With European Union and ILO support, the State Labour Inspectorate strengthens its capacity to protect workers’ rights and support business compliance

The State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) now has fully renovated and equipped premises within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in Chișinău. The modernisation of the new premises was funded by the European Union through the “EU Support to Inclusive Labour Markets in the Republic of Moldova” project, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The investment, worth more than MDL 9.15 million, complements a broader programme supporting the reform and development of inclusive labour market in the Republic of Moldova.

The new premises will accommodate both the national team of the State Labour Inspectorate and its Chișinău territorial office, providing a modern working environment that strengthens institutional capacity and facilitates interaction with the public. The facilities include a public reception area, a fully equipped call centre, a conference room with simultaneous interpretation equipment, and office spaces.

The European Union’s financial support provided under the project also included the development of the institution’s new official website, ism.gov.md, which provides an accessible platform for information and for reporting illegal practices.

“A strong Labour Inspectorate is essential both for protecting workers and for fostering a fair business environment. This investment provides labour inspectors with better working conditions and tools to carry out their responsibilities, while givingworkers and employers access to more professional and efficient services. We thank the European Union and the International Labour Organization for their continued support for labour market reform in the Republic of Moldova,” said Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.

Strengthening the institution means more effective mechanisms for protecting workers’ rights, preventing undeclared work and other illegal practices in the workplace.

“European integration must translate into tangible changes in people’s everyday lives, including safer workplaces, fair working conditions, and respect for the rights of every worker. Through its support for the State Labour Inspectorate, the European Union is contributing to the modernisation of the institution and bringing it closer to European standards. This support aims to create a clearer and more predictable framework for workers and the business community,” said Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The investment in the State Labour Inspectorate’s premises forms part of a broader package of European Union assistance to strengthen the employment and labour inspection systems in the Republic of Moldova, including:

• 30 body-worn cameras and the related infrastructure were provided to labour inspectors, with their use being mandatory during inspections. In 2026, this equipment was complemented by data security equipment, further strengthening institutional transparency and trust;
• 20 representatives of the Ministry, the SLI and the social partners were certified in occupational accident investigation, while 25 specialists were trained to identify gender discrimination in the workplace;
• a training curriculum and a training-of-trainers programme were developed to support the continuous professional development of SLI staff;
• a national awareness-raising campaign on combating undeclared work and promoting occupational safety and health was developed together with the National Confederation of Trade Unions and the National Confederation of Employers;
• for the National Employment Agency, the project financed the construction of a new office in Cimișlia, which will serve the southern region, as well as three vehicles for mobile teams and ten sets of IT equipment and furniture for territorial offices;
• jobseekers have access to a voucher-based vocational training platform and improved services through angajat.md, integrated with the Agency’s information system.

“An institution’s capacity requires a clear mandate, well-trained staff, modern procedures, functional infrastructure and a relationship of trust with workers and employers. The support provided to the State Labour Inspectorate brings all these elements together and contributes to fostering a culture of prevention and compliance,” said Claire Harasty, Director of the International Labour Organization’s Office for Central and Eastern Europe.

Through these investments, the European Union and the International Labour Organization are supporting the Republic of Moldova in modernising its labour inspection system as part of the country’s EU accession process and alignment with European standards.

Stronger enforcement of labour legislation and more effective risk-based inspections will help combat undeclared work, protect workers’ rights, promote responsible business practices and foster a safer, fairer and more inclusive labour market.

Background information

The “EU Support to Inclusive Labour Markets in the Republic of Moldova” project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the State Labour Inspectorate and the National Employment Agency. Implemented over a two-year period (2024-2026), with a total budget of EUR 2 million, the project has supported the reform of public employment services and the labour inspection system, the digitalisation of services, and access to the labour market for people in vulnerable circumstances.

Contact for additional information:

Lejo Sibbel, ILO Technical Specialist Social Dialogue and Labour Law  (sibbel@ilo.org)