Events

The interns of the programmes supported by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova explored the role of reforms as drivers of societal transformation during a training session dedicated to reform coordination and cross-sectoral synergies.

Dragos Ciuparu, EU High Level Adviser on Reforms Coordination, presented how public policies can be designed and implemented in a coherent way to generate positive effects across multiple sectors simultaneously. Reforms were analyzed not as mere administrative measures, but as complex mechanisms capable of profoundly transforming society. Through practical examples, participants explored how well-executed reforms can produce a ripple effect of positive outcomes, while the lack of coordinated approaches may limit the impact of investments. The session highlighted the benefits of cross-sectoral synergies, such as optimal resource use, increased efficiency of public interventions, and the stimulation of innovation.

This session was a valuable opportunity for young participants to gain insights into how public administration functions in practice and how well-coordinated reforms can shape a society. In a Moldova moving along the path of European integration, today’s interns can become the architects of tomorrow’s reforms.

Over the course of two months, participants in the Joint Internship Programme of the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova have the chance to familiarize themselves with the inner workings of public administration in a professional and dynamic environment. With the support of a monthly EU-funded allowance of 200 Euro, interns are integrated into the work of state institutions, engaging in collaborative activities alongside public officials and the EU High Level Advisers. The programme offers not only valuable hands-on experience but also access to training sessions, institutional visits, and direct dialogues with high-level officials and European experts.

Through this initiative, the European Union actively contributes to building a new generation of young professionals capable of supporting reforms and promoting European values within the public sector. The financial, educational, and professional support provided enables interns to understand the complexity of the decision-making process, develop relevant skills, and contribute to societal transformation. In this way, the programme becomes a bridge between personal aspirations and civic responsibility, strengthening Moldova’s human capital and accelerating its European trajectory through the direct involvement of tomorrow’s leaders.

The Internship Programme is implemented under the project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, funded by the European Union. The initiative is designed to provide young people with practical experience in public institutions, while strengthening Moldova’s administrative capacity and supporting the country’s European integration path.

Today it is launching the campaign “My result – the result of Moldova” – an initiative aimed at the value of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova: those who work, create, inspire and strengthen the sense of ‘home’. On the 34th anniversary of the proclamation of Moldova’s sovereignty, the campaign encourages people to rediscover the pride in the country through the eyes and stories of those who daily embody it, and to look to the future with confidence in a European context. 

The “My result – the result of Moldova” campaign is implemented by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) and the EU Information Centre “Europe Café”, with financial support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova. 

The campaign promotes a public-interest message that aims to strengthen an authentic sense of pride in one ‘s country and community among citizens, highlight the contribution of ordinary people to Moldova’s identity and beauty – such as farmers, craftsmen, artists, pupils and entrepreneurs – and connect these real stories with European values: freedom, dignity, solidarity and equal rights for all. 

The core element of the campaign is a video spot without narration but with evocative imagery, which captures the faces and gestures of the people of the Republic of Moldova -such as doctors, teachers, vine growers, athletes, pupils, artists, farmers etc. 

The video reveals stories of people from different parts of the country about dignity, work, care and hope. It conveys a clear message to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova, both at home and abroad: the true value of Moldova lies in its citizens – those who define it and shape its European path; Moldova belongs to its citizens and the path to the European Union is about equal opportunities, sustainable development and the right to dream and create at home. 

All citizens of the Republic of Moldova, both at home and abroad, are encouraged to actively take part in the campaign by sharing the video spot on social media with the hashtag #myresult, along with their own achievements, mentioning the people who inspired and supported them in achieving those results, using the same hashtag. 

The campaign “My result – the result of Moldova” is implemented by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) and the EU Information Centre “Europe Café”, with financial support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova.

More than 120 young participants of the Internship Programme, supported by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova, took part in a new training module on public administration reform and professional integrity, further strengthening their knowledge and skills in these areas.

In the first part of the session, Victor Giosan, EU High Level Adviser on Public Administration Reform, delivered a comprehensive presentation about the importance of public administration as a pillar of democracy and of governance based on rule of law. During the session, Mr. Giosan provided a clear understanding of the approaches through which an administrative system can be fully modernized during the European integration process, and also – which are the main challenges in reforming public administration in the process of alignment to EU values and practices. The EU HLA emphasized that economic development and social mobilisation are key factors for strengthening democracy and social responsibility.        

In the second part of the training, Victor Armașu, expert in the Evaluation, Prevention, and Policy Implementation Directorate within the National Integrity Authority, spoke about the ethical dilemmas faced by the institution’s inspectors, overcoming integrity issues in a fair and transparent manner, and provided important insights related to increase of citizens’ trust in the state’s integrity institution. 

Through the Internship Programme, young people not only gain direct exposure to the functioning of public institutions, but also develop valuable skills in governance, integrity, and policy-making. By working side by side with EU High Level Advisers and national civil servants, interns are better prepared to enter the labour market and to contribute meaningfully to Moldova’s European integration and modernization efforts.

Furthermore, the Internship Programme provides young people with first-hand professional experience in Moldova’s public institutions under the guidance of EU High Level Advisers and national civil servants. The initiative aims to build the next generation of civil servants and to contribute to the long-term sustainability of public administration in the Republic of Moldova. 

The Internship Programme is implemented under the project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, funded by the European Union. The initiative is designed to provide young people with practical experience in public institutions, while strengthening Moldova’s administrative capacity and supporting the country’s European integration path.

On 15 August, staff of the Ministry of Finance and its subordinated institutions participated in a workshop on the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova during 2025–2027, organised under the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”.

In her opening remarks, Minister of Finance Victoria Belous addressed the reforms under the Growth Plan and underlined the Ministry’s responsibility in this process: “It is essential to have a clear plan detailing the actions required to achieve the proposed objectives. Implementing the reforms must remain our central goal, and our efforts will be supported by all subordinated institutions, to ensure the success and sustainability of the changes. Each stage will be closely monitored so that we can define and consolidate the results in the most efficient way possible,” stated the Minister.

Rosario De Blasio, EU Senior Expert on Customs and Tax Policy, emphasized the vital contribution of the Ministry of Finance to reform implementation process, through guaranteeing coherence, accountability, and sustainability at each stage.

Participants reviewed the current status of the country’s Growth Plan and the associated public finance reform agenda, focusing on proposed actions to strengthen economic governance — including securing revenues and modernizing customs and tax administrations — as well as on increasing resilience, improving public investment and public procurement systems, alongside other relevant areas.

The Ministry of Finance and its subdivisions play a key role in policy development, budget planning, and the implementation of key reforms that support sustainable and inclusive growth. A detailed action plan for each phase of the reform agenda has recently been prepared by specialized teams and is now in the final process of review and approval.

The workshop offered a constructive platform for discussion, analysis, and better understanding of the proposed implementation actions, with a particular focus on the priority areas and the agenda ahead.

By strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Finance and its subordinated bodies, the EU helps ensure that Moldova is better equipped to deliver on its Growth Plan 2025–2027, advance economic governance, and bring tangible benefits to its citizens on the country’s path towards European integration.

For the first time in the Republic of Moldova, the European concept of the Smart Village is being implemented to support the sustainable development of rural communities through technology, energy efficiency, and smart public services. 

Larga, Coșnița, Sipoteni, Lozova, and Mereni have been selected for this pilot programme. Each community is receiving grants of up to 1.5 million MDL for smart projects and approximately 3 million MDL for the construction of photovoltaic parks. These investments are provided under the project EU4Moldova Resilient: Secure State, Strong Communities, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. 

In Larga, Briceni district, the project focuses on modernising the Cultural Centre by installing an infrared radiant panel heating system, LED lighting, roller blinds to optimise energy consumption, and heat recovery ventilation systems in public institutions. Plans also include energy-efficient public lighting, video surveillance in public areas, speed radars, and pedestrian crossing lighting. 

“Through this integrated approach, we are transforming Larga into a safe and energy-efficient community that is ready for the future,” said Radu Urechean, Mayor of Larga. 

The authorities in Coșnița, Dubăsari district, are prioritising the modernisation of the waste management system. The locality will receive a new waste collection and compaction truck, equipped with GPS and a video camera. In addition, 500 bins for selective plastic collection will be installed – a measure that will reduce pollution and improve transport logistics. 

In Sipoteni, Călărași district, the interventions address critical community needs. As residents have limited access to drinking water, the local authorities plans to install four water filtration stations. Smart street lighting poles will also be installed, along with four modern bus shelters equipped with real-time information panels. 

In Lozova, Strășeni district, five modern solar-powered weather stations will be installed to help farmers better adapt to climate change and improve agricultural production. 

“Our project also includes installing heat recovery ventilation systems in the village kindergarten and high school, which will improve children’s health. We will set up modern bus shelters and introduce a video broadcasting system for municipal meetings and local events, to ensure transparency and keep the community informed. Without the support of the European Union, these initiatives would not have been possible,” said Viorel Jardan, Mayor of Lozova. 

Mereni, Anenii Noi district, is also taking a significant step towards becoming a smart village. The project involves installing intelligent public lighting with sensors and a remote management system, surveillance cameras, and an automated irrigation system for the sports stadium. Workshops and awareness campaigns will also be organised to actively engage citizens in adopting smart solutions. 

In addition to these investments, each of the five localities is building and connecting to the grid a photovoltaic park with a capacity of up to 200 kW, designed to significantly reduce electricity costs and contribute to the communities’ energy independence. 

“Beyond the grants themselves, municipalities benefited from specialised training with international experts and study visits to Spain and Estonia. These experiences provided them with the tools needed to develop and implement smart village strategies tailored to local needs for the coming years. We are confident that this integrated approach will have a real impact on the residents of these communities,” said Xenia Marcov, Component Manager at Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. 

The smart projects are scheduled for completion by the end of October 2025. The beneficiary villages were selected following an open call for grants launched by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova in July 2024.

The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, the State Tax Service, the Customs Service, and the Monitorul Fiscal FISC.md publication, successfully organized the second round of its training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to start their own businesses in Northern Moldova.

The three-day event, which was held in Bălți, brought together local entrepreneurs and experts from the partner institutions to provide valuable insights and support on various aspects of starting and managing a business.
The training was officially opened by Victoria Belous, Minister of Finance, who emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with entrepreneurs and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. A full recording of the opening session is available here: Opening Session Video.

During the event, participants received in-depth training on critical topics, including:

• Tax obligations for newly established businesses
• Bookkeeping practices and the preparation of accounting documents
• Export and import procedures and other customs-related matters
• Key strategies for effective business management.

The sessions equipped participants with essential tools and knowledge for successfully launching and running their businesses. Looking ahead, the third round of the Start-up Training Programme is scheduled to take place in Southern Moldova in September, continuing the Ministry’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the country. For more information about the training program and to register for upcoming sessions, please visit FISC.md.

Moldova Youth Forum 2025 (#MYF2025) returns with a new edition bringing together active young people from all regions of the country for a day full of dialogue, ideas, and collaboration. The event will take place on August 28, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, at Chișinău Arena. 

The forum offers an open and friendly space where participants can discuss current topics such as education, digitalization, civic participation, and Moldova’s future within the European Union. At the core is the role of each young person in building a better future for the country. 

Throughout the day, attendees will have access to interactive sessions, debates, and meetings with local and international speakers, experts, and activists, facilitating experience sharing and inspiration. The event encourages active involvement and provides networking opportunities in a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. 

Organizers invite interested young people to register and participate in this unique platform for dialogue and action for their communities. For more information and registration, please visit https://myf.md/ and follow updates with the hashtag #MYF2025.

The inviting aroma of freshly baked bread fills the mornings in a small bakery in Tiraspol. Every day, Ivan Cernicenko arranges bread, baguettes, rolls, and biscuits on the shelves. Few people know that Ivan, a well-known baker in the city, is a graduate of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics and was briefly a teacher in Dubăsari. 

“At one point, I realized that I could work for myself, have my own business. One day, I came across a video of a Ukrainian baker. Somehow, what he was doing convinced me, and it seemed very easy. Why not give it a try? That’s when the idea of baking doughnuts was born,” Ivan recalls.

Over time, Ivan realized that doughnuts alone would not bring in the necessary profit, so he diversified his production.

At his bakery, “Ivan’s Bread,” which opened six years ago, every product is made with great care and dedication, without flavor, color, or smell enhancers, using only natural ingredients. In the technological process, the dough is cold fermented for 24 hours. To deliver fresh bread to the store every morning, Ivan works late into the night. 

“Our bread is delicious. It has its own aroma, its own taste, which store-bought bread does not have,” Ivan says proudly. 

The crises of recent years have brought him close to giving up the business several times. However, the financial support and mentoring provided with the support of the European Union and United Nations Development Programme, as part of the Confidence Building Measures Programme, were his lifeline. 

“Entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs, they should try to get out of a crisis or a difficult situation, to steer it in the right direction. The European Union’s funding is a huge help, without which I would not have been able to modernize my production process on my own, even in five years,” says Ivan. 

Now, Ivan’s bakery is equipped with a high-performance oven, a refrigerator for cold fermentation of dough, a proofer, and many other tools that will allow him to launch a new line of yeast-free and gluten-free bakery products. The new equipment will also help Ivan increase his production capacity, especially as the number of buyers has grown. 

“We have loyal customers who sometimes pass by, see us, smile, and, of course, come in. Others come to us specifically from different parts of the city for our products: baguettes, rustic bread, or onion bread. Onion bread is the most popular. It’s unique, and there’s nothing else like it in the city,” says Iulia Verbanova, an employee of the bakery. 

Although the baked goods sell quickly and there is rarely anything left on the shelves, Ivan wants to make sure that the bread reaches as many people as possible and that nothing goes to waste. An hour before the store closes, all baked goods are offered at a discount. He also offers space in the store to other local producers.

3 Moldovan municipalities – Leova town, Copceac commune (Găgăuzia region), Sireți commune (Strășeni district) – were selected by the European Union’s flagship initiative for local development, Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG), implemented by the UNDP, to join Mission-Oriented Economy Journeys. The communities were selected as part of a regional call for expressions, along with 4 communities from Ukraine and 3 from Armenia. 

The selected municipalities will benefit from year-long advisory and tailored support to design and implement interconnected interventions through mission-oriented portfolios with an emphasis on economic resilience and green transition. The portfolios will be developed in close consultation with the local population. 

Then, depending on selected local economic development priorities, the municipalities will access funding of EUR 17,500 (US$20,000) and may unlock up to approximately EUR 105,500 (US$120,000) for putting into practice some of the planned initiatives. 

These efforts reflect a collective ambition to empower local authorities to tackle complex challenges across the Eastern Partnership and build adaptable, future-proof communities. 

The Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) has been supporting villages, towns and cities across the Eastern Partnership since 2017. By promoting innovative approaches to inclusive economic growth, M4EG is helping communities become more attractive for both residents and investors. In 2025 alone, M4EG unlocked approximately EUR 1 million (US$1.2 million) to support and empower local governments to lead their own journey of economic transformation.

#TogetherWeGrow is a UN Women Moldova campaign to promote child-friendly care services for 0–3-year-olds. Run in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, it is supported by the European Union, Sweden, and the Swiss Cooperation Office.

In the Republic of Moldova, insufficient childcare infrastructure for children under three poses a significant challenge to work-life balance, particularly for women aspiring to professional advancement. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, women represent only 49.8% of the employed active population, and 55.7% of inactive mothers cite caregiving responsibilities as the main reason for not participating in the workforce. Furthermore, the gender pay gap averages 15.6%, with even wider disparities in certain sectors.

“Without accessible, quality childcare services, women are forced to choose between family and career, perpetuating gender inequalities. Strategic investments in social infrastructure, such as childcare services, are essential for a fair society and a resilient economy,” said Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova.

This situation directly affects women’s participation in the labour market. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, only 12.7% of children under three benefit from childcare services, compared to 88% of children under six who are enrolled in pre-school education. There is a striking disparity between rural and urban areas: 76% of families in rural areas lack access to childcare services, compared to 39% in urban areas.

In 2023, to address this issue, UN Women Moldova launched the National Programme for Childcare Services for Children under 3, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and with the support of development partners. The programme aims to increase access to early childcare services for families and create a supportive environment for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the labour market.

“Expanding public nursery groups and developing childcare services is essential to supporting young families, particularly mothers who wish to return to work and balance career and family life successfully. The employment rate of women with preschool-aged children remains low, and the solution lies in expanding care infrastructure by creating new nurseries, kindergartens, and alternative services,” said Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.

The programme’s achievements include the renovation and equipping of 12 nursery groups in Chișinău, Sângerei, Glodeni, Râșcani, Ungheni, Cahul, and Căușeni by UN Women, as well as the creation of three child-friendly rooms in public institutions in Chișinău. Total investments in these initiatives, carried out between 2023 and 2024, exceeded USD 90,000.

“This project is a key pillar of UN Women’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for families in Moldova. The results achieved so far demonstrate the positive impact of investing in childcare services, which offer parents — especially mothers — the opportunity to balance professional and family life. Soon, we plan to equip three more nursery groups and two additional child-friendly rooms, thereby contributing to a more accessible and supportive care system. Our goal is to support families and promote equal opportunities for women and men,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative.

UN Women continues to support the development of an inclusive and equitable economy, in which women have equal access to job opportunities and can contribute actively to the country’s economic and social progress.

The #TogetherWeGrow campaign is organised by UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in support of the National Programme Childcare Services for Children Aged up to 3, and has received financial support from the European Union through the EVOLVE4GE project, from Sweden, and from the Swiss Cooperation Office through the Women for Peace and Prosperity project.

Through the INSPIRED Moldova project, the European Union has awarded grants to 32 civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Republic of Moldova, totaling 622 000 EURO, to support local democracy, community development, and the building of sustainable trust-based relationships between citizens and public authorities.

Managed by People in Need (PIN) and the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), these grants will help local organisations create spaces where ordinary people—from small villages to large municipalities—can come together, raise their voices, and take part in shaping public policy. At the heart of these initiatives is the belief that decisions are better when made together. Whether it’s about how a local budget is spent, how services are delivered or how community priorities are set, the main objective is to ensure that citizens are not just consulted, but genuinely involved.

Among the most important activities of the projects, which will run for a maximum of 18 months, will be the creation and operation of local participatory consultation platforms—spaces where citizens can express their opinions, share ideas, and influence local policies that affect their daily lives. These initiatives also aim to revitalize the public consultation framework, with a special focus on engaging youth, women, and underrepresented groups.

By placing these voices at the center of public debate, the selected organizations are working to ensure that no one is left out of the conversation. Another essential element of the CSOs’ mission is the promotion of good governance and the establishment of genuine dialogue between citizens and public institutions. In this regard, interactive workshops, civic forums, and dialogue sessions will be organized—not only as platforms for expression, but also as tools to encourage active participation.

Citizens will be motivated to share their perspectives, propose solutions, and contribute directly to decision-making processes by signing mutual commitment documents, thus strengthening trust and cooperation between the community and local authorities. At the national level, the selected CSOs will contribute to the development and implementation of policies, standards, and best practices that promote equality and inclusion—especially for voters with disabilities and individuals with special needs. These efforts aim to make Moldova’s electoral processes more accessible and democratic.

Additionally, the projects will support participatory budgeting mechanisms, enabling citizens—especially young people—to directly influence how local funds are allocated. These tools foster accountability, transparency, and deeper civic involvement in decision-making. “We have seen how important it is to support civil society organizations that foster citizen participation at the local level — where change truly begins. The European Union remains a development partner, not just a donor, and will continue to support civic engagement, democratic education, and capacity building. In a context where the operating space for CSOs is increasingly shrinking, it is essential that they are equipped to face these challenges,” said Irina Beșliu, Civil Society Program Officer, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

Together, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory local governance culture across Moldova. In the long term, these initiatives are expected to strengthen trust between communities and institutions, improve the implementation of public policies, and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and democratic society.

The INSPIRED Moldova project (2024–2027) aims to strengthen civil society participation in policy dialogue at all levels in the context of Moldova’s European path and a culture of civic participation and open dialogue between citizens and authorities is encouraged, in line with democratic values and participatory governance. INSPIRED Moldova is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium consisting of: European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, CONTACT Center, CPR Moldova, Democracy Reporting International (DRI) and People in Need (PIN).