The initiative was developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization within the framework of fulfilling the obligations of the Republic of Moldova to approximate the legislation to the European Union directives.
The fund is planned to be formed by mandatory contributions from postal service providers in the amount of 1% of their annual revenues. In case of insufficient funds, additional financing from the state budget is allowed.
The explanatory note emphasizes that the universal postal service provider has to maintain a dense network of post offices throughout the country, including in rural areas with a low population. In 2024, there were about 500 unprofitable post offices in Moldova, and in the first nine months of 2025, the number increased to 610. The number of unprofitable outlets accounted for about 54% of the total number of post offices.
After the full liberalization of the postal market on September 1, 2021, private operators significantly increased their market share. By the end of 2024, it amounted to 56% of all revenues, including by servicing profitable areas previously provided by Moldova Post. The latter, in turn, found itself in unequal conditions due to universal service obligations and the need for additional payments to the state budget.
“Consequently, it is necessary to implement the mechanism for compensating the net costs of the universal postal service provided for in the EU Directive, as well as efficiency measures that will support the operation of unprofitable outlets in terms of revenue generated, but which are necessary to ensure access to services under the universal postal service and compliance with quality standards,” the document says.
The proposed legislation creates a mechanism that ensures a level playing field for competition and preserves the sustainable provision of postal services for residents of all localities in the country.
The draft to amend the postal law is scheduled to be submitted for public consultations, after which it will be considered by the government and parliament.
