63 Young People, Prepared for the Country’s European Future: The EU – Government of Moldova Internship Programme Has Concluded

A new cohort of young professionals has completed their internship within the prestigious joint Programme of the European Union Delegation and the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Sixty-three students and graduates from the country and the diaspora, selected through a rigorous process and engaged for two months in public institutions, received today their well-deserved certificates during a festive ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov and the European Union Ambassador, Jānis Mažeiks.

The Internship Programme involved full-time activity – eight hours per day with physical presence – and was focused on key topics related to the European integration process. Throughout the internship, participants were guided daily by an EU High Level Adviser and the staff of the host institution. The young people also had the opportunity to attend weekly training sessions, gain in-depth understanding of institutional mechanisms, and carry out concrete tasks. For their engagement, each intern received a monthly allowance of 200 euros provided by the European Union.

“I am glad that this programme brings proactive young people into public administration. I encourage the interns to join the public sector and contribute to the European integration of the Republic of Moldova,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov.

In turn, Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks highlighted the lasting impact of the programme:
“It is a special professional satisfaction to see how a project delivers concrete results in such a short time. I hope that many of those who still have to continue their studies will return in a year or two to their internship place, this time as employees,” the Ambassador noted.

The selection process was rigorous, structured in two stages: the pre-selection of application files – 225 in total – and the final interview, conducted in Romanian and English, before a panel composed of representatives of the EU Delegation, the Government, and the EU High Level Advisers’ Mission. The evaluation focused on fluency in English, motivation, knowledge of EU–Moldova relations, and other relevant skills.

“This experience helped me understand how I can actively contribute to the country’s development. It gave me confidence, skills, and a clear perspective on my career in the public sector,” said Corina Filipciuc, a participant in the programme.

Graduates who obtained positive evaluations may benefit from direct employment – without competition and without a probation period – in their host institution, provided they complete an additional month of internship.

Since the initiative’s launch in 2022, more than 190 young people have taken part in the programme, and 17 of them have been employed in public institutions. The programme continues to create real opportunities for young people, offering them a concrete platform to launch a career in public service.