In an era where data-driven governance is central to sustainable development and effective public policymaking, national statistical systems face growing complexity. Rapid societal change, economic integration, and digital transformation demand new approaches to how data is collected, managed, and used. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Moldova has embarked on an ambitious transition toward a register-based statistical system as part of its broader efforts to strengthen the rule of law, reform public administration, and align with European Union standards.
Recognizing the need for a modern, flexible and reliable National Statistical System, Moldova has prioritized the use of high-quality administrative data supported by a clear long-term development strategy. With technical and strategic support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the country is strengthening the production and use of disaggregated data to ensure that no one is left behind and to improve monitoring of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action.
In recent years, Moldova has made notable progress in modernizing its statistical system within the broader digital transformation of the public sector and alignment with international standards. The transition to register-based statistics represents a strategic step forward, offering the potential to significantly reduce the costs of data collection, improve the quality and timeliness of statistics, lower the reporting burden on individuals and institutions, and ensure interoperability and comparability in line with international norms.
The National Bureau of Statistics plays a central role in this transformation, acting as both the coordinator of the national statistical system and a key actor in data governance. It serves as the interface between administrative data holders and end users, including government ministries, international partners, the private sector, and the general public. Moldova has adopted a gradual, long-term approach to the transition, recognizing that register-based statistics require sustained institutional, legal, and technological reforms over many years.
At this early stage, improving data interoperability and exchange has become a foundational priority. These efforts enable more efficient data sharing among public institutions and lay the groundwork for the future integration of administrative registers into official statistical production. This transition is underpinned by a series of strategic reforms, including the adoption of the Strategy for the Development of the National Statistical System 2023–2030 and the accompanying Development Programme for 2023–2026. Together, these frameworks define Moldova’s long-term vision for statistical modernization, data governance improvements, and expanded use of administrative data.
The government has also promoted interoperability through digital platforms such as MConnect, amended legal frameworks governing data sharing and digital public services, and approved new regulations on open data and the reuse of public sector information. Active participation in international cooperation with organizations such as UNFPA, Eurostat, UNECE, UNDP and IOM has further supported capacity building and alignment with international best practices for register-based statistical systems.
In parallel, Moldova is aligning its statistical reforms with the European Statistical System, the EU Statistical Law, and the European Statistics Code of Practice. Key modernization principles include increased reliance on administrative data as an alternative to surveys, implementation of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model, standardized data and metadata exchange through SDMX, and strengthened policies on quality assurance and data confidentiality. These elements collectively form the foundation for a more integrated, efficient, and independent statistical system.
Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. Moldova continues to face gaps in information system interoperability, uneven quality across administrative registers, and reluctance among institutions to share data. The absence of common identifiers limits reliable data linkage, while legal ambiguities and resource constraints hinder the development of modern data exchange services. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, system-wide approach grounded in collaboration, standardization, and sustained political commitment.
A key driver of recent progress has been the strengthened partnership between the National Bureau of Statistics and UNFPA, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding covering the period 2023–2027. This agreement has expanded cooperation in integrating new administrative and non-traditional data sources, digitizing data collection processes, and modernizing statistical production in line with international standards. UNFPA-supported projects, including funding from the India–UN Development Partnership Fund, have enhanced the NBS’s capacity to use administrative data for social and demographic statistics and gradually reduce reliance on traditional surveys.
The partnership has also supported preparations for the 2024 Population and Housing Census through an EU-funded and UNFPA co-financed project, as well as research on domestic violence and efforts to strengthen data dissemination and statistical literacy. Together, these initiatives have improved institutional capacity, enhanced data quality and accessibility, and strengthened evidence-based decision-making.
This case study offers a comprehensive overview of Moldova’s transition toward a register-based statistical system, outlining the initial context, strategic reforms, institutional roles, challenges, and lessons learned. It provides valuable insights and good practices for countries pursuing similar reforms, contributing to the global dialogue on innovation, digitalization, and modernization in official statistics.
