With the European Union and ILO support, the National Employment Agency improves access to employment services through a modernised office in Cimișlia

The Cimișlia Territorial Employment Office of the National Employment Agency (hereinafter – DOFM Cimișlia) has been renovated and equipped with financial support from the European Union through the project “EU Support for a More Inclusive Labour Market in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The investment, worth more than MDL 8.9 million, complements a broader programme supporting the reform and development of inclusive labour market in the Republic of Moldova.

The investment aimed to modernise the local employment service infrastructure, strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of DOFM Cimișlia, and improve the quality, accessibility and efficiency of employment services provided to jobseekers and employers.

“The conditions in which employment services are provided matter greatly. Modernised premises, equipped with up-to-date equipment and technologies, provide our specialists with a better working environment and the tools they need to perform their duties more efficiently. For those who come here seeking assistance, this means a more welcoming, functional space that is better adapted to their needs. We want every citizen to find here not only information about available job opportunities, but also support, guidance and the confidence to take the next step in their professional journey,” stated Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.

The upgraded premises will help create better conditions for employment counselling, job matching and other labour market support services, contributing to the broader objective of a more inclusive and responsive labour market in the Republic of Moldova.

“Behind every person looking for a job is a story, a family and the hope for a better future. That is why access to quality employment services matters so much. Through this investment, the European Union is helping modernise public employment services in Cimișlia, creating better conditions for employment officers to support jobseekers and employers alike. By making these services more accessible, efficient and responsive to people’s needs, we are also helping Moldova move closer to European standards of public service delivery. This is how we turn Moldova’s European integration aspirations into tangible improvements in people’s everyday lives,” stated Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Competitive and Inclusive Growth at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The EU-funded project supported the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of premises covering approximately 450 m², creating a more functional, accessible and welcoming environment for both beneficiaries and staff.

The investment in the Cimișlia Territorial Employment Office of the National Employment Agencyforms 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 delivered three vehicles for mobile teams and ten sets of IT equipment and furniture for territorial offices;
• State Labour Inspectorate’s premises were fully renovated and equipped;
• jobseekers have access to a voucher-based vocational training platform and improved services through angajat.md, integrated with the Agency’s information system.

“With the support of the European Union, the ILO has been working alongside the Government, the State Labour Inspection and the National Employment Agency to make labour inspection and employment services more accessible, more effective and closer to the needs of people and businesses. The renovated Cimislia Office reflects the recognition that a modern employment service is not simply about matching CVs with vacancies. It is about connecting people with opportunities — and helping them build better lives. It provides a door to job opportunities and a door to a better future for the people across this community,” stated 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 Sr.  Specialist on Social Dialogue, Labour Law and International Labour Standards  (sibbel@ilo.org).