Events

The European Commission has launched the application process for the 2026 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions.

The prize features three distinct award categories, allowing to support the further development of institutional equality initiatives. 

Award categories are:

• Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: recognises organisations demonstrating a significant, long-term track record of structural achievement through their Gender Equality Plans (GEP). One winner will be awarded.
• Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Celebrates institutions that have recently finalised their first GEP and can show the most substantial progress in implementation. Two winners will be awarded.
• Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: recognises pioneering institutions that address the intersection of gender with at least two other social categories, such as racial/ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or social origin. One winner will be awarded.

Each winner will receive a trophy and a €100,000 prize.

The call is open to applicants from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, as countries associated to the Horizon Europe Programme.

Eligible higher education institutions, universities, and organisations conducting research and innovation across EU Member States, associated Countries, and candidate countries have until 29 September 2026 to submit their online applications via the Funding and Tenders Portal.

The official winners will be announced and celebrated at a dedicated award ceremony in Brussels in 2027.

Established in 2022 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions aims to foster institutional change across the European Research Area (ERA) and beyond.

Find out more

Press release

Call announcement

CLOSING DATE

September 29, 2026

The contract for energy efficiency upgrades to Block No. 2 of the “Diomid Gherman” Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery has been signed. The works will be implemented under the Moldova Energy Efficiency Project, financed by the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The contract, worth approximately EUR 2 million, has been signed with the Joint Venture between QUANTIS ECO S.R.L., a company from Republic of Moldova and SC Antramicons S.R.L, a company from Romania.

The planned interventions at the “Diomid Gherman” Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery are aimed at significantly improving the energy performance of the buildings and creating better conditions for patients and medical staff. The works will include a comprehensive package of energy efficiency measures, including:

• thermal insulation of the building envelope;
• replacement of external windows and doors with energy-efficient units;
• modernization of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems;
• modernization of indoor and outdoor lighting systems;
• installation of a 40 kW photovoltaic (PV) system.

These measures are expected to reduce energy consumption and operating costs, improve indoor comfort and the overall functionality of the buildings, and enhance the institution’s energy performance in line with European energy efficiency standards.

“With the support of the authorities and development partners, the Moldova Energy Efficiency Project is providing practical solutions that will help reduce energy consumption and operating costs, while extending the service life of public buildings. Energy efficiency investments are, first and foremost, about improving people’s everyday environment. These works will create better conditions for patients and medical staff, while making the building more energy-efficient and sustainable. This is the impact we aim to achieve through the project,” said Ruslan Surugiu, MEPIU Director.

The Moldova Energy Efficiency Project is one of the country’s largest national initiatives focused on improving the energy performance of public buildings and provides for the energy rehabilitation of 10 nationally important healthcare institutions, contributing to the modernization of healthcare infrastructure and improved conditions for the delivery of medical services. The project is implemented by MEPIU – Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit, under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova.

More information about the project, the medical institutions to be renovated, and the planned measures: https://eu4moldova.eu/en/ten-major-public-healthcare-institutions-in-the-republic-of-moldova-will-undergo-modernisation-and-energy-efficiency-upgrades/

2026 marks a historic new chapter for the Republic of Moldova: the official opening of EU accession negotiations. In the European family, unity means respecting what makes each country unique and celebrating its culture – every country preserves its soul, traditions and language. The Republic of Moldova brings to this family a unique cultural heritage and a community of remarkable people.

To mark Moldova’s national holidays, celebrated during the last week of August – Independence Day and Romanian Language Day – the European Union pays tribute to the people of the Republic of Moldova through a series of five interviews with people from different regions and walks of life, each of whom reflects the country’s uniqueness in their own way.

In their faces and words, you will recognise the teacher who passes the mother tongue from one generation to the next, the neighbour who is always ready to lend a helping hand, the village priest who brings peace of mind, or the artist who turns longing for home into art that has earned recognition abroad.

The European Union is, first and foremost, a community of people and shared values. Moldova’s European journey is not only about reforms and laws; it is also about recognising and protecting the identity of every citizen.

The “I Am Moldova” campaign is an invitation to rediscover this country and a reminder that Moldova’s European path is being shaped by its people – the people who build its future every day. We invite you to watch these video stories, see yourselves in the stories of the people featured, and celebrate together Moldova’s identity, independence and European future.

Happy Holidays, Republic of Moldova!

A delegation of the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP) of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova (MIA) has successfully completed a study visit to the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) of the Republic of Lithuania, organised within the framework of the EU-funded project “EU4Borders Security – Moldova”.

The five-day study visit provided an opportunity for eight representatives of the GIBP and the MIA to exchange knowledge and practical experience with their Lithuanian counterparts, further strengthening institutional cooperation and supporting Moldova’s ongoing efforts to align its border management system with European Union and Schengen acquis standards.

Throughout the programme, the delegation participated in thematic presentations and practical demonstrations covering key aspects of integrated border management, strategic planning, irregular migration management, aviation support, and the training of border guards. Participants also visited several Frontier Districts, Frontier Stations, Border Crossing Points, and the Border Guard School.

The field visits enabled the Moldovan delegation to gain first-hand insight into Lithuania’s operational practices, modern border surveillance technologies, and border control procedures.

The exchange of expertise and practical experience contributed to enhancing the professional capacities of the participants and identifying good practices that may support the further development of the Republic of Moldova’s border management system, while advancing the country’s efforts to align with European Union and Schengen acquis standards.

About “EU4Borders Security – Moldova”

The project “EU4Borders Security – Moldova” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) from Lithuania, the Solidarity Fund PL, and the International Organization for Migration.

The project has a duration of 36 months, starting in June 2025.

More information about the project is available at www.EU4Moldova.eu.

Local organizations working with farmers in the Republic of Moldova can receive grants of up to US$15,000 to carry out information and advisory activities supporting the registration process in the Digital National Farmers Register.

Six civil society organizations will be selected through a competitive process and will receive funding to carry out information, advisory and technical assistance activities aimed at facilitating farmers’ registration in the Digital National Farmers Register.

The call is open to:

• agricultural producer associations;
• agricultural chambers;
• Local Action Groups (LAGs);
• local non-governmental and non-profit organizations registered and active in the Republic of Moldova.

The grants will support activities such as:

• informing and raising farmers’ awareness about the registration process;
• information sessions, community meetings and local events;
• field visits and information activities in rural communities;
• advisory and practical support for registration and self-registration;
• developing farmers’ digital skills;
• establishing temporary information and assistance points, among other activities.

Registration in the Digital National Farmers Register is an important step towards modernizing and increasing the efficiency of the agricultural sector. It will contribute to better data management, monitoring of support measures and institutional coordination. Once fully operational, registration in the Digital National Farmers Register will become mandatory for accessing agricultural subsidies. 

The grant competition is launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the European Union, under the project “Promoting agricultural development and quality employment for the most vulnerable”. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture.

The deadline for submitting applications is 14 September 2026, at 18:00. More information on the application conditions, eligibility criteria and application process is available at: https://sc.undp.md/tnddetails2/3354/

Organizations intending to apply can also participate in an information session on 2 September 2026.

The European Union and UNDP are supporting the nationwide expansion of the Digital National Farmers Register, which will contribute to more transparent and efficient agricultural governance.

The Register was initially developed and piloted in 2024 with the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan, when data from more than 20,000 farmers were collected.

The Digital National Farmers Register contributes to sustainable and inclusive agricultural governance aligned with EU standards.

Yet another information session brought together almost 150 young people from the Joint Internship Programme of the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova in a discussion dedicated to gender equality in public administration and the development of the skills necessary for active involvement in the public sector. Valentina Bodrug-Lungu, expert within the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk, explained the young people the importance of integrating the gender dimension into public processes and policies, as well as the role of public administration in promoting equal opportunities.

After this, Dan Arnăut, Head of Division within the National Agency for the Development of Youth Programmes and Activities, presented the concept of problem mapping, providing the interns with practical tools and perspectives for identifying, understanding and structuring the problems faced by communities and different categories of citizens. Through interactive exercises and teamwork activities, interns developed their communication, cooperation and joint task-solving skills, while contributing to building a more united interns community.

The session thus offered a balance between information, professional development and interaction, supporting interns in acquiring relevant skills for their perspective work within public institutions.

The Internship Programme is taking place in the framework of the EU- and Denmark- funded project ”Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”.

Seven entrepreneurs from the Transnistrian region will receive support from the European Union and UNDP to develop, modernise and increase the competitiveness of their businesses. Through the Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, they will receive equipment, services and advisory support.

The entrepreneurs were selected through a competitive call for business projects. As a result, seven small and medium-sized enterprises will receive EU assistance worth a total of USD 245,000 to improve efficiency and expand their economic activities.

Among the selected entrepreneurs is Marina Petriman from Parcani, who runs a mushroom-growing business:

“Receiving support to improve energy efficiency is an important step for our enterprise. High electricity and heating costs limit our opportunities for growth and development. Thanks to this support, we will be able to implement energy-saving technologies, reduce operating costs, and redirect the savings towards further business development and improving working conditions.”

Supporting the local business environment remains a priority for the European Union and UNDP, contributing to the preservation of jobs, stimulating investment and strengthening the economic resilience of communities on both banks of the Dniester.

This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme (Phase VI) (2023–2026), funded by the European Union. The content of this material belongs to its authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Over 1000 young and aspiring entrepreneurs took part in the 9 rounds of training covering all regions in Moldova, during 2025 – 2026. Participants gained access to information and practical guidance on the legal, fiscal, customs and administrative framework necessary for starting and running a business.

The last round of training took place between August 11 and 13 in Comrat, bringing together about 140 participants from the districts of Ceadir-Lunga, Taraclia, Cantemir, Comrat and Leova. The trainings were attended by both entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey and people who intend to launch a business.

During the trainings, participants had the opportunity to interact with representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Customs Service and the State Fiscal Service, as well as other experts.

The agenda included the main aspects that an entrepreneur must know in order to carry out his/her activity in compliance with the legal provisions: from the registration of a legal entity, tax obligations, accounting and financial management, to procurement, customs procedures and the conduct of foreign economic activity.

A special emphasis was placed on the practical component of the trainings. During the question and answer sessions, the participants were able to address concrete situations encountered when starting or developing a business and received clarifications and recommendations directly from specialists in the field.

The training programme was organized by the EU- and Denmark-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the Customs Service, the State Tac Service and the pubication ‘Fiscal Monitor FISC.md’, and aimed to increase the level of knowledge of the legal, fiscal and administrative framework necessary for the initiation and sustainable development of businesses.

Throughout 2025 – 2026, trainings were organized in Chisinau, Bălți, Cahul, Orhei, Căușeni, Ungheni, Ialoveni, Edineț and Comrat, ensuring access to training and expertise for future and current entrepreneurs from different regions of the country.

According to organisers, investing in informing and training entrepreneurs contributes to a better understanding and application of the legal framework, increasing the degree of compliance and, implicitly, to the development of sustainable businesses.

In 2024, 5,594 SMEs were supported through the EU4Business Initiative in Moldova, generating an extra €90.6 million in income and 12,975 new jobs, growing their turnover by 12.9%, and increasing their exports by 9.9% as a result.

See the detailed results in the brochure.

On 4 August, the Organic Farmers School was launched at the National Institute for Applied Research in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (IP INCAAMV) – a platform for practical training and exchange of experience, created to bring research closer to farmers and to support the development of organic, resilient agriculture aligned with European standards.

The School was established under the ‘Sustainable Food Systems – Production’ project, financed by the European Union and the Czech Republic and implemented by the Czech Development Agency. The project is part of the Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainable Food Systems’, while the School is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and IP INCAAMV.

The programme will include practical training, field demonstrations and exchanges of experience, giving farmers access to modern technologies and examples of good practices in organic agriculture.

The event brought together representatives of public authorities and development partners, researchers, agricultural producers, students and farmers from different regions of the country.

Participants included both farmers experienced in organic production and people interested in taking their first steps in this field, eager to gain knowledge and develop sustainable agricultural businesses.

Organic Farmers School – a new chapter in Moldovan-Czech cooperation

Attending the event, Jaromír Plíšek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Moldova, emphasised that the launch of the Organic Farmers School is a natural continuation of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture.

“I believe that the launch of the Organic Farmers School represents a natural continuation of the long-standing cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Moldova, which delivers tangible results for the country’s farmers and institutions. The School will serve as a venue for training, exchange of experience and practical demonstrations of modern farming methods,” said Jaromír Plíšek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Moldova.

The diplomat recalled that the Czech Republic has supported the development of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova for more than two decades. Over the years, projects have been implemented to develop organic agriculture, strengthen institutional capacities and harmonise legislation with European standards.

According to him, the new project also aims to strengthen the resilience of agriculture to climate change.

Ministry of Agriculture: research must respond to farmers’ needs

Rodica Reșitca, Head of the Agricultural Research, Training and Advisory Service within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, emphasised that the new school was created to respond to farmers’ needs.

“The Organic Farmers School is a necessary initiative dedicated first and foremost to farmers. It was created to help them find solutions to the challenges they face in their work and to strengthen cooperation

between farmers and researchers,” said Rodica Reșitca, Head of the Agricultural Research, Training and Advisory Service within MAFI.

First training sessions begin in September

The Organic Farmers School will become operational this autumn. Ana Kremenic, Project Manager representing the Czech Development Agency, announced that the first training sessions will begin in September.

“Training sessions at the Organic Farmers School will begin in September. One of the main topics will be soil quality, a crucial issue for agriculture in the Republic of Moldova that requires significant improvement. Through these training sessions, we want to provide farmers with practical knowledge and solutions that can be applied directly in their work,” said Ana Kremenic, Project Manager, Czech Development Agency.

Transferring research results to farmers

Beyond the theoretical component, the organisers intend the School to facilitate the transfer of research results to farmers and provide practical solutions to problems encountered in the field.

This was also confirmed by Vasile Niculiță, a researcher with the Department of Organic Products and Climate Change Adaptation Measures at IP INCAAMV and a certified organic vegetable producer.

“The Organic Farmers School was created to give farmers access to practical information and the latest research findings. We want farmers to be able to test and apply modern technologies on their own farms and, through direct cooperation with researchers, find solutions to the problems they face in their daily work,” said Vasile Niculiță.

Vera Druță: “In agriculture, we are always learning”

Among the participants was Vera Druță, a certified organic fruit and vegetable producer from the village of Brăila, Chișinău municipality. Although she has worked in organic agriculture for several years, she says that experience does not mean the learning process ever ends.

“A school like this is very welcome. Even when we have experience, in agriculture we are always learning, and climate change constantly requires us to find new solutions. We have faced many challenges and have often learned from our own mistakes. For young people who want to start an organic farming business, this School will provide important support,” said Vera Druță, a certified organic fruit and vegetable producer.

Young people see the Organic Farmers School as a learning opportunity

The new initiative has also attracted the interest of young people preparing for a career in agriculture.

Piotr Caraman, a master’s student in Horticultural Sciences and responsible for the university’s teaching greenhouse, believes that access to practical experience and researchers’ expertise can help future farmers avoid many common mistakes at the start of their careers.

“The idea behind this School is very good because it gives farmers useful information directly from specialists. It is particularly important for young people starting out in agriculture, as it can help them avoid many mistakes and learn from the experience of those already working in the field,” said Piotr Caraman.

With the support of the European Union and the Czech Republic, the Organic Farmers School creates a direct link between research and practice and helps farmers adopt environmentally friendly solutions that are resilient to climate change and aligned with European standards.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union (EU). Its content represents the sole responsibility of the Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainable Food Systems’, financed by the EU and the Czech Republic and implemented by the Czech Development Agency, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, and the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre.

The content of the publication belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the vision of the above-mentioned partners.

Dreaming of a career in the heart of Europe? Come and find out how to land a job in the EU institutions from our fellow Moldovan, Doina Pînzari, who works in Brussels.

The European Commission is looking not only for diplomats, but also for talented people in IT, PR, finance and many other fields — and you could be the right candidate.

On 18 August, Doina will join us at Europe Café to guide you through the job-hunting process. She started her career in Moldova and now has more than 10 years of experience at the European level, working in communications at the European Commission.

Come and find out:
– what types of jobs are available within the EU institutions, what opportunities are open to people without EU citizenship;
– where to look for these opportunities and which platforms are worth following;
– how to tailor your CV and application for an EU job;
– how the recruitment process works and what to expect.

Bring your questions and see you at the event!

Date: 18 August
Time: 17:30
Location: Europe Café

Participation is free. Register by filling out the form: Registration form

ANPCDEFP, the Romanian National Agency of the Erasmus+ programme, invites trainers, youth leaders, youth policy makers, and youth coaches from the Eastern Partner countries, including Belarus, to take part in a study visit aiming to explore the European Youth Village model, strengthen rural youth ecosystems, and help inspire the 2027 European Rural Youth Summit.

The study visit is scheduled for 12-16 October 2026 and will take place in Sâncraiu, Cluj County, Romania.

The ‘From RURAL to PLURAL’ approach helps turn rural youth from “beneficiaries” to co-creators at a municipal and community level.

Study participants in the visit will meet local youth initiative groups, municipal actors and practitioners, visit Sancraiu, a European Youth Village youth-friendly community, and work in mixed-country labs to translate learning into project concepts and policy-oriented follow-up. 

ANPCDEFP will organise and cover the costs for accommodation and food for the period of the training course.

The deadline for applications is 6 September. 

Find out more

Press release

CLOSING DATE

September 6, 2026