A landmark initiative to support the business environment — the first Training Programme for Start-Up Entrepreneurs, meant for beginner entrepreneurs and those intending to start their own business – was launched today by the  Ministry of Finance, the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, the State Tax Service, the Customs Service, and the “Monitorul Fiscal FISC.md” periodical publication.

At the opening event, Minister of Finance Victoria Belous emphasized the essential role of providing timely education for new entrepreneurs. “Through this programme, we aim to provide real support to those who have the courage to start a business or have just launched one. Accurate, accessible, and clear information provided from the very beginning of this journey is crucial to prevent mistakes and to build a sound relationship between the business community and state institutions,” stated the Minister.

The training session is taking place between 15-17 July at the Ministry of Finance, targeting participants from the Central Region and Chisinau municipality. During this session, entrepreneurs are introduced to key aspects of fiscal and accounting obligations, the preparation of business documentation and bookkeeping, the access to electronic tax services, aspects of import and export procedures, along with other essential topics relevant to effective business management.

In August and September, the programme will be extended to the Northern and Southern regions of the country, ensuring that new entrepreneurs across Moldova have access to the same high-quality training and guidance.

Europe Café turns into a creative eco space! On July 17 at 3:30 PM, join us at Europe Café for a colorful and inspiring workshop where simple textile tote bags will come to life through art and European values.

Guided by the Young European Ambassadors, you’ll get the chance to paint your reusable bag, inspired by the symbols and principles of the European Union: solidarity, diversity, peace, and sustainability.

What we offer:

• A warm and friendly space
• All materials provided
• Step-by-step guidance
• A relaxing and creative experience

Participation is free, but spots are limited. Whether you’re passionate about art, looking to unwind, or just love to express yourself creatively, this workshop is for you. Let’s turn ideas into color — together!

The European Commission welcomes the deepening of the digital cooperation between Moldova and the EU. This includes steps to enhance cybersecurity, tackle misinformation, and include Moldova in the EU roaming area.

The Council’s authorisation to use the EU Cybersecurity Reserve for Moldova marks a key advancement in regional security and EU-Moldova digital cooperation under the EU’s Cyber Solidarity Act. This first successful cyber agreement reached under the Danish Presidency helps address major cybersecurity incidents. It is a significant achievement in the Commission’s efforts to deepen digital cooperation and boost the security of both Moldova and the EU, as outlined in the Joint EU-Moldova Declaration.

The Commission also welcomes the political agreement for Moldova to join the ‘Roam Like at Home’ area. Following the formal adoption, this will enable Moldovan citizens and EU travellers to call, text, and use mobile data without incurring additional charges. Additionally, Moldova joins the EU Third Countries’ Trusted List for validation of electronic signatures from non-EU countries. This allows easy validation of signatures and seals from EU organisations and citizens, making it easier for EU and Moldovan companies and citizens to do business together. 

Finally, to strengthen societal resilience against foreign interference and disinformation in the region, a new hub of the European Digital Media Observatory, FACT, has been established with the Commission’s support.

In 2021, the government of the Republic of Moldova started the justice sector reform, aiming to ensure the integrity and accountability of justice sector stakeholders and to increase society’s trust in the justice sector. As part of the justice sector reform, the government decided to conduct an extraordinary vetting exercise of judges and prosecutors to improve the integrity of the justice sector.

This vetting process is a unique endeavour for the Moldovan society. It is a thorough and tough process that can happen only once in a good way. It asks a lot of society: there might be temporarily limited capacity in the justice sector, and it can have substantial consequences for personal careers. Yet it is also a historic process that works towards the betterment of the Moldovan justice sector and will therefore have a positive impact on Moldovan society in the end.

The Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC) is assigned by the European Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to facilitate the Prosecutors’ Vetting Commission (also known as “Commission 3”) and its Secretariat. CILC is continuing its effort to add to the team of professionals to staff this Secretariat.

This call for experts aims to create a shortlist of motivated and qualified people for the following position of ANALYST:

Analysts form the core of the Secretariat. As an analyst, you will investigate the backgrounds of the people who are vetted. For the Secretariat, CILC is seeking a diverse range of analysts/investigators with expertise in legal knowledge, financial knowledge/skills, and asset analysis. For an analyst, having strong analytical skills and solid writing skills is the most important quality. The analysts will report to the Commission, the Head of Secretariat, and the Senior Analyst.

The analysts/investigators conduct and compile integrity (background) checks, including but not limited to:

• Analyzing candidates’ financial circumstances, declarations, including the five-year declaration submitted in the vetting context;
• Researching and compiling relevant open-source data regarding the vetting of prosecutors and candidates;
• Analyzing other sources of information submitted by public and private parties regarding the vetting of the subjects or candidates, relevant for integrity assessment;
• Drafting, including in cooperation with co-workers, individual integrity assessment reports for review by the Commission members;
• Drafting interim and final reports for review by the Commission.

As an analyst/investigator, the following criteria make you eligible:

• Higher education degree. Degrees in law, finance, audit, accounting, and public order may be considered an asset.
• Have 3 or more years of professional work experience. Experience in integrity, anticorruption or criminal investigation, tax investigation, forensic accounting, audit, financial analysis, legal profession/justice sector, is an asset.
• Affinity with the legal context of the vetting process;
• Some experience in drafting analytical texts and/or judicial decisions;
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to work in a high-performance environment;
• Able to work within strict working procedures, handling data securely and meticulously;
• Ability to communicate at a high level, both orally and in writing;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Good written and spoken English (at least at B2 level of CEFR) and native Romanian.
• Person of the highest personal and professional integrity.

General conditions for the position

Applicants should be aware of the following: 

• The position is full-time.
• Project duration: April 2023 – April 2026.
• Probation period – one month.
• Moldovan nationals offered a full-time position may take a leave of absence and/or suspend their contractual obligations from their current Moldova-based employer for the duration of this contract, but may not be actively engaged with, nor paid by, any other organization during the contract period.
• Remuneration is based on a CILC salary and service delivery grid specifying the scales per function. Actual remuneration will be based on the qualifications and experience of an applicant in line with the salary grid and employment/assignment policy of CILC. The monthly remuneration for this position is up to 6000 Euro brutto. 

• When contracted, signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement and abiding by the Code of Conduct for Secretariat staff is mandatory. This means, amongst others, no engagement with political parties/events and modest behaviour.
• CILC welcomes applications from candidates who fulfil the specific profiles, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Disqualifying factors:

• Current or past work in the Moldovan prosecution system, in any role.
• Status as a candidate prosecutor.
• Status as a student at the National Judicial Institute.

Procedure for application and selection:

Expressions of interest can be submitted via email only to secretariat@cilc.nl. Please include in the subject of the email the position for which you express your interest. The deadline for submitting the applications is 3 August 2025. Applications submitted to other email addresses will be excluded from consideration.

Required documents include: 

• Current CV – in English.
• Contact data of professional references, including name, title, email address, and phone number.

For each position, CILC will choose from the pool of expressions of interest the people who fit the positions best, against the criteria of: 

• Level of professional knowledge and experience
• Level of professional skills/capacities

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an (online) interview. A background check will be part of the recruitment procedure. 

Can you lead a region of the world toward prosperity without destroying the global climate balance? Are you ready to negotiate, collaborate, or even compete with other players to achieve both economic and environmental goals?

The Young European Ambassadors invite you on July 16 at 16:00, at Europe Café, to join the game Keep Cool: Sustaining our Planet – an educational board game where fun meets learning about climate change, global solidarity, and European values.

You’ll represent the EU, OPEC, or developing countries and negotiate for a sustainable future. The goal? To strike the perfect balance between economic interests and environmental protection.

What is Keep Cool?
It’s a board game that simulates the real-world challenges of international climate negotiations. Each player represents a region of the world and must balance economic growth, carbon emissions reduction, and the protection of the planet. You’ll face tough decisions, make compromises, and learn just how crucial global cooperation is.

Why should you join?

• Because… It’s fun!
• Because you’ll learn how international climate policy works through play
• Because you’ll better understand what European values mean: sustainability, solidarity, and responsibility
• Because it’s a great chance to meet other young people who care about the planet’s future

Keep Cool is more than just a game. It’s a tool that challenges us to think long-term, act with empathy, and find solutions together. The event is organised by the Young European Ambassadors in Moldova, with the support of the European Union. Accept the Keep Cool challenge and show you care. The future of the planet is also in your hands!

In 2021, the government of the Republic of Moldova started the justice sector reform, aiming to ensure integrity and accountability of justice sector stakeholders and to increase society’s trust in the justice sector. As part of the justice sector reform, the government decided to conduct an extraordinary vetting exercise of judges and prosecutors, to improve the integrity in the justice sector.

This vetting process is a unique endeavor for the Moldovan society. It is a thorough and tough process that can happen only once in a good way. It asks a lot of society: there might be temporarily limited capacity in the justice sector, and it can have substantial consequences for personal careers. Yet it is also a historic process, that works towards the betterment of the Moldovan justice sector and will therefore have positive impact on Moldovan society in the end.

The Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC) is assigned by the European Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to facilitate the Prosecutors’ Vetting Commission (also known as “Commission 3”) and its Secretariat. CILC is continuing its effort to add to the team of professionals to staff this Secretariat.

This call for experts aims to create a shortlist of motivated and qualified people for the following position of HEAD OF SECRETARIAT:

The Head of Secretariat is the functioning manager of the Secretariat. This means that you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of approximately 26 Secretariat staff members, ensuring that they deliver good quality outputs. It is up to you to make the Secretariat into a well-functioning team which is nice to work in. As the Secretariat is supporting the members of the Prosecutors’ Vetting Commission (“the Commission”) on the vetting of prosecutors in their work, you need to maintain good and cooperative relations with the members of the Commission, ensuring teamwork between the Commission and the Secretariat.  

The responsibilities for the Head of Secretariat include but are not limited to: 

• Supervising the day-to-day operations of the Secretariat with a team of approximately 26 staff members; 
• Assisting in recruiting new Secretariat staff when needed; 
• Assisting Commission in drafting the rules of procedure, evaluation methodologies, and other policies, procedures and documents required for a smooth running of the vetting process; 
• Ensuring compliance with internally used templates and guidelines; 
• Ensuring the Secretariat’s compliance with relevant laws, rules and regulations, including those concerning protection of personal data;  
• Ensuring smooth and substantive cooperation between the members of Commission and the Secretariat, serving as contact person for the Commission within the Secretariat;  
• Serving as focal point for external relations and communications of the Secretariat; 
• Identifying training needs of Secretariat staff; 
• Ensuring a good team spirit. 

As a Head of Secretariat, the following criteria make you eligible:  

• Proficient in both written and spoken English and Romanian, knowledge of Russian is an asset;  
• Minimum 7 years of work experience in the legal field. Public entity / team management experience is a plus; 
• Proven ability in coordinating and supervising the work of a large team; 
• Service-oriented teamplayer, able to motivate people under high pressure; 
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing; 
• Good diplomatic skills to navigate between Moldovan government bodies and international organisations; 
• Person of the highest personal and professional integrity.  
•  

Disqualifying factors:

• Current or past work in the Moldovan prosecution system, in any role.
• Status as a candidate prosecutor.
• Status as a student at the National Judicial Institute.

If you don’t meet all the eligibility requirements but still think you are a good fit for the position, please include a short explanatory note with your motivation for this position to your application. 

General conditions for the position

Applicants should be aware of the following: 

• The position is full-time.
• Project duration April 2023 – April 2026 with the possibility of extension.
• Moldovan nationals offered a fulltime position may take a leave of absence and/or suspend their contractual obligations from their current Moldova based employer for the duration of this contract, but may not be actively engaged with, nor paid by any other organization during the contract period.
• Remuneration is based on a CILC salary and service delivery grid specifying the scales per function. Actual remuneration will be based on the qualifications and experience of an applicant in line with the salary grid and employment/assignment policy of CILC. The monthly remuneration for this position is up to 7 500 Euro brutto. 
• When contracted, signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement and abiding by the Code of Conduct for Secretariat staff is mandatory. This means amongst others no engagement with political parties/events and modest behaviour.
• CILC welcomes applications from candidates who fulfil the specific profiles, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Procedure for application and selection:

Expressions of interest can be submitted via email only via secretariat@cilc.nl. Please include in the subject of the email for which position you express your interest. We welcome applications on a rolling basis and will continue to review submissions until we identify the ideal candidate. We encourage you to apply promptly to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted to other mail addresses will be excluded from consideration.

Required documents include: 

• Current CV – in English.
• Contact data of professional references including name, title, email address and phone number.

For each position, CILC will choose from the pool of expressions of interests the people who fit the positions best, against the criteria of: 

• Level of professional knowledge and experience
• Level of professional skills/capacities

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an (online) interview. A background check will be part of the recruitment procedure. 

People in Need, with the support of the European Union, has awarded grants to 14 civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Republic of Moldova. The selected projects will benefit from financial assistance and technical support, contributing to the strengthening of local democracy, community development, and the building of trust-based relationships between citizens and public institutions.

“This project has reached its second phase because we’ve seen how important it is to support civil society organizations that foster citizen participation at the local level, where real change 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 space for CSO activity is shrinking more and more, they must be prepared to face these challenges. We want to reach the communities where you will be active and see the direct impact of your work,” said Irina Beșliu, Civil Society Programme Officer at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

The INSPIRĂ Moldova project, implemented between 2024 and 2027, supports an enabling environment for civil society in the context of Moldova’s European integration path. The initiative encourages CSO involvement in decision-making processes at the national, local, and digital levels, as well as cooperation with authorities to promote democracy and good governance.

“In these times, when societies are increasingly divided and polarized across the globe, civil society needs to remain strong — like a lighthouse in a stormy sea: independent, steadfast, and faithful to its mission,” added Rafał Chibowski, Country Director of People in Need Moldova.

The 14 organizations will implement initiatives in communities across the country, addressing themes such as citizen participation in decision-making, promoting transparency, youth engagement, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The grants awarded range from €10,000 to €30,000, depending on the scale and focus of the projects.

Through the thematic and geographic diversity of these initiatives, the programme contributes to strengthening a culture of civic engagement and constructive dialogue between citizens and public administration, in the spirit of democratic values and participatory governance.

The INSPIRĂ Moldova project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), the National Center for NGO Assistance and Information CONTACT, the Center for Policies and Reforms (CPR Moldova), Democracy Reporting International (DRI), and People in Need (PIN).

Over 400 students from across Moldova have demonstrated that change begins in school and that the classroom can be a source of inspiration for a sustainable future. The most creative ideas submitted to the national contest “Energy Efficiency Week in My School” were awarded during a festive event held at Europe Café, as part of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).

“Energy intensity in Moldova is three times higher than the EU average. That’s why, if we start understanding the importance of energy efficiency and responsible consumption from an early age, these practices will be easier to adopt throughout life. These contests perfectly complement the Ministry of Energy’s initiative to introduce an energy-related subject in schools,” said Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.

The contest took place between April 1 and May 25, 2025. It was organized by the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Government of Germany and the European Union, through the “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova” (E4M) project. Now in its fourth edition, the contest provides an interactive educational platform that engages students across the country in understanding and promoting energy efficiency.

“The high level of student participation shows us that education plays a key role in Moldova’s green transition. The vision, energy, and creativity of young people are a valuable resource for a sustainable future. CNED will continue to invest in energy efficiency education, together with our development partners,” said Ion Muntean, Director of the National Center for Sustainable Energy.

This year, 44 student teams participated in the contest, divided into two age categories (6–10 years and 11–16 years). Students conducted interactive and educational activities focused on responsible energy consumption and the use of renewable sources, from themed lessons, videos, and awareness campaigns to games and hands-on experiments.

Winners in Category I (ages 6–10):

• Cupcini Gymnasium, Edineț district
• “Lăpușna” Theoretical High School, Hîncești district
• “Doroţcaia” Theoretical High School, Doroţcaia village, Dubăsari district

Winners in Category II (ages 11–16):

• “Lucian Blaga” Theoretical High School, Chișinău
• “Alecu Russo” Theoretical High School, Chișinău
• “Boris Ianakoglo” Theoretical High School, Copceac village, Ceadîr-Lunga

Winning teams received diplomas and bookstore vouchers to purchase books and school supplies.

“The enthusiasm and innovation shown by Moldovan students prove that classrooms can be true catalysts for sustainability. The European Union supports Moldova’s green transition through substantial investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We are proud to support initiatives that empower the new generation to act for a greener, more energy-efficient future,” stated Solomon Ioannou, Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

“Who says little ones can’t make big changes? These students show us how to make a difference — with creativity, teamwork, and a clear message: energy matters. We are delighted to stand by them as they light the way,” said Claudia Hermes, GIZ Moldova Country Director.

The fourth edition of the creative contest “Energy Efficiency Week in My School” was organized by the National Center for Sustainable Energy, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, with support from the “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova” (E4M) project. E4M is implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Moldova and is funded by the Government of Germany, co-funded by the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. The activities run under this component are funded by the European Union.

Ten schools in Moldova will begin the next school year with new, modern, and safe minibuses. The European Union enabled the purchase of the minibuses through the project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. The total investment amounts to over 632,000 euros. 

The vehicles are designed to meet the most advanced safety and comfort standards. Each minibus has 14 seats, including two reserved for students in wheelchairs, and special ramps so that children with disabilities can safely enter and exit the vehicle. 

The minibuses are equipped with advanced stability control systems, video cameras for monitoring, special rearview mirrors, automatic door-closing systems while driving, automatic steps for boarding and exiting, and doors that comply with standards. The vehicles have air conditioners for passengers and the driver, as well as first aid kits and fire extinguishers. 

The minibuses will transport students from villages with no schools, ensuring their access to education. The vehicles will also transport students to extracurricular activities, such as performances, trips, and other educational events. 

The handover event took place on 10 July 2025, in the Great National Assembly Square, Chișinău. The heads of local education authorities from the districts of Cantemir, Criuleni, Leova, Nisporeni, Sîngerei, Soldănești, Ștefan-Vodă, Călărași, Drochia, and Căușeni received the keys to the minibuses in a symbolic ceremony. 

The Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, underlined: “These minibuses are about more than transportation, they are about safety, equity and access. We want an education system where every child in Moldova can get to school in good conditions, whether they live in a small village or a big city. The modern minibuses we are offering today are an important step in this direction.” 

The Chargé d’Affairs of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Máté Csicsai, says: “The European Union is a strong supporter of quality education in the Republic of Moldova. We work hand in hand with the Ministry of Education and Research to make sure no child is left behind. The supply of these 10 school minibuses will contribute to equitable access to education opportunities for all, as part of a wider plan for the modernisation of the national school network. Investment in children is an investment in Moldova’s future – as part of the European family.” 

“Students in rural areas rely on transportation to reach schools. Currently, around 490 school buses operate across Moldova, transporting girls and boys to school every day. This figure underscores the importance of expanding and modernizing the school bus fleet. That’s why today’s handover is so important. These modern, wheelchair accessible minibuses are not just vehicles, they are enablers of inclusion, equity, and opportunity,” said UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Gasparikova. 

The project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It has a total budget of €10 million and is being implemented from 2024 to 2027. Ten of the 90 future model schools are supported by the EU and UNDP. In these institutions, the renovation of physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories is underway, and training is being provided to teachers and managers to strengthen their professional skills. 

Moreover, as of September, the project will provide access to a modern fleet management system for around 500 school transport units. This will allow for more efficient management and optimal use of school transportation. 

The project also aims to strengthen the connection between schools and the labor market. To this end, several career guidance activities will be organized to help students better understand their prospects after graduation and prepare for their future careers. The European Union and UNDP will also support the development and piloting of a national digital skills programme for adults.

The Overall Objective of this Action is to strengthen the border and migration management capacities of the national authorities in line with the Schengen and EU acquis and EU Member States’ best practices. The specific objectives (SO) are the following ones:

SO1 – Law Enforcement in the field of border management is further aligned with Schengen/EU acquis and good practice.

SO2 – National capacities in integrated border management, prevention and investigation of cross-border crime are improved.

SO3 – Modernisation of border/migration management capacities are reinforced

The starting date of the action is June 1st, 2025. The duration of the project is 3 years. Lead partner of the project is Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), other partners  – Polish Solidarity Fund (PSF) and International Organization for Migration (IOM). Project team, based in the Republic of Moldova, is composed of the Team Leader , Component Leader 2, Local and international long/short-term experts, project assistant and other supporting staff.

 BASIC INFORMATION

• APPLICATION DEADLINE |  July 21, 2025, end of the business day
• SECTORS | Border control and migration management
• OPPORTUNITY TYPE | Service Contract for approx. 6 months with the possibility of extension
• BUDGET PLANNED | max 2 000 EUR per month (service contract including all related taxes and other related costs). Other (non-personal) expenses related to the implementation of the project will be covered additionally in accordance with Project rules and procedures.
• EXPECTED STARTING DATE | August, 2025 (as soon as possible)
• ORGANISATION | Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), Lithuania
• DUTY LOCATION | Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (Project office – Petricani 19 street, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, MD-2059.)
• CONTACT POINT | Eimantė Vaitekūnaitė, e.vaitekunaite@cpva.lt

Please submit your CVs to the e-mail e.vaitekunaite@cpva.lt , indicating the title of the applied position “Project assistant Moldova” latest by 21 July , 2025.

Be informed that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted to take part at the further procurement stages planned to be organized in August 2025.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Services include general support services to the Team leader (TL) and office team in terms of administrative assistance, office management, correspondence, record keeping and filing, bookkeeping, and accounting services are to be provided in close coordination with TL, International and Local Long-term experts, CPVA team entailing the following and other respective representatives of the implementing organizations, but not limited:

• Drafting written materials in relation to the project in Romanian/ English languages;
• Supporting the TL and office team in organisational, logistical, and technical matters, especially with organising conferences, training sessions, workshops, meetings, expert missions and study visits of experts and other;
• Developing and maintaining close working contacts with Moldavan officials involved in the Project, the Project’s experts (international and national), the Project Team;
• Helping or arranging contacts or meetings, attending meetings and drafting, disseminating minutes;
• Supporting the Short Term Experts (hereafter – STEs) in organisational and technical matters, including assistance to solve travel, accommodation, and other related issues;
• Contributing to social media, online presence, and other visibility activities if required and in coordination with the Project Communication & visibility / knowledge management Service Providers and Project team;
• Providing services of the Interpreter-translator:
• Interpret during conferences, workshops, meetings and seminars, or other oral conversations (assistant might be supported by professional interpretation for special tasks, events, etc.) from Romanian/ (Russian) to English and vice versa;
• Conduct the proofreading of the documents translated into the Romanian language (assistant might be supported by professional translation for special tasks);
• Assist the TL and office team and the STEs in relation to language issues;
• Assist the TL and office team and the Interpreter-translator(s) in identifying, contracting, and monitoring commercial translation and interpretation services.
• Providing services of assistance for the Project team with successful administration and operational management of the Project:
• Ensure compliance with the CPVA and other partners procurement procedures when ordering office supplies, event organising services, and other;
• Maintain finance records and process invoices in liaison with the CPVA and other partners Project team;
• Assemble the Project claims for audits.
• Providing services of compliance with the office safety rules (e.g. anti-fire safety procedures and others);
• Other related functions.

EXPERT PROFILE OR EXPERTISE REQUIRED

General professional experience:

• University degree (diploma).

Specific professional experience:

• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent planification, coordination, and management skills;
• Attention to details as well as very good abilities in drafting documents;
• Availability to work independently as well as part of a team and be initiative and flexible;
• English, and Romanian (both oral and written) are the working languages. Fluency in written and spoken English and Romanian is mandatory. Knowledge in Russian is preferable.
• Computer literacy (e.g. advanced user of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, software applications, social media tools, etc.);
• Experience in EU-funded projects and (or) other experience in working in an international environment (employment contracts or service certificates may be requested);
• Experience in translation/interpretation would be considered an advantage;
• Experience working with social media and visibility activities in Moldova would be an advantage;
• Professional experience in the border control and immigration management field (employment contracts or service certificates may be requested) would be considered an advantage.

Profile of candidate: Moldavan candidate with vast knowledge of local context and actors.

Supplementary requirements: Ability to work under a Service contract for a specific project or service of limited duration indicatively starting in August 2025.

 REPORTING 

-Invoice

-Timesheet

-Act of acceptance

Language: reporting is done in English. 

Application deadline: 21 July 2025. Apply here.

About 100 interns from the two parallel internship programmes – one supported by the European Union and the other by the national budget, held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian yesterday, 9 July, at the Government House.

The event provided a platform for open dialogue on the reintegration topics.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian outlined the main aspects of the Transnistrian settlement process and current reintegration policies, highlighting their relevance for Moldova’s EU integration path, and emphasizing the vital role of young people in advancing these national priorities.

The interns, assigned within the Presidential Administration, Parliament Secretariat, State Chancellery, ministries, and other public institutions, actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions about reintegration strategies, negotiation formats,  regional dynamics and contributing to an interactive exchange of ideas on the topic.

Yesterday’s meeting marked the second event of the Internship Programmes’ broader capacity-building efforts, aimed at deepening young people’s understanding of Moldova’s strategic goals in the context of its EU integration process, while encouraging their active involvement in public service and policy development.

The two-day event took place on 8–9 July 2025 in Chișinău, hosted by the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova, in collaboration with a range of international assistance providers, including International IDEA, UNDP, the Council of Europe, IFES, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and the International Republican Institute.

In the current geopolitical climate, democracies in Eastern Europe face increasing threats to democratic institutions through opaque political financing, third-party influence, and hybrid interference strategies. As elections in the region become key targets for manipulation, safeguarding electoral integrity requires integrated approaches that uphold fundamental rights and liberties, while ensuring that online media and networks, and digital financial technologies are adequately regulated.

The 2025 edition of the Money in Politics conference, Money, Security & Democracy: Defending Electoral Resilience in the Digital Age, offers a platform for peer exchange and strategic dialogue at the intersection of political finance, electoral security, and digital resilience. This year’s edition delves deep into the risks related to online electoral campaigns, illicit financing of politics in the online space, foreign interference, use of cryptocurrencies, vote buying, and disinformation. Recent electoral cycles across the region have illustrated both the power and the pitfalls of digital political finance. In many cases, official candidates were outspent by unregistered actors, disinformation was amplified through coordinated online campaigns, and reporting mechanisms failed to capture the true scale of spending. These developments highlight the urgent need for more adaptive and comprehensive regulatory approaches.

In this context, the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TPA) provide forward-looking frameworks that promote greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in the digital campaign space. For Eastern European countries with aspirations of joining the EU, these regulations have already become part of the acquis communautaire – mandatory standards that must be transposed into national legislation and regulatory practice.

However, full enforcement mechanisms will only come into effect after accession. This creates an urgent need to develop and implement effective interim solutions that can mitigate current risks and strengthen electoral integrity. Enhanced cross-border cooperation, smarter use of data tools, and stronger civil society oversight must complement legal and regulatory reforms.

The 2025 edition provided a platform for peer exchange and strategic dialogue, aimed at confronting digital-era challenges and advancing a shared agenda for transparency, integrity, and electoral resilience. By bringing together key actors from across Eastern Europe, the conference supports the identification of stronger safeguards, smarter oversight, and more coordinated responses to the growing threats facing democracies in the region and beyond.

Moldova gets two EIB Global loans totalling more than €244 million for heating project in capital Chisinau and new hospital in southern city of Cahul. Credits of €143.5 million to upgrade Chisinau’s district heating network and €101 million to build medical centre for residents of Cahul and neighbouring cities. Financing highlights European support for Moldova as country seeks EU membership. 

The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) is lending Moldova a total of more than €244 million for planned energy and healthcare upgrades in the country. EIB Global is providing a €143.5 million loan to bolster district heating in the capital Chisinau and a €101 million loan to build a hospital in the southern city of Cahul. 

Termoelectrica SA, Moldova’s largest heating company, will carry out the district heating project, which includes replacing outdated vertical systems in apartment buildings with horizontal pipelines, installing individual substations and improving building distribution networks. The moves are projected to cut energy consumption by 25%, lower heating bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% over the next two decades. 

The Moldovan Ministry of Health is responsible for the planned hospital in Cahul, southern Moldova. The hospital will serve around 300,000 people in Cahul and neighbouring Moldovan cities including Comrat, Leova, Ceadir-Lunga, Taraclia, Cantemir and Vulcanesti. 

“We are helping improve daily life for people across Moldova – from better healthcare in the south to more efficient heating in the capital,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “We are supporting Moldova’s priorities, strengthening public services, aligning them with European Union standards and improving energy infrastructure to reduce Moldova’s dependency on Russia.” 

The EIB Global financing highlights European support for infrastructure development in Moldova as the country seeks EU membership. 

The districting-heating works in Chisinau, which has a population of around 750,000, are due to be completed in seven years. The project will also reduce heat costs for customers, improve access to hot water for homes connected to the network, and helping cut pollution and emissions. 

“This project is a strategic investment that will contribute to improving the quality of life for approximately 300,000 households in the city. Through the installation of 2,510 Individual thermal points and the conversion of 1,665 apartment buildings to a modern horizontal distribution system, we will ensure each apartment gains greater control over its consumption, increased energy efficiency, and, consequently, lower bills for citizens,” said Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu. “Through this joint effort, we send a clear message: looking to the future means making smart investments, caring for citizens, and taking responsibility for the environment.” 

The hospital in Cahul is scheduled to be built by 2030. 

“Signing this financing contract with the European Investment Bank marks an important milestone for our healthcare system,” said Moldovan Health Minister Ala Nemerenco. “It is for the first time that two regional hospitals will be built from scratch in the Republic of Moldova, one in Cahul and another in Bălți, in line with the highest European standards. The Cahul Regional Hospital will mean real access to modern and high-performance medical services for over 300,000 people in the south of the country. It is a concrete step toward equity in healthcare and a firm commitment by the Ministry of Health to build a sustainable system that is close to the citizens.” 

Both EIB Global loans are being complemented by funding from other sources. 

The district-heating project is being co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and by grants from the EU and a multi-donor fund known as Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environmental Partnership (E5P). The hospital project is receiving technical assistance through contributions from the EU, an EIB-focused initiative called the Eastern Partnership Technical Assistance Trust Fund (EPTATF), a Swedish finance institution named Swedfund and the EIB’s own EU for Ukraine Advisory Programme. 

“It is high time to reduce wasteful energy consumption in Moldova through projects like these, not only because of savings but because your quality of life and your future,” said EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Jānis Mažeiks. “Behind every euro invested is a Moldovan family whose life gets better, with warmer homes, reliable healthcare, and real hope for the future. These investments go beyond infrastructure; they bring dignity, security, and opportunity to people’s everyday lives.” 

Background information 

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment to contribute towards EU policy goals. 

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in the Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. With Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world. 

EIB Global and Moldova: Since establishing its presence in Moldova in 2007, the EIB’s total investment in the country has reached about €1.75 billion across more than 30 projects. These investments support EU policy objectives in key sectors such as energy security and efficiency, transport, healthcare, agriculture, private sector growth, and forestry. As the European Union’s financing arm, the EIB continues to support Moldova’s development and path towards EU integration through strategic investments, including under the EU’s Growth Plan for Moldova.

The first information session in the series of capacity building activities planned for the interns of the internship programmes of the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova gathered today a total of almost 150 enthusiastic participants. The session marked the official start of a series of trainings aimed at strengthening the interns’ understanding of public service and institutional reform.

It featured two key components: an introduction to the structure and values of the Moldovan public administration, delivered by a former intern now working at the State Chancellery, Oxana Tonconog, and an interactive discussion on reforming large systems, conducted by the EU High Level Adviser on Education, Development of Human Capital and Research, Daniel Funeriu. 

Launched on 30 June, the two-months Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates studying in Moldova and abroad, a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within central public authorities, working closely with civil servants and EU High Level Advisers. In addition to their regular activities within host institutions, the interns will attend a series of seminars, capacity-building activities, and training sessions designed to reinforce both their practical skills and academic knowledge.

To support their engagement, each intern receives a monthly allowance of 200 euro, fully financed by the European Union. The programme represents a strong partnership between the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova, committed to investing in the next generation of public sector professionals and supporting the country’s European path.

Moldova has been an EU candidate country since 2022. Here’s how the country’s path toward EU accession has progressed so far:

JULY 2016 – The Association Agreement and DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) enter into force
MARCH 2022 – Moldova submits its application for EU membership
JUNE 2022 – The European Commission recommends granting candidate status
JUNE 2022 – The European Council grants candidate status
NOVEMBER 2023 – The Commission recommends opening accession negotiations
JUNE 2024 – The first intergovernmental conference to open accession negotiations takes place. The screening process begins
JANUARY 2025 – The Commission submits the first screening report to the Council for the Fundamentals Cluster

EU Growth Plan for Moldova

In October 2024, the Commission proposed a Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, worth €1.9 billion and underpinned by a Reform and Growth Facility for the period 2025-2027. It is the largest ever stand-alone EU financial support package for the country.

The Plan will boost Moldova’s economy, accelerate reforms and will benefit Moldovans directly. The Growth Plan has the potential to double the country’s economy over the next decade. It will enable better roads, energy security infrastructures, modernised schools, new hospitals, tangible support for small businesses, and the protection of Moldova’s cultural heritage, among others. Supporting the country’s socio-economic convergence is essential for Moldova’s EU accession.

The EU is the largest provider of financial and technical assistance to Moldova. EU programmes and financing instruments support Moldova’s economic development and accession process.

Ongoing EU support to Moldova

In 2021-2025, the EU has allocated over EUR 1.2 billion in grants to Moldova.

This includes:

• Direct budget support towards Moldova’s energy security and clean energy transition and to help Moldova’s consumers – 1.2 million households – cope with rising electricity bills.  Over 700,000 households also received subsidies to help pay their heating bills following a surge in energy prices triggered by Russia.

• Support for reforms in the justice sector to protect judicial independence and to improve efficiency.

• Support for Moldova’s transition to a low-emission and resource-efficient economy.

Global Gateway. The EU’s Global Gateway supports investments and mobilises the private sector and international financing institutions, towards more resilient economies. It delivers concrete benefits for people in areas such as transport, energy, environment and climate, water and sanitation and digital development.

Since 2021, the EU has mobilised EUR 1.7 billion for projects in Moldova, together with international financial institutions.

Already ongoing investments include: 

• Providing energy efficiency improvements to healthcare and education institutions across the country, including improvements of heating systems and installation of photovoltaic systems. 

• Rehabilitating the Valcinet-Ungheni-Chisinau Cainari rail corridor, boosting trade and economic development, as part of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative. 

• Improving insulation of buildings, installing more energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, integrating renewable energy sources and introducing efficient energy management practices. 

• Road transport infrastructure, building connections within Moldova and bringing the country closer to the EU. 

• Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises: between 2021 and 2023, over 8000 Moldovan SMEs enjoyed better access to finance and nearly 7000 SMEs benefitted from business advisory services. 

Trade

The EU is Moldova’s main trading partner. In 2024, the EU accounted for 54% of Moldova’s total trade in goods (65.6% of total exports)*. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is an integral part of the Association Agreement, in full effect since 2016.

The European Payment Council (EPC) gave Moldova the green light to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). With most Moldovan banks already prepared, SEPA transactions for these banks will be possible as of 5 October 2025, making cross-border transfers cheaper for families and deepening Moldova’s integration into the European financial system. This will stimulate cross-border trade and investments.

Security and defence cooperation

The EU remains deeply committed to deepen cooperation with Moldova under the Common Foreign and Security Policy. In 2024, Moldova became the first country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU.

The EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) provides critical support to Moldovan institutions in the field of security to build resilience against cyber and hybrid threats. Trough the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU is supporting the modernisation of Moldova’s armed forces with close to EUR 200 million for 2021-2025.

Since 2023, the EU has put in place a sanctions regime against those individuals and entities involved in actions destabilising the country. 

EU solidarity with Moldova

• In response to the energy crisis and related price increases, the EU and Moldova have agreed on a two-year Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Independence and Resilience. It aims to end Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy and fully integrate Moldova into the EU energy market, so to ensure greater energy security and independence. Under this strategy, EUR 250 million will be mobilised by the EU and its partners in 2025 alone.

• This support comes in addition to the extensive budget support, which the EU has provided for the energy sector in Moldova since 2021. This assistance has subsidised gas and electricity bills via grants and macro-financial assistance.

• In light of the impact on Moldova of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has mobilised special measures to support vulnerable Ukrainian refugees and families hosting them in Moldova, through humanitarian assistance. The EU is planning to provide (EUR 84 million). 

People to people contacts

Since 2014, Moldovans benefit from visa-free travel to the EU. 

Since 2021, the EU has funded over 3,948 Erasmus+ exchanges between Moldova and other participating countries in the areas of education, training, youth, and sport. 

From 1 January 2024, telecom operators in the EU and the Republic of Moldova agreed on lowering roaming tariffs, meaning that citizens and businesses are already enjoying lower charges on their calls, data and texts between the EU and Moldova. Likewise, the EU has provided extensive technical assistance for the Moldovan roaming law and is committed to bringing Roam Like at Home to Moldova as of January 2026, subject to completion of necessary steps. 

The European Union and the Soros Foundation Moldova, in partnership with Keystone Moldova and the Independent Analytical Center “Expert-Grup”, have launched the Grant Programme for the Development of Inclusive Communities for Parents in Vulnerable Situations. The programme is part of the broader project “Enhanced Local Employment Opportunities and Access to Nurseries for Parents in Vulnerable Situations”.

Under this programme, at least 24 organisations across the Republic of Moldova will receive grants to develop integrated local services that address the needs of parents, especially those in vulnerable situations, by creating opportunities for employment and early childhood care.

Currently, many families in the country face a lack of infrastructure and support services for child care, which affects the overall well-being of communities.

The supported projects will help build communities where parents receive concrete support: access to nurseries or early childhood services, professional counseling, career guidance, and emotional support — all within an environment that acknowledges their needs and respects their rights.

“This programme is part of the European Union’s commitment to support the Republic of Moldova in strengthening social cohesion, creating economic opportunities, and facilitating access to essential services. A secure job and quality child care are the foundation of a dignified life for every parent. Through this project, local communities will gain concrete means of support for families in vulnerable situations in the Republic of Moldova,” said Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Economic Growth and Competitiveness at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

“We are building a society based on solidarity, where parents are not forced to choose between caring for their child and economic survival. Through partnerships with local authorities and civil society, we can create a social infrastructure tailored to people’s real needs, in every locality. These grants will support the creation of nurseries and encourage parents to find employment,” stated Daniela Leahu, Project Director at the Soros Foundation Moldova.

Throughout the project implementation, Keystone Moldova will support beneficiary organisations in facilitating child care services, cooperating with local authorities, and involving parents in decision-making processes. Expert-Grup will provide analytical support and expertise in monitoring results and promoting data-driven policies in the field of labour markets.

Background information

The “Enhanced Local Employment Opportunities and Access to Nurseries for Parents in Vulnerable Situations” project has a total budget of over €3.8 million, of which approximately €3.2 million is provided by the European Union, and €600,000 is contributed by the Soros Foundation Moldova.

The project will run for 36 months starting in March 2025 and aims to support vulnerable parents through the development of local solutions for employment and early childhood care services.

Ten civil society organisations (CSOs) from the Republic of Moldova have received financial support totaling over 3.3 million MDL from the European Union; these funds help to improve access to public services and strengthen social cohesion. This support is provided through the Moldova ASSIST project, funded by the European Union and implemented by People in Need Moldova, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. 

This initiative fosters effective collaboration between civil society actors and public authorities to ensure equal access to public services, including for the most marginalised and vulnerable people. 

The grants were awarded to ten CSOs, amounting to 3.332 million MDL in total, and will be used for renovation and modernisation works, the purchase of equipment and furniture, the development of specialised services, community engagement activities and events, staff training, and institutional capacity building. 

“These comprehensive efforts reflect our Ministry’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and strengthening social services through transparent processes, interinstitutional collaboration, and a strong focus on community-centered development,” stated Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection. 

The planned activities will be implemented nationwide in cooperation with the ten selected CSOs, with full implementation expected by August 31, 2025.  Each CSO is supported with a grant of approximately 353,000 MDL to benefit at least one of the following vulnerable groups: people with physical and/or mental disabilities, elderly people (including those with limited self-care abilities), at-risk adolescents, Roma community members, children separated from their parents or in vulnerable situations, survivors of domestic violence, disadvantaged women, refugees, socially marginalised persons, and other vulnerable adults. 

“These ten EU-funded grants are a powerful example of how strategic support for infrastructure and social services can transform lives. The European Union strongly believes that lasting, positive change begins with investments in people and communities—especially in the most vulnerable. We deeply value our partnership with national and local authorities and congratulate all involved for their dedication, professionalism, and the tangible results they are delivering for Moldova’s future,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. 

“We are proud to announce the launch of a series of initiatives aimed at improving social infrastructure and services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. With the generous support of our donors and in close partnership with local and national authorities, we are committed to creating safer, more inclusive, and better-equipped community spaces. While the work is just beginning, our commitment is strong—we are ready to build lasting change, together,” said Rafal Chibowski, Country Director, People in Need Moldova. 

One of the key objectives of the Moldova ASSIST project is to support the RESTART reform and the reform of the educational system by strengthening public services in the social sector, with the active involvement of Moldovan CSOs. 

The RESTART reform aims to enhance governance and transparency in the social assistance system and ensure equal and consistent access to quality social services for vulnerable populations. Social assistance must be standardised across Moldova so that all regions and all categories of vulnerable citizens—especially children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities—can benefit from adequate and equitable services.

The European Commission selected 94 transport projects to receive nearly €2.8 billion in EU grants under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). By modernising railways, inland waterways and maritime routes across the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), the projects will not only help better connect European regions and cities – north to south, east to west, but also make the EU’s internal market more competitive, and more resilient.

Europe’s green transition runs on rail

Rail transport will receive the largest share of the funding – 77% of the total – with investments directed towards major infrastructure upgrades across the TEN-T core and extended networks, particularly in cohesion countries. This includes the construction of Rail Baltica in the Baltic region and Poland, and improvements in Greece and Slovakia. High-speed rail lines will also be developed in the Czechia and Poland.

In addition, 46 projects in 11 Member States – including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Sweden – will implement the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on trains and tracks, improving rail safety and interoperability across borders.

Greener ports and increased resilience

The EU is investing in a range of projects to reduce the environmental impact of maritime and inland waterway transport. This includes upgrading ports in Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, and Poland with shore-side electricity to reduce emissions from ships at berth. Support will also go to the construction and upgrading of multi-purpose icebreakers in Estonia, Finland and Sweden to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables, in line with the EU’s recent action plan. In France and Spain, digital traffic management systems will be deployed to improve the safety and efficiency of short-sea shipping, and reduce congestion.

For inland waterways, France will see upgrades along the Rhine, while digitalisation of waterborne transport will be advanced in Belgium.

Smarter and safer transport networks

In road transport, safe and secure parking areas will be built or upgraded across 10 Member States, including Germany, France, Italy and Romania. Projects will also support the roll-out of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), improving road safety and traffic flow, particularly in urban areas.

Air traffic management projects will continue to contribute to the development of the Single European Sky, to create a safer, more efficient and sustainable aviation system. This will reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve the overall air travel experience.

Urban mobility will also benefit, with funding to prepare for the construction or upgrade of multimodal passenger hubs in cities such as Leuven (Belgium), Norrköping (Sweden), Nice and Marseille (France), and Bolzano (Italy). These hubs will provide seamless connections between different modes of transport, making it easier for people to get around cities.

Strategic and solidarity investments

The EU is building on its efforts to strengthen the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, with projects to improve rail connectivity and border crossing points between Slovakia and Ukraine, and between Romania and Moldova. EU support will help Ukraine adopt the standard EU railway gauge, facilitating seamless cross-border rail traffic and boosting regional trade.

Additionally, the EU will support one project to enhance accessibility and infrastructure resilience in the Arctic region, ensuring secure supply routes and developing dual-use infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change impacts.

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said: “With nearly €2.8 billion in EU funding, we are delivering on Europe’s promise of a modern, sustainable, and resilient transport network. These 94 projects will not only boost cross-border connectivity and efficiency but also boost competitiveness across the continent. From Rail Baltica in the north, to shore-side electricity in our southern ports, and from secure road networks to a smarter Single European Sky – this investment is a cornerstone of our Green Deal and our geopolitical resilience.”

Next steps

Yesterday, the CEF Committee approved the list of 94 selected projects. The Commission will now formally adopt the selection decision, and CINEA will start preparing grant agreements for the chosen projects. These agreements are expected to be finalised by October 2025. The results are currently provisional and will only become official once the Commission adopts the corresponding award decision.

Background

The 94 projects have been selected from a pool of 258 applications submitted under the recent call for proposals, which closed on 21 January 2025.

EU funding for these projects will be provided in the form of grants, which are used to co-finance total eligible project costs.

The CEF Transport program for 2021-2027 has a total budget of  €25.8 billion. It is available to fund projects in all EU Member States as well as in Ukraine and Moldova – two CEF associated countries. With the current selection, 95% of this budget has already been allocated.

Since its launch in 2014, the Connecting Europe Facility supported 1861 projects (including the current selection of 94 projects) with a total of €47.34 billion in the transport sector.

More information and a list of selected projects is available on the CINEA website.

What is ecotourism and how can sustainable tourism be promoted? To better understand how an ecotourism model works, a regional informational tour was organized in the Lower Dniester National Park. On March 29, 2025, over 100 participants, including some from the left bank of the Dniester, explored and got to know the “Lower Dniester” region, with financial support from the EU program “Confidence Building Measures,” implemented by UNDP.

The participants visited several areas along the ecotourism route, including Hagimus, Ștefan Vodă, Tudora, Purcari, Răscăieți, Talmaza, and Grădinița. At each stop, different thematic activities took place:

• cleanup actions;
• tree planting;
• local product tastings;
• discussions with local communities;
• presentations about the ecotourism potential of the region.

The topics covered included integrated ecotourism models, youth and community involvement, promotion of green destinations, and the development of cross-river cooperation networks.

An essential aspect of the event was the participation of business representatives and tourism partners from the left bank of the Dniester. Their presence provided an opportunity for experience sharing and demonstrated mutual interest in developing common, sustainable, and cooperative tourism routes.

The day concluded with the drafting of a resolution that included recommendations for expanding local partnerships, developing green infrastructure, integrating heritage into the tourism offer, and promoting the Lower Dniester destination as a model of good practice for sustainable tourism. The informational tour served as an example of civic mobilization, dialogue, and collaboration for the benefit of the region.

Moldova Growth Plan is an EU support package to boost Moldova’s economy, bring the country closer to EU membership, and provide significant financial assistance.

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is offering citizens a new and significant funding opportunity for the modernization of individual homes. Casa Verde – a grant-based financing product for energy-efficient renovations – was officially launched today nationwide. 

Casa Verde is part of the Residential Energy Efficiency Fund of Moldova (MREEF), funded by the state budget. The financing product aims to facilitate public access to resources needed to implement energy-efficiency measures in residential buildings. Through Casa Verde, the government encourages investments in sustainable housing, thereby helping to reduce energy consumption, lower household bills, and protect the environment. 

“A large part of the housing stock in Moldova was built without considering energy efficiency standards, which means a significant amount of energy is simply wasted. For the first time, the state is investing in the energy efficiency of residential buildings, in order to reduce consumption and, consequently, household bills,” stated Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy. 

Casa Verde benefits from financial and technical assistance from international partners. The European Union and Germany, through the “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova” (E4M) project implemented by GIZ Moldova, supported the development of the digital platform feerm.md, through which citizens can apply for the program and find relevant information on the energy-rehabilitation process. 

“Energy sustainability is one of the key priorities of the European Union’s assistance to Moldova. Through Casa Verde, families with minor children across Moldova will gain equal access to efficient solutions, promoting a real shift in how energy is consumed in households,” stated Solomon Ioannou, Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. 

Casa Verde offers beneficiaries non-reimbursable funding of up to MDL 200,000 for a wide range of energy-efficiency works. These include thermal insulation of external walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat loss and maintain optimal indoor comfort. 

The program also supports upgrading heating and ventilation systems, including installing energy-efficient boilers and heat-recovery ventilation systems to ensure lower energy consumption and healthier indoor air. 

Additionally, households that have already implemented basic efficiency measures are eligible for funding to install other high-performance equipment or renewable-energy systems, such as solar panels and battery storage. 

“This is an entirely new instrument for Moldova, born of ongoing effort and strong collaboration with international development partners. The initiative offers a practical and affordable solution to reduce household energy bills and encourages widespread adoption of modern energy-efficiency technologies,” said Ion Muntean, Director of the National Centre for Sustainable Energy (CNED). 

“Energy efficient homes reduce energy consumption, lower costs and foster better living conditions for Moldovan citizens. With Casa Verde, we supported the development of a digital platform that 

ensures a transparent and fair access to the government’s financing program for everyone,” said Verena Zell, Head of Development Cooperation with Moldova, German Embassy in Chisinau. 

Applicants will submit their files online via the feerm.md platform, where they can access useful information, identify authorized providers, and track the financing stages. The entire process will be monitored step by step by CNED specialists, and grants will be disbursed only after the final acceptance of work. 

The FEERM program is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, supported financially by the European Union and delivered by the National Centre for Sustainable Energy and the Ministry of Energy. It is backed through the “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova” (E4M) project, carried out by GIZ in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, funded by the Government of Germany, and co-financed by the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. 

The National Centre for Sustainable Energy (CNED) is a public institution under the Ministry of Energy, tasked with coordinating and organizing activities to implement state policies in its areas of responsibility, including attracting and managing financial resources for funding and promoting projects and programs in an environmentally and climate-friendly manner, contributing to the country’s energy security.

The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Moldova will hold their first-ever bilateral Summit in Chișinău —a historic event that underscores Moldova’s strategic trajectory toward EU membership. This high-level meeting, taking place just weeks after the EU–Moldova Association Council (4 June 2025), reaffirms the EU’s steadfast support for Moldova’s democratic transformation and European aspirations.

The Summit brings together António Costa, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, along with the Moldovan leadership. Their presence of the EU officials in Chișinău sends a powerful message of unity, solidarity, and commitment to Moldova’s future as an integral part of the European family.

Taking place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and growing hybrid threats in the region, the Summit comes at an important moment for Moldova. Despite the challenges faced – from airspace violations and the humanitarian impact of refugee arrivals to disinformation campaigns, geopolitical pressures and energy crises – Moldova continues to make concrete progress toward EU integration.

More than a diplomatic milestone, the EU–Moldova Summit stands as a public reaffirmation of the EU’s long-term political, financial, and strategic support. It acknowledges Moldova’s substantial progress in the enlargement process and the government’s ambitious reform agenda.

At the heart of the discussions lie Moldova’s sovereignty, security, and resilience. The EU remains committed to helping Moldova build a stable, secure, and democratic future — one that fully aligns with European values and standards. From energy diversification and rule of law reforms to countering hybrid threats, the EU stands firmly beside Moldova as a reliable and enduring partner.

In this context, a wide-reaching information campaign, “One path, one future”, was launched to highlight the tangible impact of the European Union’s support for Moldova and its citizens. The campaign showcases how EU assistance has transformed communities, boosted local businesses, and directly contributed to improving people’s lives.

Over the course of two weeks, journalists, students, entrepreneurs, officials, winemakers, civil society representatives, and human rights defenders shared their stories in video testimonials, illustrating how EU support has changed the face of Moldova — from the local to the national level — influencing key areas such as digitalisation, the economy, SMEs, civil society, the media, and more.

The “One path, one future”, campaign, launched in the context of the Moldova–EU Summit, features a series of video testimonials reflecting the voices and experiences of citizens who have benefited directly or indirectly from EU support.

Natalia Zaharescu, Ziarul de Gardă journalist, winner of European Press Prize 2025

Ilie Toma, auto journalist

Vadim Vieru, Promo‑LEX lawyer

Vadim Pistrinciuc, executive director, Institute for Strategic Initiatives

Ion Luca, founder of Luca Winery

Diana Zaharia, E-Governance Agency

Veronica Ștefaniuc, Asclepio director

Andreea Grigoriu, Erasmus+ beneficiary

The purpose of the Summit is to underscore once again the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova and its citizens in advancing democracy and building a resilient, democratic society. It marks a new chapter in EU–Moldova relations – one that brings Moldova ever closer to its rightful place within the European Union.

The Energy Community Secretariat, co-chaired by the European Commission, has announced the launch of the Just Transition Young Voices Awards 2025. This initiative invites young people aged 18–30 from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and the Western Balkans to share compelling stories about how their communities are navigating the shift to a greener economy.

The awards aim to promote youth engagement in energy and climate journalism, with a focus on just transition themes. Submissions should be original, fact-based articles (700–1100 words) in English that explore challenges and solutions related to fair and inclusive energy transitions.

Three prizes will be awarded:

• one-month paid internship at the Energy Community Secretariat in Vienna;
• field mission on energy transition in the Western Balkans with Bankwatch;
• participation in the Climate Reporting Training with CAN Europe in Ohrid (1–3 September 2025).

Winning pieces will be published on key partner platforms and presented at the Energy Community Just Transition Forum.

The deadline for applications is 28 July.

Find more information here.

The Global Campus of Human Rights (GC) with its Caucasus hub coordinated by Yerevan State University (YSU) and in partnership with Moldova State University (MSU), celebrate the ending of the project “Development of Climate Justice and Human Rights Education at the Moldova State University”, made possible thanks to the support of the European Union.

Over the last two academic years, the project aimed at enhancing MSU’s preparedness
to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights, environmental rights and climate justice by producing and disseminating critical knowledge for policy change, in the context of the EU enlargement. This was achieved through innovative curriculum and teaching tools development, teachers training in theoretical and practical skills, as well as the refurbishment of teaching spaces and outreach events.

The main outcome of the projects is the setting up of the JURIS Lab, a new interdisciplinary unit of the  university, specialized on sustainability, climate justice and human rights education between the Faculties of Law and Biology, which flagship activity is an annual cross-regional spring school, now in its second edition,bringing together lecturers and students from Moldova and countries of the EU enlargement Eastward.

The JURIS Lab is an ambitious format that aims to act as growing incubator for innovative pedagogy and research, with the final goal of contributing to a sustainable green transition in Moldova and the region.

The project is the result of the cooperation between GC and MSU initiated in early 2023 under the backing of the government of the Republic of Moldova and the Delegation of the European Union. In a short time, such successful cooperation has allowed MSU to follow the virtuous path of the main public universities from Eastern and Southeast Europe that have become members of the Global Campus in the context of their EU accession process.

About the Global Campus of Human Rights

The Global Campus of Human Rights (Headquartered in Venice, Italy) is the world’s largest network of universities specializing in human rights education, with over 100 members in all continents.

Through education and research, the Global Campus works across eight regional hubs, including for the Asia region, and is committed to fostering new generations of human rights defenders able to contribute to a world in which all human rights are realized.

More info:

Global Campus of Human Rights

Capacity Development – Global Campus of Human Rights

About 50 officials from local public authorities (LPAs) of the Republic of Moldova participated in training sessions on European affairs, with a focus on understanding the impact of the European Union accession process on local administration and the role of LPAs in this process.

The participants – mayors, presidents oa raions and other representatives of local public administration – discussed, together with experts from the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), multi-level governance in the EU, participation in decision-making processes and opportunities for local development.

The training also presented practical examples of how European funds can be accessed and which areas will benefit most from integration.

The event was organized by the Bureau for European Integration (BEI) in collaboration with the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), with the support of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the technical assistance programme for Moldova “Support for legal and institutional reforms resulting from the candidate state status” and the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU integration”.

The fourth edition of the EU–Government of Moldova Joint Internship Programme officially launched today, welcoming 68 young professionals selected through a highly competitive process. The launch ceremony was held in the presence of Prime Minister Dorin Recean and EU Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks, who expressed their support for the initiative as a valuable step toward shaping Moldova’s next generation of public service leaders.

The event also marked the launch of the next edition of the Government’s Internship Programme, which brings together an additional cohort of 87 young interns.

The two-month internship programme offers young people the opportunity to work side by side with civil servants in central public institutions, under the guidance of EU High Level Advisers serving as mentors. This hands-on experience is designed to strengthen participants’ professional skills and improve their long-term employment prospects. The programme also includes regular training sessions, seminars, and workshops to enhance interns’ theoretical and practical knowledge of public administration, particularly in the context of European integration.

In his address to the interns, Prime Minister Recean stated: “Through the program, we are professionalizing public administration and preparing a generation of educated, energetic and motivated young leaders to modernize and empower the state on our path to accession to the European Union. I am convinced that only together can we build a European state with strong and professional institutions.”Given Moldova’s current stage in its EU integration process, the 2025 edition of the programme will include thematic content related to EU accession negotiations. Interns will also receive a monthly allowance, fully funded by the European Union.

“This internship programme is about investing in Moldova’s future. By empowering young professionals with practical experience and European know-how, we are supporting the growth of a skilled, motivated, and forward-looking public service, essential for Moldova’s European integration and sustainable development. These young interns will carry forward the values of transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centered governance – some of the core values of the European Union. I am confident that many of them will go on to play a key role in strengthening Moldova’s public institutions and advancing the country’s reform agenda,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The selected participants include students, master students, and recent graduates from both Moldovan and international universities – young people eager to begin a career in public service and contribute to the country’s development and modernisation. Exposed to governance practices and mentored by EU experts, the interns will bring fresh perspectives, digital competencies, and a results-oriented mindset to public administration. Their contribution is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and support the implementation of key reforms, especially in the context of Moldova’s path toward EU integration. The programme’s previous editions have proven successful, with a number of former interns now employed in state institutions.

“As a former participant of the first edition, I can say the internship was a turning point in my career,” mentioned Iulia Mândru, now Head of the International Relations and External Assistance division at the Ministry of Energy.

The launch of the Programme was preceded by an extensive information campaign, carried out in five of the largest universities in the country, bringing together about 600 students, but also online, for Moldovan students in the diaspora. 

The programme is carried out on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Council of Rectors and the EU-funded project ‘Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration’. Details about the Programme, the selection criteria and procedures are available here.

At the end of the Programme, interns will receive certificates confirming their participation and can benefit from facilities upon entering the civil service: no competition and no testing period, if they get employed in the same division where they carried out the internship.

At Europe Cafe, we hosted an interactive evening dedicated to young people passionate about European values. Participants had the chance to step into the shoes of Moldova’s ambassadors during the board game “European Journey”. The event, held in an informal setting, brought together youth interested in learning more about the European Union and Moldova’s path toward integration.

The game invited players to travel through the capitals of EU member states, promoting Moldovan culture and products, building partnerships, and gaining knowledge about European institutions, history, legislation, and EU programs.

The main goal was to complete routes between cities, earning points for each objective achieved, especially for those that included cities from Moldova.

European Journey was designed not only as a fun activity, but also as an educational tool to spark civic engagement and deepen understanding of European values among young people. Participants showed great enthusiasm and a competitive spirit, all while learning through play about Moldova’s European path.

The board game sessions organized by the Young European Ambassadors are open to everyone and require prior registration. To stay updated and not miss future opportunities, follow the Europe Café page, where we regularly post announcements about upcoming activities.

Over 90% of the world’s toys are made from plastic, and most end up in landfills within a year, according to Greenpeace. These toys contribute significantly to environmental pollution and often contain toxic substances that can harm children’s health. In response, more and more parents are seeking safe, durable, and educational alternatives. That’s how “GUGA GAGA” was born – a creative toy studio founded by Marcela Mastac, inspired by her own family’s experience.

Marcela and her husband, Andrei Gramațchii, noticed that the children in their extended family were surrounded by piles of plastic toys – easily broken and lacking any real story or purpose. They believed kids deserve better.

“We design and craft healthy wooden toys inspired by our local culture, based on Montessori and Waldorf methodologies. The idea started as a manifesto – to offer a real alternative to plastic toys. These are objects that spark imagination, improve hand-eye coordination, and support children’s development”, explains Marcela Mastac.

Eco-friendly toys for a healthier community and planet

“GUGA GAGA” creates eco-friendly play objects using only natural materials – water-based paints, mineral oils, and natural pigments.

“Our colors are safe for children and for the environment. When a toy’s life cycle ends, you can leave it in nature without causing any harm”, Marcela adds.

These toys are made to last and be passed down through generations. More than just playthings, they’re tools for emotional memory, sparking creativity and strengthening the bond between parents and children.

From idea to reality –  with EU support

Like any startup, “GUGA GAGA” faced numerous challenges in its early days – from setting up a production space to managing humidity and packaging the products. A turning point came when the team joined the EU4Youth programme through the  “SKYE Net” project, funded by the European Union.

“We applied for funding, and that’s how the GUGA GAGA brand was born”, says Marcela.

The grant helped purchase a professional dehumidifier, eco-friendly packaging materials, and equipped their production workshop – streamlining the entire manufacturing process. As part of the EU4Youth programme, young entrepreneurs also received training and mentorship.

“Beyond the financial support, this was like a breath of fresh air. It showed us that we are not alone – that there are people who understand our challenges, who can offer advice and connect us to a community with a shared vision. The training and mentoring were equally valuable – knowing who to turn to and what to ask makes a big difference”, Marcela reflects.

The EU4Youth programme, funded by the European Union, actively supports the development of social entrepreneurship and provides young people in Moldova and the Eastern Partnership countries with the skills and funding needed to turn their business ideas into reality.

“SKYE Net, funded by EU4Youth, has two core goals: supporting youth-led businesses at the community level – especially in the area of social entrepreneurship – and helping young entrepreneurs launch and grow social enterprises. Through this project, 36 social startups received grants of up to €5,000: ten in Moldova, ten in Georgia, and sixteen in Armenia”, explains Alexandra Isaicul, project coordinator at the MilleniuM Training and Development Institute.

The impact of EU4Youth: more than just funding

Thanks to EU4Youth, “GUGA GAGA” has become a shining example of successful social entrepreneurship in Moldova – changing the way we think about play, learning, and sustainability.

“EU4Youth supports initiatives with both social and economic impact, and GUGA GAGA proves that an idea born from care and love can become a real driver of change in the community”, adds Alexandra Isaicul.

Marcela envisions the project evolving into a “family concept store” – offering children an environment filled with eco-friendly, culturally authentic, and educational objects. Their upcoming collection, Origen, draws inspiration from local traditions, and plans are underway to expand into furniture for children’s rooms and family spaces.

“I want GUGA GAGA to be with a child from their very first year of life until they turn seven – to grow up together”, Marcela shares.

She encourages other young people to take the leap, even when the path ahead seems full of obstacles: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Make them early, learn fast, and keep going. Find the right mentor and the community that supports you.”

“GUGA GAGA” stands as living proof that when good ideas meet the right support, they can transform not just the toy market, but also our children’s future – into one that’s cleaner, more creative, and deeply human.

The EU4Youth Phase III: Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is being executed by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in Eastern Partnership countries. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme will run until the middle of 2025 and aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle youth unemployment and improve employability.

Note: Social entrepreneurship is a business model that combines economic activity with social impact. Unlike traditional business, where profit is the primary goal, social entrepreneurs aim to solve community problems through sustainable economic initiatives.

Europe Café was today, June 26, the host of a press conference by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Nicolae Ștefănuță, who is on an official visit to Chișinău. The discussions focused on the political, institutional, and economic support offered by the EU in the country’s accession process.

The European official announced that a new Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the European Parliament and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova shortly. This will include joint activities aimed at strengthening the institution, perceived as the citizens’ institution, so that people feel represented and involved in the democratic decision-making process.

Additionally, the European Parliament plans to open a representative office in Chișinău, a symbolic but also practical step that confirms the European Union’s commitment to the Republic of Moldova.

The official also spoke to the press about the risks associated with the electoral period, such as online disinformation, manipulative campaigns carried out through social networks, and non-transparent financing, which can affect the democratic process.

It was also reiterated that the benefits of EU accession are already being felt in the pre-accession stage, through increased attractiveness for investments and through economic and institutional stabilization.

Vice-President Ștefănuță emphasized the European Parliament’s support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.