaluating Support Measures for Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova” has officially been launched at Moldova State University, within LCS “Comparative Public Law and E-Governance ” aiming to assess and improve entrepreneurship support mechanisms for displaced populations in the country,
In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moldova continues to host one of the highest refugee-to-population ratios in Europe, with approximately 136,000 Ukrainian refugees remaining in the country. While temporary protection measures have ensured access to essential services, many refugees still face significant barriers to stable employment and long-term economic integration.
The project responds to this challenge by examining how entrepreneurship can serve as a viable pathway for socio-economic inclusion. It will map and evaluate key support initiatives, including grants, training programmes, mentorship schemes, and legal assistance provided by national and international actors. The project combines quantitative and qualitative research methods and the analysis will focus on the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of existing interventions, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women.
This project aims to provide data-driven insights that can inform more effective and inclusive policies, ultimately strengthening both refugee self-reliance and Moldova’s economic resilience. By addressing critical evidence gaps, the initiative seeks to contribute to more sustainable integration strategies and strengthen the role of entrepreneurship as a driver of resilience and inclusion for displaced populations in Moldova.
The project is funded by the Lawyers’ Law Center A.O. (CDA), as an implementing partner for UNHCR Moldova, under the framework of the project: PFA-MDA-21101-013021-00 „Legal assistance for refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons in the Republic of Moldova”, where CDA manages the „Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair” (SVMAC) small grants program.