Summer is finally here! It’s the perfect time for relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, and spending time with friends. But what if we told you that this summer could also become the launchpad for one of the most exciting experiences of your life? At Europe Café, we know that when autumn arrives, opportunities are what really count.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, volunteering, or securing an internship in a European environment, summer is the ideal time to prepare your portfolio (CV and motivation letter). Here are some of the opportunities available across the EU and how you can get ready for them.

1. Erasmus+: Your University Experience Without Borders

Erasmus+ is much more than a student exchange programme — it’s a real academic and personal upgrade.

The programme gives students from the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to study at European universities for periods ranging from two to twelve months. You can apply if you are enrolled at an accredited university in Moldova, whether at Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level. Participation is free of charge, and selected students receive a monthly grant to help cover living expenses abroad.

What to do this summer:

Explore the partnerships available through your university’s International Relations Office or browse the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Catalogue. Applications for Master’s programmes are submitted online through the programme websites.

Learn more: https://www.erasmusplus.md/

2. European Solidarity Corps (ESC): Make a Difference While Exploring Europe

Want to take a break from your studies or contribute to a meaningful cause abroad? The European Solidarity Corps might be the perfect fit.

Young people aged 18 to 30 can participate in individual volunteering projects. Short-term projects last from two weeks to two months, while long-term opportunities range from two to twelve months.

The best part? Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered, and participants also receive a small allowance for personal expenses.

What to do this summer:

Create your profile on the European Solidarity Corps portal and start looking for projects that match your interests — whether that’s environmental protection, social inclusion, culture, or the arts.

Learn more: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_ro

3. Internships: Your First Steps Towards a European Career

Dreaming of seeing how decisions that shape an entire continent are made? Several paid traineeship programmes are designed specifically for young professionals at the start of their careers.

The European Commission’s Blue Book Traineeships and the European Parliament’s Schuman Traineeships are among the most popular opportunities. Application periods usually open in autumn for spring placements and in spring for autumn placements.

What to do this summer:

Polish your social media profiles, update your CV using the Europass format, and think about which institution or department you would most like to work in.

Learn more: https://traineeships.ec.europa.eu/index_en

4. Young European Ambassadors (YEA)

Would you like to stay in Moldova while becoming part of a vibrant European network? Then the Young European Ambassadors initiative could be for you.

As a Young European Ambassador, you receive training, participate in civic and community activities, and help promote European values among your peers. Summer is the perfect time to follow recruitment calls on the EU Neighbours East social media channels.

Learn more: https://euneighbourseast.eu/

Let’s Talk Opportunities

At Europe Café, we’re always happy to welcome you for a coffee and a conversation. We can help you navigate the application process, prepare your documents, and showcase your strengths.

What destination or field would you choose for your first European Union-funded experience?

The Transatlantic Foundation (TF), in cooperation with the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation programme of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, has launched a dedicated call for proposals for individual travel grants aimed at fostering regional networking, exchange, and cooperation among civil society organisation (CSO) representatives, civic activists and leaders, and informal group representatives from the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries.

This initiative complements the ongoing EU-funded programme ‘Enhancing the Resilience of Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership’ (ERICS-EaP) by providing opportunities for CSO representatives, civic activists and leaders, and informal group representatives to actively engage in existing regional networks, forums, and cooperative endeavours.

The BST will award grants of up to €1,500 each to enable CSO representatives, civic activists and leaders, and representatives of informal groups to participate in existing regional networking events, forums, and cooperative initiatives. The grants are intended to support travel expenses.

The call is open to CSO representatives based or active in one of the six EaP countries (exiled CSOs are also eligible).

Please be aware that you need to apply at least one month  before your event participation.

The current call ends on 18 June.

The next call will take place from 15 August to 15 September.

Find out more

Press release

On 9 April, the European Commission opened the 2026 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a budget of €399.05 million. 

The grants target researchers holding a PhD, and aim to help them acquire new skills, develop their careers, and gain international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral experience by working in another country.

Since their creation in 1996, more than 150,000 researchers have participated in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including 23 Nobel laureates, highlighting their long-standing contribution to scientific excellence and international cooperation.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe’s future is built on knowledge, discovery, and talent. For 30 years, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions have empowered researchers to push the boundaries of science and to turn ideas into progress for society /…/ To researchers around the world, our message is clear: bring your ambition, bring your talent — Europe is your place to innovate and to thrive.”

Interested researchers should submit an application together with a host organisation, which can be a university, research institution, business, SME or other organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. All disciplines are eligible for Postdoctoral Fellowships, including research areas covered by the Euratom Research and Training Programme.

Fellowships include:

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to researchers of any nationality to carry out a personalised project in the European Union (EU) or countries associated to Horizon Europe (including Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) for up to 24 months;
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to EU and Horizon Europe associated countries nationals or long-term residents wishing to work with organisations in third countries for a period of 12 to 24 months, before returning to Europe for 12 months.

The call will close on 9 September 2026 and is expected to fund nearly 1600 projects.

In addition to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call, the Commission will launch two MSCA calls later in 2026 to support researchers’ training and strengthen research careers in Europe.

Find out more

Press release

Call announcement

More information on the MSCA 2026 calls

Europol, the law enforcement agency of the European Union, has opened submissions for Capture26, the 2026 edition of its annual international law enforcement photo competition. 

This year’s theme is #OneSecurity, reflecting the principle that keeping Europe safe is built through coordination, trust, and shared responsibility. Entrants are invited to capture what this cooperation looks like in practice. 

The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers working for law enforcement agencies in EU countries and those with Europol Agreements, including Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

First held in 2009, the competition has since attracted entries from police, customs, border guard, and security services across Europe and beyond.

The deadline for applications is 14 August.

Submissions can be made via the entry form on the Europol website.

Headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, Europol’s mission is to support its Member States in preventing and combating all forms of serious international and organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism. Europol also works with many non-EU partner states and international organisations.

Find out more

Press release

Call announcement

CLOSING DATE

August 14, 2026

Florin Teslari did not plan to become a mushroom grower. He has a degree in engineering. And yet here he is: with 24 years of education behind him, working in a limestone mine and taking care of 16 species of exotic mushrooms. His father started growing Pleurotus more than 25 years ago, almost as a challenge after a conversation with friends. Florin spent his childhood preparing mushroom substrate and collecting harvests on weekends. Mushroom cultivation was only part of the picture of his childhood. He never imagined that this process would later become an important part of his life or that he would one day build a social enterprise around it — a path that took shape with the support of the EU4Youth programme.

From pandemic to product
COVID-19 was what changed the equation. When markets closed, the family had to turn directly to supermarkets, and suddenly the business needed labels, packaging, and structure. For the first time, he saw that real demand existed. From there, the idea of mushroom growing kits at home quickly followed. The initial kits were made in eight days — from idea to finished product. The first three were not sold; they were used only for testing. Florin made another fifteen kits the next night, slept very little, but sold them all.

What surprised him most was not the sales. It was people’s reaction — parents and children. He received many messages saying it was fun, interesting, and a great idea. These reactions were unexpected and defined the next direction. A mushroom growing kit, which costs as much as a restaurant meal, teaches children that food can be grown, not just bought. This shift in mindset, multiplied across hundreds of families, is not something to ignore. “People don’t understand that it’s not just about buying mushrooms from the store, but about growing them.” This distinction matters more than it seems and makes the difference between a product and an experience.

A mine and 16 mushroom species
Florin grows his mushrooms in a limestone mine in the village of Făurești — a practical choice that provides perfect conditions. Natural humidity and underground temperature create ideal conditions that would cost a fortune to reproduce artificially. This is exactly the kind of solution that comes from engineering thinking: Florin holds a degree in engineering and in the past two years has developed “Teslari ORIGINS” simultaneously as chief engineer and founder. “I saw this being done in the United States, but the technology there was built for specific conditions — it only worked for exotic species. Nothing similar existed here. So I had no choice but to develop the production technology from scratch,” says Florin.

Currently, Florin Teslari produces 16 species of exotic mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and Enoki varieties that are almost absent from the Moldovan market. Home growing kits, fresh mushrooms, dried products, and future dietary supplements made from medicinal fungi are part of a vision Florin is building step by step. He lists his future plans without pausing: biodegradable packaging made from mycelium, certified organic substrates, educational workshops for children, and mine tours where children prepare their own substrate and go home with their own growing kit.

Promo

In 2024 he applied to the programme and received his first €2,000 grant through the “Better Development through Social Entrepreneurship” programme, implemented by Junior Achievement Moldova within EU4Youth. Every cent was invested in laboratory equipment.

The social component is still in development
The social mission of “Teslari ORIGINS” focuses on employing people from vulnerable backgrounds, and the entrepreneur has already started doing this. He is honest about reality: while the business is still in a startup phase, the development of the social component depends first on strengthening the commercial one. Being open and transparent is, in itself, a form of integrity. Social enterprises that embellish their promises risk doing harm to those they aim to support. “If something doesn’t work, try again” — this is what Florin’s father taught him. It is also, quietly, the principle that guides any social enterprise that does not give up.

Florin Teslari
What Florin wants Moldova to know
Florin wants people to look at mushrooms with less fear — and not only literally. He refers to something more important: what we do not know can be valuable, nourishing, and even surprising, if we give it a chance to develop.

His advice for young people with a business idea: “Start gaining experience. Then see where you made mistakes. The most important thing is to start. Either work in the field you want to build a business in, or find a mentor who will teach you the basics.” Florin himself followed this advice, more or less by chance, being familiar from childhood with an industry he could easily have walked away from. His engineering degree did not turn out to be a wrong choice. It became the tool that allowed him to continue what his father had started and take the business further in his own direction.

In a limestone mine in the village of Făurești, Moldova, the exotic Lion’s Mane grows slowly and steadily in conditions most people would not expect. It grows together with Florin Teslari’s business. And with the community forming around it.

EU4Youth Phase III Programme: Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, co-financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in the Eastern Partnership countries. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme runs until mid-2026 and aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations in order to combat youth unemployment and improve employability.

This material is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Young people in the Republic of Moldova want their country to join the European Union and view European integration as an opportunity for a better future.

They associate the European path with access to quality education, more competitive salaries, greater career opportunities, and the freedom to travel. The study conducted by participants of the EU Accelerator 3.0 program confirms that young people are the true driving force behind change.

More than 1,200 people made their voices heard through the research carried out by members of the Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres. The results point to a strong public aspiration for development and new opportunities.

Young People Lead the Wave of Optimism

Support for European integration is remarkably high: 86.3% of all respondents believe Moldova stands to benefit from this process. The strongest support comes from young people aged 18–35, who recorded an impressive 91.4% approval rate.

For Moldova’s youth, European integration is not merely a political concept – it represents their personal future.

When young people say “yes” to Europe, they are thinking about practical benefits that can improve their lives and communities. Among the most valued advantages are:

• Greater access to quality education and attractive employment opportunities;
• Freedom of movement and the ability to travel without restrictions;
• Higher salaries and faster economic growth;
• Access to European funding for infrastructure projects and anti-corruption efforts.

Visible Investments, Real Impact

Young people’s optimism is fueled by the changes they see around them every day. Approximately 75% of respondents said they clearly recognize the investments made by the European Union at the local level.

These changes take the form of reconstructed roads, modernized schools and kindergartens, and revitalized public spaces. One example frequently mentioned by respondents is the central park in Ungheni, which, alongside other infrastructure projects, demonstrates how European support is helping transform communities across Moldova.

Informed and Connected

Today’s young people know exactly where to find relevant information. To stay informed about European opportunities, they primarily rely on digital channels and social media, where news and updates are available almost instantly.

They also have a positive perception of security, rating the EU’s contribution to Moldova’s security at 3.83 out of 5.

Europe Café, the main European Union information center in the Republic of Moldova, continues to support young people in promoting European values and contributing to the development of their communities. The EU Accelerator 3.0 program is currently underway, and we will soon return with more updates on participants’ achievements.

The EU Accelerator 3.0 program runs from March to July 2026 and combines theoretical learning with practical application. Participants learn how to create digital content (video, social media content, and storytelling), analyze public perceptions of the European Union through community-based research, develop and implement local communication campaigns, counter disinformation and myths related to European integration, and promote the tangible benefits of EU support.

The program will culminate in a youth-led digital communication campaign implemented by Euro Clubs across social media platforms. The team whose campaign generates the greatest visibility will be rewarded with a study visit to Brussels.

For two days at the beginning of June, our space came alive in a truly special way. Europe Café became the heart of the Youth Policy Dialogue, transforming into a vibrant hub of creativity, fresh ideas, and young voices.

The Youth Policy Dialogue is an initiative of the European Commissioners. 30 engaged and enthusiastic young people from the Eastern Partnership countries, the Western Balkans, and the European Union gathered in Moldova to help shape the future. The activities were dynamic, inspiring, and highly interactive, while the participants’ energy was nothing short of contagious.

Key Highlights of the Event

The dialogue officially opened with welcoming remarks from Marie Brancaleone, Programme Manager at DG ENEST, and Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Moldova. Our facilitators, Daniel Vodă and Alina Gîrneț, then took over and, through a series of icebreaker activities, quickly transformed this diverse group of young people from across Europe into a united team.

Participants were then treated to an inspiring showcase of Moldova’s experience, featuring guests from the Citizens for Europe Coalition, the Neighbours East team, the creative minds behind Comedy Zebra Show, and JEF Moldova.

Then the Young People Took the Lead

During an interactive session, participants selected the topics they wanted to discuss and formed working groups around themes such as intergenerational communication, disinformation, social media, and other pressing issues.

The afternoon was dedicated entirely to brainstorming. Participants shared their experiences as young activists and explored ways to strengthen democratic resilience. Their ideas, challenges, and recommendations were creatively documented on digital boards.

The goal? To transform these insights into an official publication that will be shared with European institutions and partner organizations.

Day Two: Turning Ideas into Action

Building on the previous day’s discussions, the groups refined their proposals on a digital platform and developed concrete approaches for presenting their recommendations during a high-level dialogue with EU representatives.

It was an honor to host so much passion, creativity, and intelligence. Europe Café remains a meeting place for young people who prove every day that the future is European, free, and prosperous.

Ministry of Finance Strengthens Capacities for Alignment with the European Union Own Resources System: a two-days’ workshop was organized with the support of the EU- and Denmark-funded project ‘Moldova is Europe – Support for EU integration’. About 20 participants from the Ministry of Finance took part in the event, which brough together EU experts, and also members of the working group involved in the process of negotiation, transposition and alignment with the provisions of the EU acquis for Chapter 33 – Financial and budgetary provisions.

Opening the workshop, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry, Lidia Ababii, emphasized that the preparation for the alignment with the European Union’s own resources system represents an important stage in the accession process of the Republic of Moldova. “The own resources system is one of the pillars that ensure the functioning of the European Union budget. For the Republic of Moldova, understanding the mechanisms for calculating, reporting and administering these resources is essential in the process of preparing for accession. Through this exercise, we are strengthening our institutional capacities and building the necessary mechanisms for efficient integration into the financial framework of the European Union.”

Participants analyzed the draft Regulation on administrative procedures for the own resources system. At the same time, experts provided recommendations for improving the document and listed the actions to be taken in order to fully align to the EU acquis in this field.

The agenda also included sessions dedicated to the main components of the EU’s own resources system, such as traditional own resources, the contribution based on value added tax, the contribution related to the amount of non-recycled plastic packaging waste and the contribution calculated according to gross national income. The inter-institutional coordination mechanisms and information flows necessary for the management of these resources have also been analyzed.

The activity contributes to the preparation of national institutions for the implementation of the requirements of Chapter 33 “Financial and budgetary provisions”.

Experts from the EU- and Denmark-funded project Moldova is Europe – Support for Eu Integration carried out an assessment of the country’s environmental institutions, as part of the actions included in the Reform Agenda. The assessment focused on the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Agency and the Environmental Inspectorate.

The results were presented during a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, attended by senior representatives of the environmental sector, the Delegation of the European Union and project team. The experts emphasized that the reform process extends beyond aligning national legislation with European Union requirements. Equally important is to ensure that environmental laws are effectively implemented in practice. The assessment highlighted the need to bridge the gap between legal provisions and day-to-day implementation.

To achieve this, the report recommends greater investments in human resources, the development of clear internal procedures, improved work processes, and stronger digital systems.

In regard to the Environmental Agency, while environmental legislation has largely been aligned with EU standards, the report found that many internal procedures required to support effective implementation are still lacking. The report also noted that many tasks continue to be carried out manually, limiting the use of data and system-based analysis. Staffing shortages were identified as an additional challenge.

With regard to the Environmental Inspectorate, the findings highlighted the important connection between environmental permitting and inspection activities and pointed to the need for clearer procedures and greater transparency.

During the discussion that followed, participants agreed that the most important factor for successful reform is people. Attracting and retaining qualified specialists, as well as providing suitable working conditions, was identified as a priority. Strengthening human resources would create the necessary foundation for developing effective procedures and ensuring that information technology systems function properly.

Participants also noted that reforms cannot rely solely on adopting documents and practices from other countries. International good practices must be carefully adapted to Moldova’s specific institutional context and operational needs.

At the EU-Moldova Investment Conference, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos announced investment plans and project initiatives worth up to €641 million in coordination with international financial institutions, private sector partners and public stakeholders.

The initiatives will support strategic sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, education and sustainable agriculture. The aim is to strengthen Moldova’s economic resilience, improve infrastructure, expand access to finance, and accelerate the country’s integration into European value chains.

Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said: “The investment projects announced today demonstrate that Moldova is not only strongly supported by the European Union, but is also a country that is contributing to Europe’s competitiveness, security, digital transformation and industrial development.”

Mobilising up to €433 million through international financial institutions

Building on the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, up to €433 million were committed through a combination of EU grants, guarantees and loans in cooperation with key international financial institutions. New investment projects were announced with:

• Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to support investments in energy efficiency in public buildings and residential housing.
• European Investment Bank (EIB) to support the modernisation of school infrastructure across Moldova.
• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to strengthen digital infrastructure and services, develop strategic investment frameworks, and enhance private sector competitiveness and innovation.
• European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and Green for Growth Fund (GGF) to support expanded access to finance for businesses and households.

Up to €208 million in private sector investments

Under the Call for Expressions of Interest for private investments in Moldova, eight projects representing up to €208 million in planned investments were selected. In the presence of Commissioner Kos, President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Letters of Intent were signed with:

• INVL, to support Moldova’s integration into European value chains through private equity investments.

• TET, to develop a secure and AI-ready data centre.
• Micro Nano Tech, to expand innovation capacity in high-tech sectors.
• Balkan Pharmaceuticals, to advance research, education and medical training while developing biopharmaceutical and medical technology capacities.
• KB Container, to strengthen Moldova’s manufacturing potential for the EU market and Ukraine’s reconstruction needs.
• Danube Logistics, to enhance transport connectivity and trade links with Ukraine and the European Union.
• BOSAQ, to develop modern, efficient and affordable water infrastructure for citizens and the agricultural sector.
• VED-MAR AGRO, to support the transition towards higher-value agri-food exports.

Next steps

On 22 June, the EU and Moldova will hold the second EU-Moldova Summit, reaffirming the strategic importance of Moldova’s future within the EU and the strength of our cooperation.

The EU will continue to work closely with the Government of Moldova, international financial institutions, private sector partners and other stakeholders to advance the announced initiatives and support their successful and implementation, with a view to delivering tangible benefits for Moldova’s economy, businesses and citizens.

Background

In October 2024, the European Commission proposed a Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, worth €1.9 billion and underpinned by a Reform and Growth Facility for 2025-2027. It is the largest EU financial support package for the country. To this day, Moldova has received EUR 504 million under the Growth Plan.

To help deliver the Growth Plan’s priorities, a Call for Expressions of Interest was launched for private sector investments. The Call was open to companies, joint ventures and consortia established in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Moldova. Projects had to be located in Moldova, with a minimum investment of €10 million and at least 15% equity or own-resources contribution from promoters. The submission window ran from 4 September 2025 to 4 June 2026.

On Thursday and Friday, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is in Moldova to support with the country on its path to joining the EU. She will notably discuss the progress Moldova has made on reforms and encourage further investments ahead of the second EU-Moldova Summit, which is due to take place on  22 June in Brussels.

On Thursday, Commissioner Kos will meet with President Maia Sandu to discuss EU accession reforms, notably in the justice sector, as well as domestic developments and the regional security situation. A joint press conference will follow and will be broadcast live on EBS at 12:00 CEST. The Commissioner will also hold a working lunch with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and senior members of the government on the implementation of the Growth Plan for Moldova and the impact of external shocks stemming from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.  On the same day, together with President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Commissioner Kos will open the first EU-Moldova Investment Conference. This event will mark one year since the launch of the Growth Plan and will focus on investments contributing to reinforcing EU-Moldova supply chains and boosting the country’s growth potential. In the evening, she will meet with civil society to discuss their role in shaping Moldova’s EU accession process.

On Friday, together with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Commissioner Kos will open the Moldova Digital Summit 2026, focused on accelerating EU integration through innovation. The Commissioner will also meet Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu, members of the Parliamentary Committee for EU Integration and opposition leaders to discuss reform momentum and inclusiveness across parliamentary factions. Finally, together with President Sandu, Commissioner Kos will meet with youth representatives from  Member States and partner countries to exchange views on the state of democracy in Europe and how to improve its resilience in the face of external threats and challenges. She will also meet mayors from across Moldova to exchange views on local administration reform.

Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS.

The beginning of summer brings with it the excitement of school holidays, sunny days, and, of course, Children’s Day. At Europe Café, together with our network of Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres in schools and universities across Moldova, we wanted to look beyond the joy of summer break and ice cream and explore the deeper meaning behind this special day.

Have you ever wondered where Children’s Day comes from? Or how the protection of children’s rights has evolved from a noble idea into binding European legislation and policies? Let’s take a brief journey through history and European law in a way that’s easy to understand.

Children’s Day emerged from a growing recognition of the need to protect children following some of the most difficult periods in modern history.

In 1924, the League of Nations adopted the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The following year, the World Conference for the Well-Being of Children was held in Geneva, helping to promote and strengthen these principles internationally.

In 1949, the International Democratic Federation of Women officially proposed June 1 as International Children’s Day, and the holiday was first celebrated in 1950. Its purpose was clear: to guarantee children’s rights to life, health, and education.

Europe’s Protective Framework: What Does EU Law Say About Children and Young People?

In the European Union, protecting children and adolescents is not merely a recommendation—it is a legal obligation. For the Republic of Moldova, as it advances on its European integration path, these standards serve as an important benchmark.

Here are some of the key pillars of European child rights legislation:

Article 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that every child has the right to the protection and care necessary for their well-being. It also establishes that children’s views must be taken into account in matters that affect them, in accordance with their age and maturity.

The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child is a comprehensive and regularly updated action plan focused on several key priorities:

• The Digital Environment: The EU adopts legislative measures aimed at reducing children’s exposure to online risks while strengthening data protection and digital safety.
• The European Child Guarantee: Ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and healthy nutrition for children from vulnerable backgrounds.
• Child-Friendly Justice: Legal procedures adapted to children’s age and needs, ensuring that young people are heard and respected.

Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres: Ambassadors of Your Rights

Through the Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres operating in educational institutions across Moldova, young people become not only beneficiaries of these rights but also active promoters of them.

In every school and university where Euro Clubs and EU Information Centres are active, young people learn about equal opportunities, how to combat discrimination, and how to make their voices heard in their communities. The right to express one’s opinion—a fundamental European value—is put into practice through our activities and projects.

Childhood and adolescence are the foundations of active citizenship. This June 1, while enjoying the relaxed spirit of summer, remember that Europe works every day to ensure that your rights are protected, respected, and guaranteed.

Happy Children’s Day to all children and young people in Moldova!

The regional workshop “Advancing nature-positive investments: Progress and challenges ahead in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood” will take place in a hybrid format on 9 June 2026 (09:00 – 16:00, CEST). The event is organised within the EU Green Week.

The meeting will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in Armenian, Romanian, and Ukrainian.

Registration: Participants are requested to register via this link.

Objectives

The workshop aims to present the evidence based on ecosystem service values, national targets, and financing needs in the EU’s Eastern partner countries, with a particular focus on forests and other priority ecosystems relevant to nature-positive investment.

It will present findings from four country studies covering Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, discuss financing instruments that can help bridge funding gaps, exchange national priorities and enabling conditions for investment, and share international experience relevant to Eastern Partnership countries.

The workshop will also facilitate dialogue among policymakers and partners to identify priority recommendations, strengthen regional cooperation, and support the mobilisation of public and private finance for sustainable natural resource management.

Participants

The workshop aims to bring together government officials from ministries of environment, representatives of EU institutions, international organisations, academia, and civil society organisations.

Background

This workshop is organised under the EU4Environment Programme – Activity 4.4 “Effective strategies for funding natural capital conservation in the Eastern Partnership countries”.

The EU4Environment Programme supports EaP countries in advancing strategic financing for forests and natural resource management (NRM) by assessing the value of forest and other ecosystem services and identifying related financing needs. This work examines the economic, environmental, and social benefits provided by forests and ecosystem services alongside the financial resources required to achieve national and international targets.

The activity results in detailed country reports with practical recommendations to help prioritise support and investment. It also promotes regional collaboration and facilitates knowledge exchange among partner countries and EU Member States.

Agenda

Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC), together with Promo-LEX, Independent Journalism Center, and ARTICLE 19, is implementing the project “SCOPE: Strengthening Civil Society Capacities for Participation and Engagement – Expanding the Role of Civil Society in the Republic of Moldova’s EU Accession Process.” The project is funded by the European Union.

The project aims to strengthen democratic participation in the Republic of Moldova and enhance alignment with European Union values by empowering civil society to monitor and engage in the EU accession process. It responds to the need to strengthen the capacity and resilience of civil society organizations, improve cooperation and coordination among civic actors, and support structured dialogue with public authorities on reforms related to the rule of law, human rights, democratic governance, media freedom, freedom of expression, and civic space.

The SCOPE Moldova Leadership and Training Programme provides a long-term training and leadership development programme for civil society organizations at the national level, with a subsequent link to a financial support programme for strategic grants.

In this context, NHC launches this Call for selecting organizations to participate in the SCOPE Leadership and Training Programme. The programme combines leadership skills development, thematic expertise, peer learning, and coalition building. It is also directly linked to the restricted grant scheme planned for a later stage of the project, ensuring that the knowledge and strategies developed within the programme can be transformed into practical coalition-based advocacy and monitoring projects.

Application Process

Interested organizations are encouraged to apply online, in English or Romanian, no later than 31 May 2026.

The following documents must be submitted:

• Application Form
• Copy of the Extract from the State Register of Legal Entities
• Copy of the organization’s Statute
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the annexes

The full announcement, including details on the purpose of the call, participant profile, eligibility criteria, application and selection procedures, objectives and structure of the training programme, the financial support programme (strategic grants), the Application Form, and other relevant details about the programme, is available HERE.

Contacts

For questions related to the Call or the application procedure, please send an email to hrd@nhc.nl no later than 25 May 2026.

For further details, please contact:

Olga Manole
Programme Coordinator, Promo-LEX
olga_manole@promolex.md

The villages in Gălești, Căpriana, and Scoreni (Strășeni rayon) are now benefitting from new wastewater systems, marking a major step forward in improving public services and living standards of the people in rural communities!

With a total investment of EUR 1.82 million, provided by the European Union and Austria, in partnership with Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD), Local Public Authorities (LPAs), and implemented by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the projects strengthen the safe wastewater disposal, local water governance, enhance essential public services, and build climate-resilient communities in Straseni.

Through these European investments, approximately 1,000 households in the targeted villages are benefiting from improved sanitation infrastructure. Public institutions were first connected to the new sewage network, ensuring that children, teachers, and citizens have access to safe and modern sanitary conditions.

Officials, community members and partners gathered today to celebrate this achievement at the closing event, which symbolically marked the launch of the three new wastewater treatment plants. The ceremony underscored the shared commitment of the European Union to fostering sustainable development and stronger local communities in Moldova.

Furthermore, the newly inaugurated systems are designed with scalability in mind, ensuring that infrastructure could be upgraded to the evolving needs of the local population. Beyond immediate improvements in sanitation, the investments contribute to better public health, environmental protection, and overall quality of life in the targeted communities.

This first phase of investments has delivered modern wastewater treatment plants and new sewage networks, supporting local public authorities to provide this basic public service to the population. This investment aims to reduce the huge disparities between urban and rural wastewater service coverage ratio; the project creates equal opportunities for growth and development among rural residents.

Vladimir Bolea, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldovastated: “Developing the water and wastewater systems in rural communities across the Republic of Moldova is a priority for the government and is in line with the recent National Program for the Development of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector 2026–2030. These projects support our joint efforts and demonstrate the strength of our partnerships. On this occasion, we express our gratitude for the support provided and hope for further collaboration with EU member states”

Petra Bayr, Member of Parliament, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) greeted the participants and highlighted: “This sewer modernization projects in Strășeni and the EU4Moldova: Local Communities programme are more than technical improvements. The primary goal is to enhance human wellbeing, and Austria will continue to support Moldova on its path to modernization and EU integration”.

Adam Grodzicki, Șef adjunct în cadrul Secției de Cooperare al Delegației Uniunii Europene în Republica Moldova, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “The EU4Moldova: Local Communities programme has successfully delivered lasting improvements across partner communities of Straseni, Leova and Edinet. Through strategic investments in infrastructure and strengthened local governance, citizens now benefit from modernized wastewater systems, upgraded public services, and empowered local authorities. These achievements not only improve the daily life but also reinforce Moldova’s resilience and readiness for European integration. We extend our sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose commitment made these results possible. Together, we have demonstrated that collaborative action can bring tangible change, and we remain dedicated to building on this foundation for Moldova’s sustainable future.”

Nicolae Budu, Mayor of Galesti village mentioned: “We express our sincere gratitude to European Union, Austrian Development Agency, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development for all the support provided during the implementation of these projects in our Galesti village, as well as in Capriana and Scoreni. These projects are a solid proof of Moldova’s strong European partnership. Every community deserves decent living conditions and real opportunities to grow, with respect for the needs and dignity of every citizen, water supply and wastewater public service being a basic need of every human.”

The programme EU4Moldova: Local Communities was launched in 2022 as a Team Europe initiative of the EU, Austria, Germany and Poland, and was designed to improve quality of life and strengthen community resilience in the Edineț, Strășeni, and Leova rayons. Its objectives include enhancing public services, expanding access to infrastructure, fostering business development and job creation, and supporting community-led initiatives. 

The “CREDO” Day Centre in the town of Sîngerei now offers safer, more comfortable and energy-efficient conditions following the completion of works carried out under the project “Energy Efficiency Solutions for the CREDO Day Centre”, implemented by the NGO AO “STUDEM” from Bălți. The event presenting the results brought together representatives of the European Union, central and local public authorities, implementation partners, community members and beneficiaries of the social service.

The project included complex energy modernisation interventions, such as thermal insulation of 270 m² of exterior walls, 420 m² of attic floor, 69.8 m² of plinth and 24.78 m² of window sills, complete renovation of the façade, as well as the installation of 26 LED lighting fixtures and 4 heat recovery units for efficient ventilation of the premises.

In addition, the internal electrical networks were modernised, new drainpipes and window sills were installed, the stairs and plinth were renovated with ceramic granite, the protective pavement around the building was rehabilitated, and the outdoor areas surrounding the building were landscaped.

The interventions were carried out between 15 November 2025 and 25 May 2026 and will contribute to reducing energy consumption and improving conditions for approximately 20 beneficiaries of the “CREDO” Day Centre.

“The European Union is proud to support this initiative, which clearly demonstrates how investments in energy efficiency become investments in people. Modernising infrastructure reduces environmental impact and administrative costs, while the savings generated can be redirected towards essential social services for the most vulnerable. When a centre such as CREDO becomes more energy efficient, it strengthens its capacity to provide therapies and services that change lives,” said Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

“Energy efficiency in social services means better conditions for people, a safer environment and more responsible use of natural resources. At the CREDO Day Centre in Sîngerei, these works demonstrate how the partnership between the European Union, civil society, local authorities and institutions working every day with people can support the European path of the Republic of Moldova through services that are closer to community needs, with respect for the dignity of every person and the values of an open society,” said Daniela Vidaicu, Executive Director of Soros Foundation Moldova.

During the event, the implemented activities, achieved results and the impact of the investments on the quality of social services provided in the community were presented. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the renovated building and directly observe the thermal insulation and energy modernisation works carried out.

The project “Energy Efficiency Solutions for the CREDO Day Centre” is implemented by AO “STUDEM”, with the financial support of the European Union, within the project “Local Partnerships for Energy Efficiency in Social Services”, co-financed and implemented by Soros Foundation Moldova in partnership with IP Keystone Moldova and AO “Social Innovation Fund of Moldova”.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the courtyard of the National Museum of History turned into a vibrant hub of energy, creativity, and European values during the celebration of the European Night of Museums.

From 11:00 AM until nearly 4:00 PM, the Europe Café interactive area was filled with life, smiles, and inspiring conversations. But if there was one place that truly became the heart of the event, it was the tote bag painting workshop — a real celebration of creativity!

By far the most loved activity of the day was painting EU stars on canvas tote bags. What started as a simple creativity workshop quickly turned into an explosion of color and imagination.

Dozens of children, accompanied by their parents, gathered around the painting area. Armed with brushes and endless creativity, they transformed hundreds of tote bags into one-of-a-kind works of art. The yellow EU stars came to life in the most joyful and imaginative ways. It was wonderful to see so many happy children leaving with bags they could proudly use every day — a reminder of this special day and the European values that unite us.

More than painting: an interactive journey through Europe

While the tote bags were drying, the festive atmosphere continued across the other stations in our area:

Dice & Virtual Journey Station
Visitors rolled a giant dice and made stops that taught them how to save energy and adopt a greener lifestyle.

EU Wheel
The wheel kept spinning all day long! Together, we discovered fascinating facts about EU member states and inspiring projects bringing Europe closer to Moldova.

Euro Quiz
The competition was fierce! Curious and well-informed visitors answered questions about EU countries and won special prizes.

A good conversation about Europe
After all the creativity and activities, we finally slowed down for a moment to talk about our shared future and the beautiful way local traditions connect with the wider European family.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, painted with us, spun the wheel, and smiled for the cameras! The European Night of Museums reminded us once again that the heritage that defines us and the values that unite us are the perfect reasons to celebrate together.

See you at the next adventure with the Europe Café team!

A series of portraits arranged in striking triangular compositions now line the Mont des Arts in Brussels, until 14 June, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the many dimensions of womanhood. Opened on 8 May in connection with Europe Day, the ‘Many Faces of Womanhood’ exhibition – organised by the ‘EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence’ programme – brought together more than 70 guests for a dialogue on the challenges and resilience captured through the art of documentary photography.

“Through my photos, I wanted to convey women’s multifaceted nature and, at the same time, their strength. That is why you see these triangles, into which the photos of each character are grouped – they symbolise the different facets of her personality. It’s about dignity, inspiration, and the challenges,” said Olga Ivaschenko, Ukrainian documentary photographer and author of the exhibition.

The exhibition brings together intimate portraits and personal stories of women navigating different realities. Through layered compositions and symbolic visual elements, the photographs encourage visitors to look beyond gender stereotypes and engage with the complexity, resilience and individuality of each woman featured.

“These portraits introduce us to entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, community leaders, mothers and public servants – each with their own struggles and triumphs. Their stories unfold against challenging realities, yet each one rewrites the rules, defies gender stereotypes and reshapes the role women play in our societies,” said Adrienn Király, Director for Neighbourhood East and Türkiye within the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), who opened the exhibition.

Across Europe and Central Asia – as across the globe – women continue to face gender stereotypes and pressure to conform to narrow social expectations about how they should look, behave, lead, care or succeed. Women in the region still perform 3.4 times more unpaid care work than men, while around 3.9 million young women are not in education, employment or training – equivalent to one in every four young women. Violence against women also remains widespread, with around one in four women experiencing intimate partner violence. Against this backdrop, the exhibition seeks to challenge narrow perceptions and social expectations by presenting women in all their complexity, resilience and individuality.

“‘The Many Faces of Womanhood’ is a visual storytelling experience. It features 12 women from four countries, presented through 36 portraits, each accompanied by short narratives. It invites us to listen, reflect and connect about the diversity of roles that women play in society,” UN Women Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director Elisa Fernandez Saenz said at the opening ceremony.

Among the women featured in the exhibition is award-winning documentary filmmaker, human rights advocate, veteran and mother Alisa Kovalenko, whose story reflects resilience in times of war.

“The many roles, many faces we carry within ourselves, which can often seem paradoxical, even incompatible. It is striking how many roles we combine in our country in times of war – so normal, and yet so extreme in their contrast,” said Alisa Kovalenko.

“In times like these – marked by uncertainty, conflict and growing polarization – initiatives like this are particularly important. Because they remind us that change is possible. They give us hope. The women in the exhibition are breaking the mould, leading the way in shifting public perception of what a woman should be or do,” said Birgit Van Hout, Chief of the UNFPA Representation Office to the European Union.

Guests moved between portraits and testimonies, engaging in conversations about the power of visibility and the importance of creating platforms where women’s stories can be seen and heard.

“At UN Women, we believe that gender equality is ultimately about people – their lives, their choices, and their opportunities. The stories presented in the exhibition show how gender norms shape everyday realities – and how women, in different contexts, are actively challenging and transforming these norms,”  said Laurence Gillois, Deputy Director of the UN Women Brussels Liaison Office.

Through layered portraits and personal stories, the exhibition presents women not as symbols, but as individuals navigating complex realities shaped by war, displacement, inequality and social expectations. The photographs below offer a closer look at the women featured in the project and the experiences behind their stories.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at Mont des Arts until 14 June, continuing to offer visitors a space to engage with stories of resilience, humanity and transformation.

The ‘Many Faces of Womanhood’ exhibition is produced in the framework of the ‘EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence’ programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA.

The bell tower in Vadul-Rașcov, located at one of the oldest crossing points over the Dniester River, has been covered with a protective structure to stabilize and preserve its stone masonry, which has been affected by time and weather conditions. The conservation works are supported by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dating back to the 17th century, the bell tower is not only a historical monument but also a living trace of an important medieval settlement located at the crossroads of historic trade routes along the Dniester. The area once hosted a vibrant market, serving merchants, diplomats, and caravans traveling between Podolia and Moldova. The tower also functioned as an entrance gate to the old cemetery and reflects the coexistence of multiple religious communities.

As part of the restoration, the historic roof has been reconstructed using around 10 m³ of wood and covered with traditional wooden shingles. The structure has an estimated lifespan of 30–50 years, depending on climate conditions and regular maintenance.

The project is part of the “Confidence-Building Measures” Programme, aimed at preserving cultural heritage on both banks of the Dniester River.

The EU-funded ‘Creative Europe’ programme has published its first Simone Veil Prize call for entries. 

The prize promotes heritage as a positive, forward-looking force for respectful coexistence in European society. It reflects the European Union’s commitment to safeguarding cultural diversity, countering discrimination and antisemitism, and promoting shared historical perspectives.

It honours Simone Veil, French Holocaust survivor, who dedicated her life to reconciliation, passionately promoting human rights and European unity. As the first president of the European Parliament, she campaigned against antisemitism and fought for a unified Europe of shared ideals, making her a powerful symbol of the values the prize seeks to celebrate.

The Simone Veil Prize is awarded once per year and will recognise up to 25 finalists and five Grand Prix winners in each category. Each of the five winners will receive €10,000. Winners will be presented with awards in a ceremony in Brussels at the end of this year.

The prize will recognise local and cross-border projects completed between January 2023 and January 2026 in five award categories: ‘Shared histories’, ‘Heritage for dialogue’, ‘Living Heritage’, ‘Cross-border cooperation and shared narratives’, and ‘Next generation, youth engagement and education’.

Applications can be submitted by legal or natural persons registered in countries participating in the Culture Strand of the Creative Europe programme, including Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

The deadline for applications is 31 July.

Find out more

Press release

OPPORTUNITY TYPE

Calls for proposals

Facing major changes, most of the traditional media organisations have started deep changes in the way of doing journalism, of interacting with their audience, in the method of producing and broadcasting news contents, in the structure of the newsroom, and in the evolution of skills.

This self-paced course will attempt to go through important key points and to give ideas to engage with the right basis in this systemic (r)evolution.

CLOSING DATE

December 31, 2026

OPPORTUNITY TYPE

Online courses

Find out more

The ‘Transitions’ (TOL), one of Central Europe’s leading journalism educators, offers a self-paced new e-learning course: ‘Doing journalism during an Infodemic: Crash Course Package’. The course consists of three separate interactive classes, which can be completed in 30 minutes, and covers topics including:

• Reporting on science when you’re not a scientist;
• Methods for debunking myths and hoaxes;
• Fact-checking techniques.

The courses are currently available in Romanian and Ukrainian.

To get enrolled:

Course in Romanian

Course in Ukrainian

CLOSING DATE

December 31, 2026

OPPORTUNITY TYPE

Online courses

The EU-funded Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launches a new chapter of a Mission-Oriented Economy Journey with 6 new municipalities to join the programme and foster its resilience and local economic growth.

This is up to a year-long journey in the seed phase, where selected municipalities will engage closely with UNDP in a learning journey to create mission-oriented portfolios and implement designed interventions.

A total of up to $60,000 (approximately EUR 51,500) of financial support is available through a phased approach: 

• Provision of up to $20,000 (approximately EUR 17,200) as a seed grant for all selected municipalities to design and develop their mission-oriented portfolio and begin the testing and implementing activities.
• Opportunity to apply for a growth grant of up to $40,000 (approximately EUR 34, 400) after the implementation and iteration of the mission-oriented portfolio, supporting further development as well as expanded testing and scaling of selected activities.

The selected communities are:

• Armenia: Gavar, Charentsavan
• Republic of Moldova: Zubrești, Anenii Noi
• Ukraine: Zviahel, Kamianets-Podilskyi

Mission-oriented portfolio approach helps communities tackle complex challenges through coordinated sets of interconnected experiments, policies, partnerships, and investments organized around a shared long-term mission rather than isolated projects.

The M4EG Initiative was launched by the European Union in 2017, and it has been continuously funded by the EU since then. Since 2021, the initiative has been managed by UNDP, in close cooperation with the EU, local authorities and various partners.    

Finland, which for eight years has been called the “happiest country in the world,” is a society far from free of anxiety, crises, and vulnerabilities. The country is only beginning to emerge from recession, unemployment remains high, and the mental health of young people is a serious concern — including suicide rates that exceed the EU average.

The difference with Moldova is not the absence of problems, but how they are acknowledged and addressed. NewsMaker journalist Stela Untila visited several organizations working in youth mental health. Why Finland focuses on prevention and early intervention, what Finnish experts think about the influence of social media, how specialists reach young people through video games, and what differences a Moldovan psychiatrist noticed — in the report.

The study visit to Finland took place from April 4 to 10, 2026, and was organized within the EU4Youth program for participants from six Eastern Partnership countries — Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

Finland and Moldova: same problems, different responses

Anxiety, depression, social pressure, uncertainty about the future, and feelings of isolation exist both in Finland and Moldova. The difference lies not so much in the nature of these problems, but in how they are recognized and treated. Finland has a National Mental Health Strategy and a suicide prevention program for 2020–2030. The main focus is on promoting wellbeing, prevention, and early intervention.

This does not mean Finland has avoided difficulties. On the contrary: around 77% of women and 70% of men receive at some point in their lives a diagnosis of a mental or behavioral disorder. Mental health problems account for 55% of disability pension cases. Among young people, 20–25% live with at least one such issue, about 10% have experienced serious suicidal thoughts, and 5% have attempted suicide. The economic losses caused by these issues are enormous: already in 2011 they were estimated at around €11 billion, and today the amount is undoubtedly much higher.

In other words, Finland is an example not because it has no psychological problems, but because it recognized the issue early and built a support system around it.

Yeesi, Helsinki, Finland

Yeesi: mental health as a resource, not just the absence of illness

Yeesi is the first national organization in Finland working with youth mental health. Its core message is simple: mental health is not only the absence of illness, but a resource that must be developed and maintained. The organization works with young people aged 13–29, combining direct support with advocacy.

In the Finnish model, psychologists and psychotherapists are not the only ones involved. Youth workers also play an important role — they are present in schools, community centers, and informal spaces. Peer-to-peer support is widely used, reducing stigma and making help more accessible to those not ready to approach formal services.

However, Finnish organizations are not immune to problems. While a few years ago Yeesi employed 15 people, in 2026 only six remain.

“The Finnish government has a long-standing and close relationship with NGOs. The state depends heavily on them: there are many services it does not provide itself because NGOs deliver them, or the state purchases these services from them. Now this model is changing. Funding for the sector is being cut, with the argument that these functions should be performed by the state. But the government is not reallocating these funds to the public sector. As a result, these services simply disappear — and hundreds of thousands of people are left without the help they need. And in my view, this will cost very much in the future, because early intervention and prevention are extremely effective,” explains Yeesi advocacy expert Erika.

She also dismantles the image of Finland as a social paradise: “It’s a myth, a marketing element. Finland 5–10 years ago is not the Finland of today. I’m not even sure I will have a pension when I’m old. We think everything is fine, but it isn’t. Income directly affects access to healthcare.”

In recent years, the pandemic, war in Europe, economic crisis, and unemployment have changed young people’s mood and optimism about the future.

“In recent years, a new vulnerable group regarding suicidal thoughts has emerged — women aged 30–39. Young people are losing faith in the future. Only a third of them look at it with optimism,” Erika adds.

MIELI Mental Health Finland

MIELI Mental Health Finland is the oldest NGO in the world working in mental health. For more than 120 years it has been helping people in Finland cope with life crises. Today many of its programs are focused on youth.

One of the most popular services is Sekasin (“Messed up”), an anonymous and confidential chat for young people aged 12–29. On the other end are not AI bots, but real people supporting teenagers and young adults in difficult situations — even when the issue is not a severe crisis. In 2025 alone, around 55,000 conversations took place.

“July is the month when we are literally overwhelmed with requests. Because in Finland everyone goes on holiday, and doctors often warn patients they will be away for a month or more. In urgent situations they turn to us,” says online counselor Siru.

Eight volunteers currently run the service — four during the day and four at night. Sekasin chat operates seven days a week, including holidays. Most users are aged 20–24.

Gaming as a space for mental health support

Another way Finland reaches young people is by going where they already are: video games and online platforms.

Sekasin Gaming uses gaming as an entry point for human contact and emotional support. Young people join servers, play, communicate via voice and text chats, and participate in online events. About 47% of users are aged 18–24, and another 30% are under 17.

Thus, gaming spaces become places where young people not only play but also connect, build relationships, and sometimes ask for help. The service includes anonymous peer-to-peer support and is available 24/7. It is the largest national online youth community in Finland.

The system relies heavily on volunteers. “When we see that a moderator spends too much time in chat, we recommend they take a one- or two-week break, because it becomes dangerous for their own mental health,” explains Lukas.

Last year, about 2 million messages were sent in the chat. Police are also present on the server.

“We have two police officers on the server. We asked users how they feel about it, and most had no problem. Because Finnish police are very friendly,” Lukas says, laughing.

“In Finland, the police are seen as helpers. We call them ‘gaming police’. Young people feel they can trust them and directly contact them if something happens or if they need sensitive information,” he adds.

When help goes offline

Not all work happens online. The Sekasin LIVE program is an offline initiative implemented by MIELI and eight regional crisis centers. It targets young people aged 12–29 and works where they spend time: schools, youth centers, libraries, shopping centers, and other public spaces. The team is small — only eight people — who interact with youth individually or in groups.

For example, if teachers report loneliness or bullying in a school, groups can be created. Sometimes young people are referred to crisis centers or specialists. Workshops on emotional regulation or simple street outreach are also organized.

But the project is financially vulnerable and mainly funded by private donations, including from an insurance company.

The key message: young people do not always need new services or programs — they need trustworthy adults in everyday life who simply ask: “How are you? What is going on with you?”

“So that the need for help does not become a need for treatment”

The same logic of early intervention underpins Walk-in Therapy. Its motto says it all: “So that the need for help does not become a need for treatment.”

The program began in Finland in 2021 as a pilot and became national within a year. It is free, anonymous, and does not require an appointment. It usually consists of a single therapeutic session.

“Sometimes one professional conversation is enough. Clients can continue sessions, but not necessarily with the same therapist. You can also come with a companion — a parent, friend, or partner. We may take notes, but we do not keep records and destroy all papers at the end of the session. In Finland, if you are referred to psychotherapy, it may take a long time to get an appointment. In that case, walk-in therapy can be a form of support,” explains project coordinator Miika.

Last year, more than 2,600 people used the service, mostly aged 19–25. It is now available in 34 locations across more than 50 sites, as well as online at certain hours.

Sosped and new digital addictions

In Finland, mental health is increasingly viewed through the lens of behavioral addictions: excessive gaming, social media use, and gambling. One organization addressing these issues is Sosped, which develops peer-support-based services where people with lived experience become mentors.

One key program focuses on digital addictions for people aged 18–35. It combines professional help with support groups and includes early interventions, bootcamps, and even digital detox retreats — multi-day camps without gadgets.

Sosped also works with gambling addiction. The scale is significant: about 4.2% of the adult population plays at a risky or problematic level, and 20% of Finns say they have been affected by a loved one’s addiction.

“Gambling is part of Finnish culture, but it becomes a problem when it starts interfering with normal life,” explains digital expert Helmi.

She also supports restricting access for users under 15 to certain social platforms, noting that tech executives themselves often limit their children’s exposure to screens.

Public libraries as prevention infrastructure

In Finland, prevention is not only psychological services but also public spaces designed to reduce isolation and strengthen belonging. The Oodi Library in Helsinki is located near the central railway station, opposite the parliament. It spans three floors and over 17,000 square meters.

On the first floor, people of all ages play chess, relax, use board games, or borrow sports equipment. Youth workers help with job applications and housing forms. Everything is free and open to all.

The second floor is a creative workspace with music studios, 3D printers, sewing machines, and meeting rooms. The third floor is a quiet reading space with robotics that transport books between shelves.

What about Moldova?

In Moldova, mental health problems are similar, but the approach differs. Psychiatrist Alexandru Ciobanu, who heads a community mental health center in Cimișlia, describes a structural issue: prevention is difficult to measure — and therefore poorly funded.

“If you treat ten cases, you can document them and be told ‘well done.’ But if you prevent 100 cases, you cannot show them,” he says.

Source

The conference will bring together European and Moldovan decision-makers, investors, financial institutions, and business leaders to explore investment opportunities supported by the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, worth up to EUR 1.9 billion.

Chișinău will host the EU-Moldova Investment Conference on 4 June 2026 at MAIB Park, bringing together Moldovan authorities, European institutions, international financial institutions, local and foreign investors, and business leaders for a high-level discussion on Moldova’s investment opportunities and closer economic integration with the European Union market.

Jointly organised by the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Commission, with the support of Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova, the conference marks one year since the launch of the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, an investment package of up to EUR 1.9 billion for 2025-2027.

The conference will take place in the context of the European Commission’s Call for Expressions of Interest for investments in the Republic of Moldova, open to companies from the EU, the EEA, and Moldova. The first stage of the Call has already generated strong interest, with 45 project proposals submitted in areas such as energy and renewables, agri-food, digitalisation, transport, and logistics.

Building on this momentum, the EU-Moldova Investment Conference will connect Moldova’s reform agenda with concrete investment opportunities, financing instruments, and business partnerships. Discussions will focus on sectors with strong potential for private investment and regional integration, including energy and renewable energy, transport and logistics, agri-processing, industrial value chains, digital transformation, health, and biotech.

The conference will be officially opened by Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, and  Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement. Their participation will set the strategic context for a day focused on Moldova’s investment climate, reform progress, 

Investment opportunities backed by reform and EU support

The EU Growth Plan for Moldova aims to accelerate the country’s socio-economic development and support its economic convergence with the European Union. It is structured around three main priorities: increasing financial assistance through a dedicated Reform and Growth Facility, enhancing Moldova’s access to the EU Single Market, and supporting socio-economic and fundamental reforms.

The Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova provides up to EUR 1.9 billion for 2025-2027, with funding linked to the implementation of reforms agreed between the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova. For investors and businesses, the Growth Plan creates a framework in which reform delivery, infrastructure development, sectoral investment, and closer access to the EU market can reinforce each other.

By bringing together public authorities, European institutions, financial institutions and private sector representatives, the conference will provide a platform to discuss investment projects, financing mechanisms and partnerships that can support Moldova’s competitiveness, economic resilience and long-term growth.

“Moldova is building an economy based on trust, predictability and access to finance. By strengthening our capital market, improving the business environment and connecting more closely with European value chains, we are creating new opportunities for investors, companies and citizens,” said Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.

“Through the EU Growth Plan, the Republic of Moldova is advancing reforms aimed at improving the business environment, accelerating economic integration with the EU and attracting investment. The Plan strengthens predictability for business, improves access to finance, and supports key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, digitalisation, and high value-added industries.

By linking reforms  with integration into European value chains, it helps translate policies into concrete investment opportunities.

Our goal is to turn this progress into viable projects that generate sustainable growth, jobs, and deeper integration into the European economy,” said Eugeniu Osmochescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova.

“Moldova is entering a new phase of economic development — one defined by deeper European integration, accelerated reforms, and strategic investment opportunities. Through the EU-Moldova Investment Conference, we aim to connect international investors and financial partners with Moldova’s most dynamic sectors and long-term growth potential. At Invest Moldova Agency, our role is to facilitate this connection by providing transparency, institutional support, and access to a rapidly modernising economy aligned with European standards” added Mihai Burunciuc, Deputy Director of the Invest Moldova Agency.

A programme focused on financing, sectors and partnerships

The programme will include a signing ceremony of investment partnerships, a keynote speech by Eugeniu Osmochescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova, on “Growth Plan for Moldova: Reform progress and investment opportunities for business,” and a fireside chat with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu on “Building Moldova’s capital market.”

Panel discussions will address Moldova’s energy transformation, European transport and logistics connectivity, agri-processing and rural investment, industrial value chains, and digital, health, and biotech sectors. The format will also include sectoral pitching sessions, and B2B matchmaking, offering participants the opportunity to explore partnerships and investment projects aligned with the Growth Plan.

The conference is intended for investors, companies, financial institutions, policymakers, business associations, and high-level decision-makers interested in Moldova’s reform agenda, sectoral opportunities, and growing role in European value chains.

Event details

Date: 4 June 2026
Time: 08:00-18:30
Venue: MAIB Park, Chișinău
Format: High-level forum, investment partnership signing ceremony, keynote speech, fireside chat, panel discussions, sectoral pitching sessions and B2B matchmaking
More information:  https://euinvest.md/

Event Name (Assignment name):  Moldova RSTs – Project Manager for the Single Investment Pipeline under the Growth Plan

Event Description: The assignment will support the Government of the Republic of Moldova, through the State Chancellery, in strengthening administrative and coordination capacity for the operational management of the Single Investment Pipeline under the Moldova Growth Plan.

The embedded Project Manager will provide hands‑on support in the planning, coordination, monitoring and reporting of priority public investment projects, ensuring implementation readiness, effective inter‑institutional coordination, risk identification and mitigation, and alignment with EU requirements and accession commitments.

The expected outcome of the Assignment is as follows: The assignment is expected to improve the effectiveness, coherence and delivery readiness of the Single Investment Pipeline under the Moldova Growth Plan. This includes strengthened investment planning and monitoring frameworks, improved visibility over implementation progress and bottlenecks, enhanced coordination among line ministries and agencies, and improved reporting to national authorities, the EBRD and the EU Delegation.

The assignment will contribute to Moldova’s capacity to implement priority investments in line with Growth Plan objectives and EU accession requirements, supporting timely delivery and risk‑informed decision‑making.

Start Date and Duration of the Assignment: The Assignment is expected to start in 2026 and has a duration of 12 months, full‑time, with a possibility of extension.

Event Cost Estimate: Confidential

Supplier Profile:

EBRD intends to select and contract a consultant (the “Consultant”) with the following resources and/or expertise:

 EBRD intends to select an individual consultant with demonstrated experience in public procurement, including procurement planning, tendering, evaluation and contract management, preferably in procurement‑intensive technical assistance or reform programmes. Experience in cadastral, land management, infrastructure or similar sectors, as well as familiarity with EU‑aligned procurement frameworks and donor‑funded procurement environments, will be considered an advantage.

The consultant should demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills, ability to work in an embedded institutional setting, and fluency in Romanian and English.

Bank Contact Person:

Viv Headlam

e-mail: Lewishev@ebrd.com

The full details of the assignment are included in the procurement dossier, which can be accessed by registered suppliers on the EBRD’s SMART portal hosted by GEP. In the event of any contradiction between this summary and the procurement dossier, the provisions of the procurement dossier will prevail.

SMART by GEP^[1]

To view further details of this event, the RFX documents or submit a proposal, please log in to EBRD’s SMART website.

If you or your company have never worked with EBRD, please register as a supplier in SMART via the following link (you will be taken directly to SMART’s registration site hosted on the GEP.com domain):

Before registering in the system please check that your company does not already have a registered profile. If your company has been contracted by EBRD before, it is possible a profile already exists, and it may be that registration needs to be finalised. If unsure, please contact EBRD S2C Vendor Management (S2CVendorManagement@ebrd.com ) to check.

For any technical issues when registering please contact support@gep.com

Please refer to the documents available in the “SMART by GEP” section of the EBRD corporate procurement and consultancy services webpage on EBRD.com for guidance on registering and accessing RFX in SMART.

^[1] SMART by GEP is compatible only with Chrome and Microsoft Edge

Event Name (Assignment name):  Moldova RSTs – EU Integration Expert – Clusters 2 and 3 (Bureau for European Integration)

Event Description: The assignment will support the Bureau for European Integration (BIE) in strengthening analytical, coordination and reporting capacity in the context of Moldova’s EU accession process, with a focus on Clusters 2 and 3, covering economic, financial and banking chapters. The embedded expert will provide hands‑on support in the preparation of analytical inputs, coordination documents and reporting required for EU accession negotiations, including contributions to the EU Enlargement Package, Association Agreement structures, and monitoring of progress in EU approximation. The assignment will also support inter‑institutional coordination, data collection and validation, and the preparation of briefing materials and national positions.

The expected outcome of the Assignment is as follows: The assignment is expected to strengthen the Government’s capacity to manage and coordinate EU accession processes in Clusters 2 and 3. This includes improved quality and timeliness of analytical and reporting outputs, enhanced monitoring of alignment with the EU acquis, strengthened coordination across central government institutions, and improved preparation of negotiation‑related materials.

The assignment will support more effective prioritisation and sequencing of EU approximation measures, better tracking of benchmarks and reform progress, and more informed decision‑making in the context of accession negotiations.

Start Date and Duration of the Assignment: The Assignment is expected to start in 2026 and has a duration of 12 months, full‑time, with a possibility of extension.

Event Cost Estimate: Confidential

Supplier Profile:

EBRD intends to select and contract an individual consultant with demonstrated experience in EU integration processes, including experience in analytical support, coordination, and preparation of materials related to EU accession negotiations and EU acquis approximation.

The consultant should demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills, ability to work in an embedded institutional setting, and fluency in Romanian and English.

Bank Contact Person:

Viv Headlam

e-mail: Lewishev@ebrd.com

The full details of the assignment are included in the procurement dossier, which can be accessed by registered suppliers on the EBRD’s SMART portal hosted by GEP. In the event of any contradiction between this summary and the procurement dossier, the provisions of the procurement dossier will prevail.

SMART by GEP^[1]

To view further details of this event, the RFX documents or submit a proposal, please log in to EBRD’s SMART website.

If you or your company have never worked with EBRD, please register as a supplier in SMART via the following link (you will be taken directly to SMART’s registration site hosted on the GEP.com domain):

Before registering in the system please check that your company does not already have a registered profile. If your company has been contracted by EBRD before, it is possible a profile already exists, and it may be that registration needs to be finalised. If unsure, please contact EBRD S2C Vendor Management (S2CVendorManagement@ebrd.com ) to check.

For any technical issues when registering please contact support@gep.com

Please refer to the documents available in the “SMART by GEP” section of the EBRD corporate procurement and consultancy services webpage on EBRD.com for guidance on registering and accessing RFX in SMART.

^[1] SMART by GEP is compatible only with Chrome and Microsoft Edge

Event Name (Assignment name):  Moldova RSTs – Cadastre and Delimitation Expert

Event Description: Support the Government of the Republic of Moldova in strengthening administrative capacity within the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre (AGCC) through the provision of an embedded Cadastre and Delimitation Expert. The assignment will focus on the coordination and technical oversight of large‑scale cadastral and land registration activities, including public property delimitation, correction of cadastral data, and monitoring of the implementation of a large portfolio of cadastral works contracts, in line with national legislation and EU accession priorities.

The expected outcome of the Assignment is as follows: The Assignment is expected to strengthen the planning, coordination and implementation of cadastral works, ensuring timely execution, improved quality control, and effective monitoring of outputs. It will support the completion of public property delimitation, correction of cadastral data errors, and integration of data into national systems. The Assignment will also enhance institutional capacity within AGCC and the Public Institution Real Estate Cadastre (PI REC), including digital cadastre coverage tracking progress against key indicators under the Growth Plan.

Start Date and Duration of the Assignment: The Assignment is expected to start in 2026 and has a duration of 12 months, full‑time, with a possibility of extension.

Event Cost Estimate: Confidential

Supplier Profile:

EBRD intends to select an individual consultant with demonstrated experience in cadastre, land management, geodesy or related technical fields. Experience in coordinating large-scale field operations, contract implementation and monitoring, and working with public institutions is required. Familiarity with cadastral systems, data validation, and EU-aligned land governance frameworks will be considered an advantage.

The consultant should demonstrate strong coordination, analytical and communication skills, ability to work in an embedded institutional setting, and fluency in Romanian and English.

The consultant should demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills, ability to work in an embedded institutional setting, and fluency in Romanian and English.

Bank Contact Person:

Viv Headlam

e-mail@ Lewishev@ebrd.com

The full details of the assignment are included in the procurement dossier, which can be accessed by registered suppliers on the EBRD’s SMART portal hosted by GEP. In the event of any contradiction between this summary and the procurement dossier, the provisions of the procurement dossier will prevail.

SMART by GEP^[1]

To view further details of this event, the RFX documents or submit a proposal, please log in to EBRD’s SMART website.

If you or your company have never worked with EBRD, please register as a supplier in SMART via the following link (you will be taken directly to SMART’s registration site hosted on the GEP.com domain):

Before registering in the system please check that your company does not already have a registered profile. If your company has been contracted by EBRD before, it is possible a profile already exists, and it may be that registration needs to be finalised. If unsure, please contact EBRD S2C Vendor Management (S2CVendorManagement@ebrd.com ) to check.

For any technical issues when registering please contact support@gep.com

Please refer to the documents available in the “SMART by GEP” section of the EBRD corporate procurement and consultancy services webpage on EBRD.com for guidance on registering and accessing RFX in SMART.

^[1] SMART by GEP is compatible only with Chrome and Microsoft Edge

Culture has the unique power to build bridges where walls seem to exist. On May 23, 2026, we are joining the National Museum of History as it opens its doors for a special cultural celebration – the European Night of Museums, taking place from 11:00 AM until midnight.

The Europe Café team will be waiting for you in the museum courtyard, where we’ve prepared an interactive space full of European energy to perfectly complement the festive atmosphere of the day.

While exploring the museum activities and learning traditional crafts like wood carving or weaving, make sure to stop by the Europe Café area. We’ve prepared an interactive journey that shows how European values naturally connect with our local traditions:

Virtual journeys across the Map of Europe: Learn how to save energy and adopt a greener lifestyle by rolling the dice and making meaningful stops along the way.

EU Wheel: Discover fun facts about EU member states and inspiring projects that bring Europe closer to Moldova.

Euro Quiz: Answer questions about EU countries and win a prize.

EU Stars Tote Bag Painting Workshop: Get creative and paint your own canvas tote bag with EU-inspired designs — something you can use every day and that will remind you of European values.

A good conversation about Europe: After completing the activities, join us for a relaxing chat about culture, opportunities, and the future.

See you on Saturday, May 23! The European Night of Museums is the perfect occasion to celebrate the many values we share. Bring your family, your friends, and your camera for the perfect social media moments.

Come discover with us the heritage that defines us and the European values that unite us!

In Nisporeni, the first energy efficiency works have been completed under the project “Local Partnerships for Energy Efficiency in Social Services – Better Social Services”.

The building of the Regional Center for Social Integration and Assistance “Trust”, built almost 50 years ago, now provides better conditions for the center’s beneficiaries and the social canteen users. Thermal insulation and modernization works will reduce energy losses and make the spaces more comfortable for approximately 440 people annually. The change is visible in the building, but it is felt especially in daily services: warmer rooms, lower energy costs, and better conditions for people in need of support.

“Investments in energy efficiency mean not only saving resources but also caring for people. When we modernize social institutions, we directly contribute to the comfort and safety of beneficiaries. Such projects demonstrate that the energy transition has tangible effects in citizens’ daily lives,” said Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy.

“In this project, supported by the European Union, strong local partnerships have been created between civil society, public authorities, and donors, demonstrating that investments in energy efficiency are, прежде всего, investments in people and the quality of social services. We are proud to inaugurate today the first energy-efficient social service among the 35 local initiatives supported under the project,” said Daniela Leahu, Project Director at the Soros Foundation Moldova.

Better and more accessible social services contribute to an open society where people receive support in dignified conditions and communities can better respond to the needs of vulnerable groups.

“The European Union supports the efforts of the Republic of Moldova in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable development. This project demonstrates that, through collaboration between civil society, authorities, and development partners, we can significantly improve social services, an essential pillar for the protection of people in vulnerable situations. We extend our congratulations to the Soroptimist International Club Association Nisporeni for the efforts made and for the successful implementation of an initiative that contributes to improving the conditions offered to the beneficiaries of the Rehabilitation and Social Integration Center in Nisporeni,” said Irina Beșliu, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The works were carried out under the initiative “With Confidence Towards Energy Efficiency in the City of Nisporeni,” implemented by Soroptimist International Nisporeni with financial support from the European Union in the Republic of Moldova, within the project “Local Partnerships for Energy Efficiency in Social Services,” co-financed and implemented by the Soros Foundation Moldova in partnership with Keystone Moldova and the Social Innovation Fund of Moldova NGO.

The total budget of the project is over 4.8 million euros, of which around 4.2 million euros are provided by the European Union, while 600,000 euros represent co-financing from the Soros Foundation Moldova.

Electrical equipment, agricultural products, furniture items, fats and oils, as well as wines and beverages were the main categories of goods exported by the Republic of Moldova to the European Union in 2025.

The total value of Moldovan exports to the European Union exceeded USD 2.55 billion. Electrical equipment accounted for USD 496.8 million, followed by agricultural products at USD 489.1 million, furniture at USD 127.9 million, fats and oils at USD 122.4 million, and wines and beverages at USD 100.4 million. Together, these categories represent almost half of exports to the European market.

In January–November 2025, the main export destinations of the Republic of Moldova in the EU were Romania (29.2%), Italy (9.2%), Czechia (8.3%), Germany (4.0%), and Bulgaria (3.5%).

The share of exports to the European Union amounted to 68.1% of total exports of the Republic of Moldova in 2025, increasing compared to previous years: 67.3% in 2024, 65.4% in 2023, and 58.6% in 2022.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova