European Union supports inclusive programmes for Moldovan children

Nearly 200 key policymakers, international organisations, child rights experts, and young people gathered in Chisinau for the European Child Guarantee Conference, organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education and Research.

The conference focused on developing strategies to tackle child poverty and social exclusion, aligning national policies with the European Child Guarantee initiative.

Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research, said at the official opening: “Today’s event signifies a strong political commitment from the government and ministries to do more in safeguarding the fundamental rights of every child in Moldova. We must intensify efforts to reduce child poverty, improve education quality, and create a healthy environment for all. The European Child Guarantee provides a decision-making framework and an opportunity to mobilise resources. With support from UNICEF and the European Union, we will develop a joint policy document to ensure equal opportunities for every child in Moldova.”

Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to Moldova, added: “The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities and support needed to thrive in a just and equitable society. It is not just a policy—it’s a commitment to the well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. This initiative seeks to break the cycle of poverty by guaranteeing children access to essential services like education, healthcare, nutrition, and decent housing. Moldova has taken a critical step by laying the foundation for its national child guarantee framework, aligning with core European values. The European Union proudly stands alongside Moldova on this path.”

Octavian Bivol, Deputy Regional Director for UNICEF ECARO, remarked: “Moldova’s commitment to implementing the European Child Guarantee is a crucial step towards ensuring that all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the services they need to flourish. Focusing on inclusive education, healthcare, and social protection will help break the cycle of poverty and exclusion. UNICEF is ready to support Moldova in turning these commitments into concrete actions, ensuring every child grows up healthy, educated, and safe.”

As Moldova moves towards European integration, this conference provided an opportunity to address gaps in services and align Moldova’s national policies with EU standards.

Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission, delivered the keynote address, outlining the initiative’s goals: “In 2023, nearly one in four children in the EU—about 20 million—were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. These figures show the urgency for action. The European Child Guarantee is designed to tackle this challenge by ensuring children, especially those in vulnerable situations, have access to education, healthcare, proper housing, and nutritious food. Moldova’s commitment to this initiative is crucial. Lifting children out of poverty is not only a moral obligation but an investment in the nation’s future prosperity.”

UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova, Maha Damaj, highlighted: “The European Child Guarantee offers Moldova a transformative opportunity to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the support and services they need. By collaborating across government, civil society, and international partners, we can remove barriers that prevent children from accessing education, healthcare, and protection. This conference underlines the urgency of our mission and the shared responsibility to secure a better future for Moldova’s children.”

Svetlana Nicolaescu, Deputy General Secretary of the Ministry of Health, affirmed: “Ensuring every child has access to quality healthcare is fundamental to Moldova’s commitment to the European Child Guarantee. By addressing health disparities and improving access to medical services, we aim to create a healthier future for all children, especially those from vulnerable communities. With support from UNICEF and the European Union, we are building a healthcare system that leaves no child behind.”

Vasile Cușcă, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, stressed: “The European Child Guarantee presents Moldova with an opportunity to strengthen its child protection system, ensuring no child is left behind. Focusing on the most vulnerable—those living in poverty, children with disabilities, and those in precarious family situations—we are taking essential steps to overcome exclusion and foster a fairer society.”

International perspectives from countries such as Croatia and Bulgaria, which have already implemented the European Child Guarantee, were invaluable in helping Moldova shape its approach with a focus on practical steps and strategies.

The European Child Guarantee Conference in Moldova has laid the groundwork for a long-term strategy. The event concluded with a declaration committing Moldova to a set of actionable steps to integrate the European Child Guarantee into its national framework. It outlined a shared vision for Moldova’s child welfare policies, the role of public authorities and stakeholders, and the commitment to align with European child rights standards.

A collaborative working session involving policymakers, children, adolescents, and civil society representatives identified priority actions and solutions for implementing the initiative in Moldova.

Dragoș Pîslaru, a UNICEF Consultant, noted: “The European Child Guarantee is a lifeline for millions of children at risk of poverty and exclusion across Europe. Moldova’s commitment to this initiative is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive society. Through international collaboration, we can ensure that no child is deprived of opportunities.”

The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure every child has access to essential services such as education, healthcare, adequate living conditions, and childcare. Moldova’s involvement represents a critical step in protecting its most vulnerable children.

For more information on the European Child Guarantee, please visit the dedicated page.