Events

The project will foster inclusive and participatory processes to improve public participation, particularly by promoting the involvement of underrepresented groups and women in Moldova. The registrations in the grants call are open until 22 December 2025.

Objectives of the call for proposals

In recognition of the unique challenges and perspectives of minority communities (including ethnic/national minorities, people with disabilities, Roma, LGBTIQ and other marginalised groups), the INSPIRED Moldova project, funded by the European Union, seeks to strengthen their active, meaningful involvement in consultation mechanisms at local, regional, and national levels. The subgrants will enable CSOs representing minority groups and pilot initiatives that strengthen existing communities, support participation in consultation processes, and empower engagement in decision-making.

The overall objective of this call for proposals is to enhance the participation of minority communities and their representative Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in consultation and decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels.

The specific objective is to facilitate accessible consultations and public hearings, develop evidence-based policy inputs, and build sustainable partnerships with public authorities and other stakeholders, thereby advancing inclusive policymaking and the political participation of minorities.

Scope of the support programme

Selected organisations will receive financial support in the form of grants managed by People in Need Moldova. This funding will enable them to cover the costs of their project activities.

Selected organisations will be able to receive tailored, on-demand consultancy support in organisational development and other relevant areas through the CONTACT Centre.

Grants’ modalities

The funding amount for each proposal is up to EUR 25,000.

The projects should last between 7 and 11 months and be implemented starting February 2026. The grant recipients will sign a contribution agreement (grant contract) with PIN. As selected organisations will be exempted from VAT from the costs incurred within this grant, the budget proposal should contain the planned costs excluding VAT.

Eligible activities and priorities of the call

Below please find the example of types of activities that are eligible for funding. The list is neither exhaustive nor cumulative. Additional types of activities may be considered, provided they align with the objectives of this call for proposals. These examples are offered as suggestions to inspire potential applicants and guide their project design.

Priority 1: Inclusive and intersectional participation in policy development or revision

• Organising consultations, public hearings, and community forums with minority representatives and decision-makers.
• Establishing or strengthening dialogue platforms such as consultative councils or transparency councils at local, district, or national levels.
• Designing consultation mechanisms that ensure meaningful participation of women, persons with disabilities, Roma, LGBTIQ individuals, and other marginalised groups, with appropriate accessibility measures (e.g., sign language, easy-to-read materials, transport, childcare).
• Peer-learning, exchange visits between communities and authorities, and joint problem-solving labs.
• Capacity-building for minority community leaders on advocacy, safe participation, media/communications, and accessibility.
• Safeguarding and do-no-harm measures, including conflict-sensitive facilitation.
• Promoting gender equality and empowering young women and girls.

Priority 2: Evidence-based policy inputs and advocacy for inclusive governance

• Identifying targeted policies for development or revision, outlining formal consultation mechanisms (e.g., public hearings, working groups), and defining a pathway with milestones (problem analysis, stakeholder mapping, drafting, validation, submission, follow-up).
• Using disaggregated data, community needs assessments, and documented good practices to generate concrete, actionable recommendations.
• Drafting policy briefs, draft regulations, amendments, or guidelines with a clear structure (problem statement, options, impact, costs, legal references) and a plan for advocacy and endorsement.
• Prioritising inclusion of marginalised groups within minority communities, including young people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth from rural areas.
• Integrating environmental and climate-sensitive considerations, including how policies disproportionately impact minority and marginalised communities.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to address both priorities of the call and to focus on clearly defined policy areas when designing their project proposals. Each selected CSO is expected to contribute to the development or revision of a concrete government policy through evidence-based and participatory approaches, clearly demonstrating a well-defined and feasible policy outcome.

The following types of activities are ineligible for funding:

• Actions that focus primarily on individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, seminars, conferences, or congresses;
• Actions which relate solely or mainly to individual scholarships for studies or training courses;
• Actions that support political parties or candidates during elections;
• Retroactive financing for projects that are already in progress or have been completed;
• Projects that provide exclusive benefits to individuals or restricted groups of individuals will not qualify for funding.
• Environmentally harmful projects will not receive funding, and the purchase of equipment is only permissible if it is directly linked to the implementation of the project.

Application and selection process

The following provides an overview of the application and selection process from the publication of the guidelines to the start of implementation.

5.1 Indicative timeline

Opening of the call26th November 2025Online information session2nd December 2025; 15:00 Chișinău time (link here)    Deadline for Questions*    10th December 2025Deadline to submit proposals22nd December 2025; 23:59 Chișinău timeEvaluations of the proposals23 December 2025 – 23 January 2026Negotiation, finalisation and award26 – 30 January 2026Indicative implementation period of grantsFebruary – December 2026 (from 7to 11 months within this period)PIN induction trainingsmid-February 2026

*Questions related to the Call for Proposals can be sent to the email within the deadline: concurs.moldova@peopleinneed.net

Full application submission

The application period is open immediately and will close on Monday, 22nd December 2024; (23:59, GMT+3, Chișinău time). The full application package is composed of:

• Annex B – Application Form Eng – Ro / Application Form Eng – Ru  Attention! The application forms were updated on 03.12.2025
• Annex C – Budget Form;
• Confirmation of the organization’s registration;
• Sworn Statement available in Romanian, Russian and English versions.

Applications should be sent to concurs.moldova@peopleinneed.net

Background information

INSPIRED Moldova is an EU-funded project running from 2024 to 2027 which aims to contribute to creating an enabling environment for civil society in Moldova by empowering civil society organisations (CSOs) to actively engage in policy discussions at all levels. Building on the momentum generated by the EU accession process, the project facilitates policy dialogue processes on the enabling environment for civil society and relevant plans and programmes stemming from the accession negotiations. Recognising the importance of prioritising democracy building in the EU’s new methodology on the fundamentals first accession criteria, the initiative will strengthen the capacities of CSOs to act as catalysts for democracy both at national and local level and in the digital sphere.

The project will foster inclusive and participatory processes to improve public participation, particularly by promoting the involvement of underrepresented groups and women in Moldova. By empowering Moldovan civil society through technical and financial support, the project aims to strengthen their influence on national policies and accelerate the country’s EU integration. This involves engaging CSOs in policy-making processes at the national, local, and digital levels. The project encourages dialogue and collaboration with public authorities to ensure that civil society becomes a key actor in promoting democracy in Moldova.

The Call for Proposal relates to Project Output 2, which seeks to ensure that multi stakeholder consultation mechanisms at the local level function and deliver on policy’s implementation through the engagement of CSOs in monitoring, community mobilisation and cooperation with authorities.

People in Need (PIN) will complement this support with core induction training focused on grant implementation, compliance, and reporting standards. PIN is a non-profit organisation committed to building a world where people are not restricted by poverty, discrimination, or lack of opportunity. Guided by its mission to promote inclusive and sustainable development, PIN works to ensure that individuals and communities can participate fully in decision-making and enjoy their rights in practice. More information about PIN Moldova is available at https://moldova.peopleinneed.net

Thirteen Moldovan officials completed an intensive study tour to Slovenia and Croatia from 23–29 November, aimed at strengthening Moldova’s capacity to align national legislation and legislative procedures with the EU’s legal framework.

Representatives of the Center for Legal Approximation, the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Justice, and the Bureau for European Integration met with government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives of EU institutions to gain first-hand insights into the accession experiences of both host countries.

Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged with the Ministries of Foreign and European Affairs, the Government Offices of Legislation, the General Secretariats of the Governments, and the national parliaments of Slovenia and Croatia. Discussions focused on EU coordination structures, inter-ministerial cooperation, relations between government and parliament, legislative drafting and approval processes, and parliamentary oversight of EU accession. The hosts also showcased digital tools for managing legal approximation and practical approaches to aligning national legislation with the EU acquis.

The delegation visited the European Parliament and European Commission representations in both countries, learning how these institutions support EU citizens and assist member states throughout and after the accession process.

Reflecting on the tour, Slovene and Croatian officials emphasized: “This study tour was not a classic training, but an opportunity to exchange views and share best practices. Legal approximation is not a mechanical copying of EU legislation, but a substantive transposition of the acquis into domestic law, in full respect of the national legal system and legal traditions.”

Alexandrina Bulat-Rotaru, Deputy Head of the Legal Approximation Centre, highlighted the value of the experience: “It was an excellent opportunity to learn new things and strengthen our existing knowledge as we continue pursuing our shared national goal—European integration.”

The study tour was organised within the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration.”

The European Film Month, now under a new name European Award Season returns to Chișinău. This year marks the festival’s third edition, offering audiences a selection of three 2025 films and three classic movies. Screenings will take place from December 5–14 at Cineplex Loteanu, with the opening film being It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi, which won the Palme d’Or at the most recent Cannes Film Festival.

Alongside It Was Just an Accident, the premiere lineup includes Romeria by Carla Simon, also nominated for the Palme d’Or, and Joachim Trier’s new film, Sentimental Value, which took home the second prize at Cannes – the Grand Prix 2025. These three new releases will be paired with three European classics: Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blowup, Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas – all shown on the big screen in Chișinău for the first time.

This year, moviegoers can purchase a festival pass, allowing them to attend all six screenings with a single ticket. Additionally, the festival introduces a new format: “Double Bill”– two thematically linked films (one from 2025 and one classic) screened together, with a single ticket granting access to both.

The European Award Season in Chișinău is organized by Legur Films, under the auspices of the European Film Academy, in collaboration with the cultural project ПроЧтение, and with financial support from the National Cinematography Center and the European Union. Media partners include Moldova.org, NewsMaker, and Diez. Digital partner: Shifty Ads. Tickets are available exclusively on Unde.io.

Originally launched in 2022 as the European Film Month, the European Award Season aims to promote and celebrate films made in Europe or by European directors. The festival takes place simultaneously in over 100 cities across Europe, with the film selection drawn from a list of more than 20 nominees for the best European film of the year. It also gives audiences the chance to discover the finest European films of all time. The Chișinău edition began in 2023, and the first two Moldovan editions featured titles such as Anatomy of a Fall, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World, The Girl with the Needle, La Dolce Vita, The Color of Pomegranates, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, All About My Mother, and many others.

The Republic of Moldova will participate in the The President of the European Commission’s Youth Advisory Board and will be represented by young delegate Laura Vition. The President’s Youth Advisory Board is a new structure announced in the Political Guidelines for the 2024–2029 mandate, designed to advise on EU policies affecting young people and to strengthen their role in shaping the Union’s future.

The Board brings together young representatives from all EU Member States, the European Youth Forum, and observers from candidate countries. Its first official meeting will take place on 3 December in Brussels and will focus on concerns about children’s and young people’s use of social media. In this inaugural session, held in the presence of the President and following preparatory discussions with Commissioner Micallef, participants will contribute insights that will inform future recommendations and policy directions.

Giving young people a stronger voice in EU policymaking

As announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines, the Commission has set up the President’s Youth Advisory Board.  

It will advise the President on issues that matter most to young people, share their perspectives on policies developed by the Commission, and put young people at the heart of EU policymaking. 

A look ahead to the first meeting

On 3 December 2025, young representatives from across the EU will meet the President to share their thoughts and help shape policies that affect their safety and well-being online. 

The meeting will serve as key input to the panel of experts that will advise the President on the best approach for Europe when it comes to online safety. 

The meeting will guide the Commission’s efforts to 

• protect young people from the negative impact of social media on their confidence, mental health and identity
• ensure online safety measures for young people are fair, practical, and protect their privacy
• empower young people with digital skills needed to confidently navigate life online
• tackle cyberbullying and empower young people to speak up safely online

How does it work?

The President’s Youth Advisory Board brings together more than 30 young representatives, one from each EU Member State’s National Youth Council, one from the European Youth Forum, and observers from candidate countries and potential candidates for EU accession. 

They will meet with the President to exchange views on issues that significantly impact young people. 

Why does it matter?

Through the Youth Advisory Board, young people are now in a direct dialogue with the Commission President. This puts young citizens at the centre of democracy, and ensures that EU policies reflect their hopes and concerns. 

For more details about upcoming initiatives, click here.

Residents of Drochia, Iargara, Sîngerei, Criuleni, Strășeni and Cantemir will now be better protected against disasters. On 25 November, the municipal enterprises in these towns received modern equipment sets designed to support faster emergency interventions, with a total value of nearly MDL 2 million. The equipment was provided by the European Union through the “EU4Moldova Resilient – Secure State, Resilient Communities” project, implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

Each municipal enterprise received a set of equipment including tipper trailers, wood chippers and water pumps. These new tools will enable local public utility teams to respond promptly in the event of storms, heavy snowfall, floods, water accumulation, fallen trees or damaged infrastructure.

“Employees from these municipal enterprises have also undergone specialised training, enabling them to intervene not only in remediation works, but also in prevention and community support during emergencies. We are confident that this equipment will strengthen the resilience of the towns and enhance their overall response capacity,” said Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

For her part, Marcia Kammitsi, Programme Manager within the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, emphasised the EU’s commitment to small communities with limited technical resources: “Our support focuses on people and their safety. Through investments like these, we help smaller towns respond more effectively to climate-related challenges and protect lives and property.”

By the end of this year, six additional municipal enterprises will receive medium-capacity tractors, essential for rapid interventions during severe winter weather. In total, the 12 municipal enterprises were selected through a public grant call launched in March by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. The total value of the equipment amounts to almost MDL 6.5 million, funded by the European Union through the EU4Moldova Resilient project.

More than 225 participants, including inclusion specialists, teachers and school managers, experts, children, parents, and representatives of central and local public authorities gathered today at the 5th edition of the National Conference “Inclusion, Equity and Protection in Education”. The event aimed to strengthen national and local commitment to building an inclusive education system aligned with European standards.

Throughout the day, the conference explored the priorities of an inclusive and equitable education system: Moldova’s European education pathway, key reforms, universal accessibility, integrated support services, equal opportunities in technical vocational education, and the importance of communication and community engagement in expanding inclusive educational partnerships.

The event marks the closing of the national “Inclusion Month” and reaffirms the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to advancing a modern, accessible, and European-aligned education system, one in which every child can learn and grow without barriers.

Opening the conference, Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research, highlighted the progress and determination behind current reforms:

“Today, Moldova’s education system is more inclusive than it was ten years ago, but this transformation has not been easy. It required openness from teachers and school leaders, significant effort from parents, and strong involvement from all actors in the system. Despite economic challenges, our joint work has helped build an education system that strives to ensure inclusion for every child.”

The commitment to inclusion is embedded in the National Development Plan 2025–2027 and represents a key pillar in the country’s EU accession process.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, H.E. Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, reaffirmed the EU’s strong support for improving accessibility, strengthening support services, and modernizing Moldova’s schools. Through the programme “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, implemented by UNICEF and UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and funded by the European Union, mobile inclusion teams are being piloted in rural communities, model schools are being equipped with STEAM resources, and concrete accessibility measures are being put in place.

“Education means giving every child an equal chance in life. We must ensure that, regardless of where a child is born or whether they live with a disability, they can dream boldly and have the tools to turn those dreams into reality. Ensuring equitable access to quality education for EVERY child should be a non-negotiable feature of any modern society. The European Commission, in its recent Enlargement Report, welcomed the progress made and encouraged the Republic of Moldova to further promote inclusive education reforms to ensure equitable access to quality learning for children with special educational needs, disabilities, and social or economic vulnerabilities, including those from ethnic minorities. The European Union stands with the Republic of Moldova by investing not only in school buildings and technology, but above all in people – teachers, education professionals, and students, all students, so that no child is left behind.”

For more than 30 years, UNICEF has supported national authorities in developing an education system that leaves no child behind. In her remarks, Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova, emphasized the importance of intersectoral cooperation: “UNICEF’s interventions range from reforming the residential care system and supporting early inclusion, to reorganizing psychological and pedagogical assistance services and expanding professional training. The recent gap analysis shows that, despite important progress, accessibility, human resources and intersectoral cooperation still require sustained investment. Inclusive education is not a fixed destination — it is an evolving process guided by evidence, by children’s needs, and by how schools adapt to real-life challenges.”

A particularly impactful moment was the speech of Maxim Grădinari, student and young advocate for inclusion, who shared his personal story and recommendations for supporting children with special educational needs: “My story is just one of the thousands of stories of children who need access, support and trust to succeed. I was fortunate to meet people who believed in me. In the first grade, my teacher came to my home to teach Romanian, mathematics, moral-spiritual education and music. I could attend extracurricular activities only if I was accompanied. All this nurtured in me a deep desire to learn, to integrate and to belong to a community.”

The conference concluded with two award ceremonies celebrating efforts to promote inclusive education:

• “My School Is Inclusive. What About Yours?” — a national contest for students who created drawings and educational materials about inclusion. The competition was organized by the Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF, the Republican Centre for Psychopedagogical Assistance, ARTICO, and CCF Moldova, with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom.
• “Inclusive Education Gala”, organized by APSCF, which awarded institutions demonstrating innovation and courage in advancing inclusion. The “Alexandra Grajdian” Trophy remains a symbol of excellence, courage and commitment to equitable education for all.

The conference was organized by the Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF, the Republican Centre for Psychopedagogical Assistance, the Alliance of Active NGOs in the Field of Social Protection of Children and Families (APSCF) and the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation, with financial support from the European Union, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Out Loud.

Europe Café, the main EU Information Centre in Chișinău, is hosting an exhibition by Natalia Romanciuc from November 28 until the end of December as part of the international “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. Through her works, Natalia Romanciuc – though she does not depict violence directly – conveys messages of femininity, resilience, identity, and strength.

“My mission is to show people that the woman is at the center of my paintings. I never say what I do not know or what I am not. Through my art, I try to highlight principles such as God, personality, destiny, character, and others. My works are autobiographical, and this is another reason why the image of the woman is so important in my art,” Natalia Romanciuc stated in a video message to the audience at the opening of her exhibition at Europe Café.

The exhibition’s opening was attended by Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, who emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence: “Culture and art are among the most expressive voices of change. Natalia Romanciuc’s works remind us that art speaks when words fall silent. These portraits of women are profound calls for empathy, solidarity, and action. Exhibitions like this open spaces for dialogue, reflection, and a shared commitment to a future free from violence.”

The launch event also featured painter Eugen Gorean, who brought a male perspective to the exhibition’s theme. Stylistically, his works present a realistic vision of a temporal world where the animal becomes the alter ego of man. His paintings combine figurative expression with elements of mystery, discussing a world in decline in the post-pandemic era, utopian ideas, and subtle satire of social conveniences, all within a traditional artistic language. Gorean’s works complement the visual dialogue of the exhibition and highlight how diverse perspectives contribute to a complex understanding of the phenomenon of violence.

About the Artist
Natalia Romanciuc, born in 1996 in the Republic of Moldova, discovered her passion for painting at the age of 17. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Chișinău, graduating in 2019. Since then, she has consistently built her artistic path, defining an expressionist-figurative style with accents of modern symbolism. At the heart of her works is the female body, often portrayed as a symbol of strength, femininity, maternity, and divinity. Technically, the artist explores the distortion of the body to convey mental, emotional, and spiritual states, inviting the viewer to introspection and empathy.

About the Exhibition
Natalia Romanciuc’s exhibition represents a dialogue between art and activism, offering an intense visual experience. The exhibition will be open to the public from November 28 until the end of December 2025 at Europe Café, located at 97 Șciusev Street, Chișinău. The event is organized in partnership with Cartego Art Gallery, and admission is free for all those interested in discovering the artist’s messages and universe.

The National Campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” – “Moldova Without Violence” marks one of the most powerful national campaigns in the last 20 years, based on a common visual narrative and a unified message from state institutions. From November 25 to December 10, 2025, the campaign will involve public institutions, local communities, and international partners in a coordinated effort to inform and mobilize. Under the unifying message “Moldova Without Violence,” this year’s edition places a major emphasis on recognizing digital violence as a real form of abuse. The campaign aims to raise awareness of online risks and protection mechanisms for victims, with the powerful message “#NOEXCUSE for digital violence.”

In Moldova, more than half of women (65%) aged 18 and over who are active online have experienced some form of digital violence in their lifetime. These attacks extend beyond the virtual space, with real-life consequences, sometimes escalating into physical violence.

Over 20 participants from the National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM), the Single Central Depository, commercial banks and other capital market representatives, participated in a training session dedicated to the legal framework and the main provisions of the Regulation on digital operational resilience for the financial sector (DORA). The event was organised in the framework of the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration.” 

In his opening speech, the EU High Level Adviser on Financial Services, Nicolae Grigore, emphasized the importance of the implementation of DORA in the Republic of Moldova, in the context of the need to ensure increased protection for financial institutions against cyber risks and incidents that may affect the stability of the financial system. “The application of the DORA Regulation represent an essential step for the modernization and consolidation of the financial sector, alignment with European standards, and the advancement of the accession process to the European Union. The implementation of this regulation will ensure that the financial system in the Republic of Moldova will comply with the same rules and digital resilience standards applicable to the EU Member States.”

The information session was delivered by Tudor Doman, Expert on EU Digital Finance Regulations within the project. He shared Romania’s experience in the process of applying the Regulation on digital operational resilience in the financial sector, after which participants had the possibility to address questions and receive practical answers.

We invite you to Europe Café for an exhibition of paintings by artist Natalia Romanciuc. On the walls of our space, you will discover feminine forms rendered in a distinctive style that invites reflection and dialogue.

This artistic manifesto is our way of joining the solidarity campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The artist’s works convey messages of femininity, resilience, identity, and strength. We thank our partners at Cartego Art Gallery for this beautiful selection.

The exhibition is open daily until the end of December, Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00, at Europe Café.

The EU-funded Bordershield 25 exercise, held at Ungheni Train Station on 1–2 October 2025, concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in the Republic of Moldova’s and the European Union’s (EU) joint efforts to enhance public safety, border security, and emergency preparedness against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Organised to mark the 15th anniversary of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, the exercise showcased the EU’s continued commitment to strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation in addressing complex CBRN risks. The initiative, implemented under the EU Global Threats Programme, supports partner countries in developing robust capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to CBRN incidents.

The Bordershield 25 exercise was implemented under the EU CBRN CoE Project 106 – TEST, funded by the European Union and conducted in close collaboration with Moldovan authorities — including the Border Police, the National Agency for Public Health, the National Police, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, and the Customs Service. The exercise was also supported by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), which assists the EU in managing and implementing the CBRN CoE Initiative globally.

The event brought together national institutions and experts from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, with additional support from the Romanian Border Police.

More than 150 participants, including border police officers, forensic experts, customs officials, HAZMAT units, medical personnel, and other first responders, took part in a realistic field simulation of a cross-border CBRN incident. The drill and final field exercise were preceded by a tabletop exercise and a preparatory phase that involved a simulated intelligence exchange on the smuggling of hazardous substances using the ISEMI dedicated virtual platform, SIENA X, which began nine days prior to the field action. These activities enhanced inter-agency cooperation and tested communication and coordination mechanisms at both national and regional levels.

Participants then practiced real-time response, coordination, and information exchange during the simulated incident at Ungheni train station. The exercise fostered teamwork, strengthened interoperability among participating agencies, and identified practical lessons to improve future emergency response procedures.

Although CBRN incidents are rare, their potential consequences can be severe. Exercises such as Bordershield 25 are therefore essential to ensuring that national authorities and regional partners are well-prepared to respond rapidly and effectively, safeguarding public health and security.

The organisers express their gratitude to the local authorities, the Border Police Academy, and its students for their participation, as well as to the residents of Ungheni for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth execution of the exercise.

Background information:

• EU CBRN Centres of Excellence
• EU Global Threats Programme

Over 300 Moldovan and foreign representatives of the fruit business sector gather today at the Fruit Business Conference that will held its sessions on 27-28 November 2025 in Chisinau.

The conference is at its XI edition and represents the most important platform for information and networking, where Moldovan fruit producers and exporters learn the best practices from experts from Moldova, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany and Spain.

The 2025 edition of the Conference is focused on the strategies and policies to increase the Moldovan fruits competitiveness while integrating into the European Union’s market, as well as on the introduction of smart climate-resilient technologies, and effective solutions for managing pests and diseases.

In his opening speech, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated: “The European Union is becoming, year after year, an increasingly important market for Moldovan fruits. Our farmers have demonstrated that they can consistently deliver, at high standards, ever-increasing quantities. Moldovan fruits have a place on store shelves in Europe and the world, and Moldovan farmers have a place among the most respected and competitive producers”.

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piórko, highlighted: ”The European Union stands with Moldova. We have mobilised unprecedented financial support —a €1.9 billion Growth Plan. Significant funding has been allocated to the agri-food sector, as well as targeted expertise and technical assistance at all levels. In this joint effort, the EU stands for quality products, market integration, business competitiveness, and unlocking Moldova’s growth potential, while ensuring environmental sustainability and fair income for producers of all sizes.”

The conference discussion panels focused on sharing experience and best practices in exporting apples, plums, cherries, apricots and other fruits to the EU market. Fruit producers and exporters emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices to meet international requirements and ensure long-term growth of the fruit business.

The event is organized by the Fruit Producers and Exporters Association of Moldova”Moldova Fruct”, with the support of the European Union in the framework of the project ‚Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration’ and the Invest Moldova Agency.

Residents of Hîncești had an additional reason to celebrate their town’s holiday this year. On 21 November, the fully renovated and energy-efficient Kindergarten No. 1 “Albinuța” was officially inaugurated, thanks to the support of the European Union. The event brought together the local community, authorities, and international partners, marking the transformation of the institution into a modern, safe, and energy-efficient space.

The renovation works included thermal insulation of the building, roof rehabilitation, replacement of flooring, complete modernization of the heating system with 67 new radiators, and the landscaping of the surrounding area. According to local authorities, these interventions directly contribute to reducing energy losses, lowering monthly utility costs, and creating a healthy and comfortable environment for the approximately 160 children and 22 staff members of the kindergarten.

“We succeeded in creating a space that offers children optimal conditions for learning and play, and provides teachers with a comfortable and motivating work environment. The support of the European Union allowed us to turn this vision into reality,” stated Alexandru Botnari, Mayor of Hîncești Municipality, during the inauguration event.

The renovation and energy-efficiency measures amounted to nearly 5.6 million MDL, of which approximately 3.9 million MDL represents the grant provided by the European Union under the “EU4Moldova Resilience – Secure State, Resilient Communities” project, implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

“The European Union supports the modernization of public institutions in the Republic of Moldova to improve people’s quality of life and strengthen community resilience. The renovation of this kindergarten is a concrete example of how European investments bring direct benefits to children, parents, educators, and the entire local community,” stated Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Competitive and Inclusive Growth at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The implementation of this urban revitalization project aimed not only at modernizing educational infrastructure, but also at reducing energy dependence, optimizing operational costs, and lowering CO₂ emissions.

“We are pleased to see how this project transforms not only a building, but the entire community. Energy efficiency and children’s wellbeing go hand in hand when we talk about sustainable development. Through the EU4Moldova Resilience project, we contribute to building a safer and more sustainable future for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” added Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

The renovation and energy-efficiency upgrade of Kindergarten No. 1 in Hîncești is one of five urban revitalization projects financed by the European Union, with a total budget of over 17 million MDL, under the “EU4Moldova Resilience – Secure State, Resilient Communities” initiative. Similar investments have been carried out in the towns of Rîșcani, Nisporeni, Ceadîr-Lunga, and Cimișlia.