CIS Agreement on Interstate Humanitarian Fund denounced by Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova today denounced the Agreement on the establishment of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation among Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Culture, which argued that this agreement has not proven effective and does not generate benefits for the Republic of Moldova.

The report on the draft law was presented in plenary by the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration, Adrian Băluțel.

“The Committee has reviewed this draft law and notes the following: it was reviewed and approved in the first reading during the plenary session on May 14. The Committee has not received any proposals or objections from parliamentary committees. The Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration proposes that Parliament adopt Draft Law No. 40/II of April 30, 2026, on the denunciation of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States, in the second reading,” said Adrian Băluțel.

The document, signed in 2006, served as the basis for the creation of a fund intended to finance joint projects in areas such as culture, education, science, sports, tourism, media, and youth activities. However, since the ratification of the agreement, the Republic of Moldova has not made any payments or carried out any financial activities under this mechanism.

The authorities note that at present, the Republic of Moldova is focusing its efforts on partnerships deemed more relevant to the European integration process, such as Horizon Europe and Creative Europe programs, which offer extensive opportunities for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, youth, and research.

The termination of the agreement is part of the process of revising treaties concluded within the CIS framework and is part of efforts to align national policies with European Union standards and norms.