Mapping value chains to accelerate Moldova's transition to a circular economy under the program EU4Green Recovery East

On May 19, 2026, Centrul de Instruire și Consultanță „E-Circular” organized Workshop dedicated to mapping priority value chains for the circular economy, within programului EU4Green Recovery East funded by the EU, implemented in the Eastern Partnership region with the support of international partners. The circular economy component is led by Organizația Națiunilor Unite pentru Dezvoltare Industrială (UNIDO).

EU4Green Recovery East is a regional programme supporting the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries of the European Union in their transition towards a more circular, resilient, green and competitive economy. The programme aims to promote the circular economy by encouraging sustainable production and consumption practices, strengthening institutional cooperation and facilitating the adoption of circular business models by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through accessible digital tools adapted to national contexts.

A central element of the programme is the mapping of priority value chains, which constitutes a fundamental step towards the implementation of the “Digital Toolbox” with circular economy tools for SMEs. This process is designed to identify opportunities offered by the circular economy, engage relevant stakeholders and inform future pilot initiatives. In this context, the workshop marked the official launch of the value chain mapping activity and was based on the selection of priority sectors validated on 2 April 2026. It focused on strengthening the analytical understanding of value chain structures, material flows, barriers to circularity and enabling conditions, providing a concrete data base to support the identification of priority sectors and the development of circular economy business models.

The event brought together over 31 representatives of public institutions, including Ministerului Mediului și ai Ministerului Dezvoltării Economice și Digitalizării, as well as private sector actors, business associations and development partners, ensuring a broad and participatory approach to promoting the circular economy in Moldova.

The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Aurelia Bahnaru, who guided participants through the methodological framework and interactive sessions on value chain mapping and circular economy opportunities. Participants engaged in a structured analytical process, combining introductory contributions on circular economy methodologies with the initial results of the Moldovan sector screening. Through a practical “Value Chain Canvas” exercise, they identified key actors, material flows, value creation processes and circularity opportunities in priority sectors, including food and beverages, textiles and clothing, plastics and packaging, as well as construction materials and infrastructure. The discussions also highlighted key systemic challenges, inefficiencies in resource use and potential entry points for circular interventions. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration and improving data-driven decision-making to support Moldova’s circular transition.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on the next steps, contributing to the identification of priority value chains and laying the groundwork for future consultations and pilot activities under the programme. The closing session highlighted the importance of continued stakeholder engagement to support the identification and prioritisation of value chains with high potential in the circular economy.

These activities are implemented with the methodological and financial support of the EU regional programme EU4Green Recovery East, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Austrian Environment Agency, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UNIDO and the International Office for Water (OiEau, France).