Data protection in the Republic of Moldova marks new era: legislation aligned with GDPR enters into force in August

Chișinău, July 10, 2026 – Representatives of the private sector, public authorities, European institutions, and leading international experts gathered today for the national conference “New Era of Data Protection: Implementation of the GDPR” – an event dedicated to supporting businesses in preparing for the Republic of Moldova’s new data protection framework aligned with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Organized by the EU – and Denmark-funded project ‘Moldova is Europe – Support for EU integration’ and the National Centre for Personal Data Protection, the conference provided a platform for dialogue on the practical implications of the new legislation, the responsibilities of businesses, and the opportunities arising from closer alignment with European data protection standards.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Victoria Muntean, Director of the National Centre for Personal Data Protection, and Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader on Governance at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, who emphasized the importance of strengthening personal data protection as part of Moldova’s European integration process and the country’s commitment to building a trusted digital economy.

The keynote address was delivered by Tamar Kaldani, Data Protection Commissioner at the Council of Europe, who outlined the essential pillars for building an effective data protection system, including a modern legal framework, an independent supervisory authority, and a strong culture of compliance.

Participants also heard from Max Schrems, Honorary Chairman of NOYB – European Center for Digital Rights, who shared insights into the evolution of GDPR implementation across Europe, highlighting lessons learned from enforcement practice and the future of digital rights.

Participants were familiarized with Moldova’s new data protection law, explaining the key obligations for organizations, the implementation timeline, and the expectations of the supervisory authority.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in four thematic panel discussions covering the practical aspects of GDPR compliance. International experts from Latvia, Malta, Italy, and Slovenia discussed data subject rights, data protection impact assessments, information security, the role of data protection officers, certification mechanisms and codes of conduct, as well as GDPR enforcement, investigations, cross-border cooperation, and the determination of administrative fines.

The conference offered participants practical guidance and an opportunity to exchange experiences with some of Europe’s leading data protection practitioners, helping organizations better understand the steps required to achieve compliance under the new legal framework.

The event reflects Moldova’s continued efforts to align its personal data protection system with European standards, strengthen legal certainty for businesses, and promote responsible processing of personal data in an increasingly digital economy.