Events

The EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration” is looking for a qualified person for the position of Project Assistant.

The overall objective of the project is to support the Moldovan authorities in building accountable and resilient governance systems for European integration by developing the internal capacity of the administration to deliver on reforms, strengthening strategic planning, policy-making at sectoral level, and policy management capacities, enhancing stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of EU policies, legislation and regulations and their capacity for alignment and implementation of the EU body of law (“EU Acquis”).

The specific objectives set in this context are the following:

1. Increase the level of administrative and institutional capacity to effectively align with and implement the EU acquis, to successfully carry out accession negotiations and to develop the ability to take on the obligations of EU membership, in line with the Copenhagen criteria.

2. Achieve progress in implementation of the priorities set out by the future Moldova Growth Plan, in order to develop a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU.

1. Duties and responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the company headquarters’ backstopping team, the Project Assistant will be responsible for the following:

• Responsible for the daily office management, administrative and logistical management;
• Responsible for daily communication, correspondence and planning within the project office;
• Support the training courses, workshops, conferences, study visits, internship programmes, ad-hoc missions etc.;
• Support KEs and NKEs in liaising with the main stakeholders, organising and agreeing meetings and taking minutes if necessary;
• Support in preparing and editing different reports as required by the ToR;
• Provide the language assistance to the Project, including translation and interpretation (English/Romanian/Russian and vice versa) for formal and informal meeting, events, documents and other correspondence as well as in meetings where not covered by incidental budget.
• Incidental expenditure according to EU procedures. To monitor expenditure on a monthly basis (actual and budget) according to PRAG rules.
  • Support in coordination of the use of the incidental budget, budgeting and reporting;
  • Ensure the collection of all original documents;
• Accounting. Recording of all payments in a Monitoring tool and report to GOPA PACE project managers on a monthly basis.
• Financial documentation. To keep all records/ files for audit purposes.
• Qualifications and skills
• University/college degree,
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English,
• Proficiency in Windows applications,
• At least 3 years similar experience,
• Ability to work in a team, excellent inter-personal and communication skills,
• Flexible and service-minded
• Experience with interpretation and translation as an asset.
• Experience in other EU-funded project is a serious asset.

• Logistics and timing. The working place is the project’s office premises and for at least the regular daily office hours (from Monday to Friday from 09: 00 AM to 18:00 PM, one hour lunch break). Holiday leaves should be agreed in prior with the Backstopping Project Manager and the Team Leader.

Job Offer

Please send your CV in English, a short motivation letter (up to 1 page, format A4) and contact details (position, work relation, phone and email) of 2 persons that we could contact to provide work references via e-mail to alina.chirnitcaia@gopa.eu  

The subject of your email should be your full name.

Application deadline: October 16th at 16.00 hrs, local time of Moldova. Selected candidates will be invited for a personal interview in Chisinau

This 8 October, as the world marks Dam Removal Day, Moldova has its own story to tell. In 2024, the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Protection Inspectorate reported the demolition1 of 51 illegally built dams on rivers such as the Ciulucul Mare and Ciulucul Mijlociu, Ialpugel, Draghiște, Ciuhur, Ciorna in the Răut river basin, as well as Ichel river, all tributaries of the Dniester. 

Freeing rivers from unnecessary barriers to secure water for all 

In Moldova, many small, unlicensed dams are built by local residents to secure water for cattle, crops, and other needs. Yet many such constructions were not permitted2, and when poorly designed, unregulated, or too numerous, they can alterthe river flows, reducing water availability for other water users downstream, and degrading ecosystems. 

At the request of Apele Moldovei, a pilot study carried out by UNECE as part of the EU-funded programme EU4Environment – Water&Data (2021–2024) in the Ișnovăț River, a tributary of the Bic and ultimately the Dniester, provided Moldova with its first inventory of dams — legal and illegal, active and abandoned. It revealed that many reservoirs were poorly maintained, silted, or even dried out, posing flood risks and cutting off communities and ecosystems from vital water flows. 

By targeting the most problematic illegal dams, Moldovan authorities aim to restore fairer access to water and improve the resilience of river systems. 

Solutions must go beyond dam demolition alone 

Restoring rivers is essential for biodiversity, fish migration, as well as for maintaining natural floodplains that play an important role in flood retention. In a country already facing a projected 16–20% decline in surface flows by 2030 due to climate change, every drop of restored flow counts. 

The challenge, however, is far more complex. Removing dams does not always mean rivers will resume their natural flow — in many places, the water simply isn’t there anymore. Decades of overuse, poor maintenance of infrastructure, and climate change have left scars too deep to heal in the short-term. At the same time, as there has been no water flow in the rivers for the last 10-15 years, and the rivers dry up over summer, certain dams continue to provide water for farming, animals, and livelihoods in rural areas where economic opportunities are limited. 

1. The Environmental Protection Inspectorate does not demolish the dams dams directly. Instead, they identify illegal dams and issue mandatory instructions to those responsible for restoring the riverbeds and returning the water flow to its previous state. 

2. The provisions of art. 4, paragraph 9 of the Water Law No. 272/2011 of the Republic of Moldova clearly states that damming watercourses by building any type of hydrotechnical construction, as well as diverting the course of rivers and streams, is prohibited. Exceptions are possible only for certain needs of national importance, based on a government decision.

Strenghtening knowledge of rivers

In line with the EU Water Framework Directive and based on the findings of the pilot study carried out by UNECE in the Ișnovăț River Basin, the Government of Moldova adopted on 16 October 2024 a national methodology for identifying and monitoring hydromorphological changes in rivers— changes in rivers’ natural shape, flow, sediment transport, and connection with surrounding landscapes – caused by structures like dams, levees, or diversion channels. When excessive, these alterations weaken rivers’ natural ability to support biodiversity, regulate floods, decompose pollution, and recharge groundwater resources. 

The adoption of this methodology marks a first step toward better understanding the physical condition and dynamics of Moldova’s rivers. It establishes a common analytical framework to assess where human activities — such as dams, riverbed modifications, or land use changes — are altering watercourses. Similar approaches have proven essential in EU Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive, where hydromorphology is recognised as a key “supporting element” for assessing the ecological status of rivers. 

In Moldova, this methodology will provide the necessary baseline information to inform future water management measures.

Encouraging dialogue between water users

Healthy, living rivers need a degree of freedom: the ability to meander, to flood seasonally, and to connect with wetlands and groundwater. In many European countries, past efforts to tame rivers — by building dykes, digging canals, and draining wetlands — reduced flooding in the short term but also disconnected rivers from their ecosystems, making them less resilient to droughts and climate change. Moldova faces the same challenge: how to reconcile people’s needs with the ecological functions that sustain rivers. 

The underlying challenge is thus to achieve a sustainable water balance and ensure the fair sharing of water resources across the entire river basin. This requires a change in former water and land use practices, as well as regular dialogue between all water users, including farmers, industries, municipal authorities and nature conservationists caring about the often-forgotten ecosystems on which human life depends. 

Building on the experience of existing basin councils for the Prut, Dniester and Black Sea river basin, which already facilitate cooperation at transboundary and national levels, and whose work was supported by the EU4Envrionment -Water and Data (2021-2024) programme and other regional projects, the EU supports Moldova in extending this dialogue to more local scales. Through EU4Green Recovery East programme (2025-2028), efforts are now focused on establishing pilot councils at sub-basin and community levels—bringing together local authorities, farmers, and other stakeholders to discuss practical solutions. By strengthening dialogue where decisions are made, these initiatives aim to balance local water needs with the shared responsibility of protecting Moldova’s rivers.

The EU4Green Recovery East programme (2025-2028) will thereby ensure continuity of support so that water is managed as a critical resource for people, nature, and the economy alike.

About EU4Green Recovery East 

The EU4Green Recovery East programme (2025–2028) supports the countries of the EU’s Eastern Partnership in their transition towards greener, more resilient economies. With EU funding of EUR 21.3 million, it focuses on five areas: (1) circular economy, (2) water management, (3) legal approximation to EU environmental law, (4) environmental data integration, and (5) transboundary cooperation. 

Implemented by a consortium led by the Environment Agency Austria (UBA) with OiEau, Expertise France, UNECE, OECD, and UNIDO, the programme builds on a decade of EU investments in the region. More information: www.eu4greenrecoveryeast.eu

On 9-10 October, Brussels is hosting the 2025 Global Gateway Forum. Heads of States and Government from EU and around the world will meet and discuss new and ongoing projects around the world, funded by EU, EU member states and other key international institutions.

As part of the Global Gateway, since 2021, the EU has mobilised €1.7 billion for projects in Moldova, together with international financial institutions.

Already ongoing investments include:

• Providing energy efficiency improvements to healthcare and education institutions across the country, including improvements of heating systems and installation of photovoltaic systems.
• Rehabilitating the Valcinet-Ungheni-Chisinau Cainari rail corridor, boosting trade and economic development, as part of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative.
• Improving insulation of buildings, installing more energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, integrating renewable energy sources and introducing efficient energy management practices.
• Road transport infrastructure, building connections within Moldova and bringing the country closer to the EU.
• Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises: between 2021 and 2023, over 8000 Moldovan SMEs enjoyed better access to finance and nearly 7000 SMEs benefitted from business advisory services.

Since its launch in 2021, Global Gateway is grouping under its umbrella over 260 flagship projects, mobilizing more than 180 billions Euro around all over the world. By 2027, it is foreseen that Global Gateway will mobilise under its umbrella more than 300 billion Eur. More data and details can be found here: https://global-gateway-forum.ec.europa.eu/media-corner_en

The EU-funded project ‘Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration’ seeks a qualified individual for the position of Junior Non-Key Expert on Communication (part-time).

The overall objective of the project is to support the Moldovan authorities in building accountable and resilient governance systems for European integration by developing the internal capacity of the administration to deliver on reforms, strengthening strategic planning, policy-making at sectoral level, and policy management capacities, enhancing stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of EU policies, legislation and regulations and their capacity for alignment and implementation of the EU body of law.

The scope of the assignment is to facilitate the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of communication-related activities of the project.

The Junior Non Key Expert will, under the guidance of KE4, contribute to the initial planning, conceptualization, formal approval of, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of communication-related activities which include, but are not limited to: production of promotional/visibility materials; organization of events (press conferences, press clubs, trainings, workshops, public consultations, conferences etc.), including high-level and large-scale events; update and maintenance of project web site and social media account; drafting communication materials (press releases, media kits, talking points, leaflets etc.), including reviewing, editing and translation from/into Romanian/English; update and maintenance of internal platform for EU-funded projects (‘EU DigiTool’); receipt, checking and archiving of information related to events and communication materials for audit purposes, other communication-related tasks.

Qualifications and skills

• University degree in Communication, Journalism, Language studies, Political sciences
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Computer literacy
• Fluency in Romanian and English; knowledge of other languages spoken in the Republic of Moldova is an asset
• Excellent writing skills, with ability to target different audiences

General professional experience

• At least 3 years of relevant general professional experience

Specific professional experience

• Familiarity with the EU –  Republic of Moldova relations and the country’s political and socio-economic context
• Experience in working in/with Government institutions, international partners and/or civil society
• Experience in content management systems (specifically WordPress) is a very strong asset

Experience with EU DigiTool is a very strong asset

Place of work: Chisinău, Republic of Moldova.

Duration of the Contract: 60 working days over approximately 6 months

Submit your application comprising a Cover Letter and CV to eu.integration.project@eu4moldova.eu by 17 October 2025. Please indicate in the subject line ‘Communication Expert’. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

As of 6 October 2025, Republic of Moldova becomes an operational part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) – the infrastructure that brings together 41 European countries and provides citizens and companies with fast, secure and low, even down to zero cost – euro transfers.

“Moldova’s integration into SEPA is a historic moment for the national financial system and confirms the country’s European path. This achievement eliminates administrative barriers and brings direct European standards in the daily life of people and businesses in the Republic of Moldova,” said Mrs. Anca Dragu, governor of the National Bank of Moldova, the institution that coordinated and implemented the SEPA accession process.

What is SEPA

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is the European framework that allows euro transfers between payment systems among participating countries, under the same cost, security and processing time, regardless of borders. SEPA brings together all the member states of the European Union, as well as the United Kingdom, countries of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican.

 Advantages of SEPA for the Republic of Moldova

 Moldova’s accession to SEPA brings immediate and tangible benefits for citizens, diaspora, companies and the entire economy.

For citizens and families in the diaspora, transfers in euro become faster, secure and at much lower costs, sometimes even with zero commission, depending on the services of the participating banks. If previously an international transfer could cost between 20 and 200 euros, now it will be processed at the same standards and tariffs as in the European Union, for only a few euros or even for free. Thus, remittances will arrive home faster and at a lower cost, which means more money directly into the budget of each consumer.

For the business, SEPA removes administrative barriers and brings Moldovan companies to the level of equality with European ones. Over 60% of Moldova’s exports are oriented towards the EU, while low trading costs increase competitiveness and facilitate trade and investment. Statistics show that in 2024, about 830,000 euro transactions were made between Moldova and SEPA countries with a total value of 11.8 billion euros, that is, daily over 3,200 payments worth 45 million euros. From now on, these financial flows will be managed much more efficiently, at low cost, directly through the SEPA system.

 At the macroeconomic level, integration into SEPA generates direct savings estimated at around EUR 20 million, resources that remain in the economy for investment, business development and jobs. At the same time, accession sends a strong signal of stability and credibility to international partners and investors.

 Eight banks in the Republic of Moldova are already part of SEPA

Currently, eight commercial banks in the Republic of Moldova have obtained SEPA Participant status and can process payments in euro at the same standards as in the European Union. It guarantees faster, more secure and low-cost transfers in line with the rules of the European payment system.

The National Bank of Moldova stresses that each client must consult the bank where he/she is serviced to find out the terms of transfers through SEPA, including tariffs and types of services available (standard payments or instant payments).

The accession process was coordinated by the NBM together with the Moldovan Banks Association, as NASO – National Accession Support Organization.

The expansion process continues, and in the coming period other payment service providers, including non-bank operators, can become SEPA participants, contributing to the modernisation of the local payments market.

Message of the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova

“This moment is the result of a joint effort by the teams of the National Bank, Government, Parliament, our European and international partners. I thank all those who have been involved in making this project a reality,” said the governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Mrs. Anca Dragu, in a video message published in the context of the country’s operational integration in SEPA. [Link to video message]

The central bank governor stressed that “SEPA is about people, trust and the future. About families who will get their money on time. About businesses that can do business in Europe with the same simplicity and security as in any other european state. About an economy that is gaining speed, resources and credibility”.

According to Mrs. Anca Dragu, this achievement confirms Moldova’s european path and sends a signal of confidence to investors, showing that our financial system is stable, modern and aligned with European standards.

For the effort and involvement in the process of integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European SEPA payment system, in May 2025, Governor Anca Dragu was awarded the Leadership Award during the Future Economy Gala – Women & Men CEOs Leading the Romanian Economy.

Stages of integration of the Republic of Moldova in SEPA

Republic of Moldova initiated the accession process to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on January 30, 2024, by submitting an official application to the European Payments Council (EPC).

On March 6 2025, EPC approved the inclusion of the Republic of Moldova in the SEPA geographical area, recognising the substantial progress made in aligning the prudential and regulatory framework with European standards.

On October 6, 2025, Republic of Moldova became an operational part of SEPA, thus achieving a major milestone of European financial integration, which facilitates access of the population and businesses to modern, efficient and competitive payment services.

Representatives of the National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM) took part, on 25 September, in a training session on prudential framework applicable to investment firms, organized in partnership with the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration’. 

In his opening remarks, NCFM Vice President Vladimir Rusnac emphasized that “the transposition of the European prudential framework for investment firms represents a key pillar in building, both at the authority and market participant level, a risk-based supervision system — an essential element for preventing the materialization of risks on the capital market. This process involves not only legislative adjustments but also the strengthening of the institutional capacity required for the effective implementation and supervision of the new requirements.” He underlined that the support provided by the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority is a valuable contribution to this endeavour, facilitating the harmonization of regulations and the strengthening of governance and supervisory mechanisms, in line with the European integration objectives of the Republic of Moldova.

In turn, Nicolae Grigore, EU High Level Adviser on Financial Services, highlighted the role and importance of these regulations in ensuring investor protection, financial stability, and a fair and competitive environment for investment firms. He underlined that “for the Republic of Moldova, alignment with these European standards is essential not only to facilitate the access of Moldovan investment firms to EU markets, but also to strengthen the confidence of investors and international partners in the national financial system. The implementation of these standards will enable investment firms to better manage their risks, comply with clear rules, and provide enhanced protection to clients and investors.”

The information session was delivered by Matilda Precup and Cristina Florescu, short-term experts on capital market prudential requirements for investment firms and representatives of the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority. They shared their experience regarding the implementation of Directive on the prudential supervision of investment firms and Regulation on prudential requirements for investment firms. The event gathered representatives of the NCFM, the Ministry of Finance, and capital market participants.

The Europe Café team, together with the Euro Club Network and EU Information Centres in the Republic of Moldova, promotes a healthy lifestyle. By joining the European Commission’s #BeActive – European Week of Sport, we support sports activities and initiatives encouraging movement for healthier living.

Throughout October, several EU Information Centres and Euro Clubs are organizing thematic events focused on sports: gymnastics, friendly matches, championships, and more.

The week was opened by the 3rd edition of the mini-football championship organized by the Euro Club of “Alexei Mateevici” Lyceum in Chișinău. The event brought together students specializing in Sport and Physical Education as well as members of other Euro Clubs in the capital. Each match turned into a true celebration of movement, passion, and teamwork. The championship will continue throughout October.

The European Week of Sport kicked off with the national #BeActive flashmob — gymnastics activities held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova in schools across the country. The activity consisted of a 15-minute morning exercise session.

A Social Laundry and Personal Hygiene Center have been officially opened in Leova. The initiative is part of a joint effort by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to address people’s urgent social needs.

In the newly renovated and fully equipped place, elderly people living alone, persons with disabilities, vulnerable families, and low-income individuals will be able to wash their clothes free of charge. Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to socialize and receive support, feeling part of the community.

The inauguration event brought together representatives of the European Union, local authorities, civil society organizations, and community members.

“The European Union will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova on its path toward European integration. We invest in such social projects because they improve people’s lives and bring Europe closer to every member of the community. Europe is a place where every person is respected, and access to basic things — such as hygiene and dignity — is a right for all. The Social Laundry in Leova is clear proof that European values can come to life here, in the Republic of Moldova,” said Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader, Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

The total budget of the project is EUR 39,910, of which EUR 27,075 was funded by the European Union, EUR 11,000 by Leova Municipality, and EUR 1,835 by the NGO “Social Partnership.” The laundry is equipped with modern facilities: several high-performance washing machines, dryers, sinks, showers, as well as furniture for the beneficiaries’ comfort. Community volunteers were involved in setting up the space, helping create a welcoming and functional environment.

“We thank the European Union for its financial support. We want this service to become a nucleus of local solidarity, a space where people find not only decent hygiene conditions but also respect, support, and self-confidence. It is proof that when public authorities and civil society work together, the whole community benefits,” emphasized Alexandru Bujorean, Mayor of Leova.

The Social Laundry was developed by the NGO “Social Partnership” in cooperation with Leova Municipality, within the project “Promoting CSOs as partners in developing resilient social services,” funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium consisting of Keystone Moldova, Dorcas Foundation-Moldova, and the Association for Education “Neoumanist.”

“The inauguration of this social service carries important symbolic meaning — it is proof that European values of solidarity and inclusion can come to life at the local level. In Leova, this project means not only access to hygiene but also recognition of every person’s right to dignity and respect. We are proud to be part of this process and to support the community in its efforts to build sustainable social services,” said Svetlana Hangan, Project Director, Keystone Moldova.

So far, 16 social laundries have been launched across different localities in the Republic of Moldova under the project, already benefiting more than 1,500 people.

Context

The project “Promoting CSOs as partners in developing resilient social services” is funded by the European Union, co-funded and implemented by a consortium of three civil society organizations: Keystone Moldova, Dorcas Foundation-Moldova, and the Association for Education “Neoumanist.” Within the project, regional CSOs, in partnership with local public authorities, are expected to create and develop at least 16 social services in 16 communities (social laundry, personal hygiene and socialization services), dedicated to vulnerable groups.

As a result, more than 1,500 people facing socio-economic difficulties (low-income persons, unemployed, pensioners, single-parent families, and homeless people) will be able to benefit free of charge from the services offered by the Social Laundry (laundry, personal hygiene, and socialization).

Children with special educational needs from 95 schools across the Republic of Moldova will benefit from assistive equipment worth over 17 million lei (approximately 1 million USD or EUR 870,000). The equipment is provided by UNICEF thanks to the financial support of the European Union, the Global Partnership for Education, the Government of Japan, and the Government of the United States. 

Among the items provided are Braille typewriters, video magnifiers and optical tools, screen-reading software, augmentative communication applications, and adapted keyboards. The average value of equipment provided for each school is around 160,000 lei (USD 9,000 or over EUR 8,000), facilitating access for children with special educational needs to an equitable and inclusive learning process. 

“A good school is an inclusive one, where every child has the chance to learn and reach their potential. The assistive equipment provided by our partners — UNICEF, the European Union, the Global Partnership for Education, the Government of Japan, and the Government of the United States — to 95 educational institutions across the country will ensure that children with special educational needs have access to equitable, quality education, because every child matters,” said Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research. 

Investments Dedicated to Cahul and Ungheni Regions 

In Cahul and Ungheni districts, support was provided by the European Union through the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme, implemented by UNICEF and UNDP. A total of approximately 500 sets of equipment, worth more than 2.32 

million MDL (around EUR 127,000 or USD 138,000), was distributed to 20 educational institutions in these two districts. 

“Inclusive education is the foundation of a fair and strong society, and today’s support means real opportunities for tomorrow. With the assistive equipment provided, the learning process becomes more accessible and fairer. These investments enable children to reach their potential and build a better future, in the loving and caring environment of their families and communities,” stated Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. 

Moldova’s Progress in Inclusive Education 

According to data collected by the Ministry of Education and Research through the Republican Center for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance in October 2023, a total of 10,362 children with special educational needs were registered with territorial psycho-pedagogical assistance services, including 4,219 children with disabilities. Children with special education needs and/or disabilities represented about 3% of the total number of children enrolled in general education. 

“Access to assistive technology means more than inclusion — it means transformation,” said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “Today’s school reflects tomorrow’s society, and by equipping children with special needs with the tools they require, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and fair world.” 

A Long-Term Commitment 

The distribution of assistive equipment to the Resource Centers for Inclusive Education is not just a simple delivery of goods, but a clear statement of commitment to a future where every child is seen, supported, and valued. This initiative builds on earlier efforts carried out in 2024–2025, when UNICEF, with financial support from the Global Partnership for Education, delivered around 40 types of assistive technologies for children with special educational needs, worth approximately 9 million lei (USD 530,000 or EUR 453,150). 

Together with the Ministry of Education and Research, UNICEF supports the implementation of the “Education 2030” Strategy and the Programme for the 

Development of Inclusive Education 2024–2027, which envisions that by 2027, 80% of schools in Moldova will be equipped with assistive devices. 

Taken together, these actions represent concrete steps towards ensuring quality education for all children in the Republic of Moldova.

In Moldova’s far north, along the Ukrainian border, lie the districts of Dondușeni, Briceni, Ocnița, Soroca and Edineț. Distant from the capital and major industrial centres, they share similar traits: dispersed rural populations, high migration rates and weak entrepreneurial activity.

For many young people, their ambitions of launching businesses are dampened by poor access to funding information, burdensome bureaucracy and lack of local support. The Moldovan NGO ‘Inima Nordului’ (Heart of the North) is using support from the European Union provided through the Help (Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe) aid organisation to close this gap. By bringing entrepreneurial opportunities directly into these communities, it aims to empower local youth to earn an income and create lasting impact in their hometowns.

“Young people in the north aren’t passive or disinterested in entrepreneurship,”  says Daniela Bilic, head of ‘Inima Nordului’. “They just often lack confidence to apply, or fear tough competition. What they need is a reason to believe that someone will support and invest in them.”

Founded in 2020, as a grassroots NGO to boost economic opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups in northern Moldova, ‘Inima Nordului’ soon became a key player in supporting social entrepreneurship. In 2023, its EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting young social entrepreneurs reached over 600 young people across Dondușeni, Briceni, Ocnița, Soroca and Edineț – 90% of whom came from socially or financially vulnerable backgrounds. Through targeted trainings in business and financial management, mentoring and continuous support, selected participants gained the knowledge and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas. A total of 20 small businesses were supported, with grants ranging from €3,000 to €7,000, for a diverse range of projects  including beekeeping, dairy farming, a photo-video studio and even a VR-based educational service led by a young deaf entrepreneur. Many of these initiatives prioritise social impact, either being led by or directly supporting people with disabilities or from vulnerable backgrounds.

“We didn’t just give out funds. We built trust, taught responsibility and offered support that helped young people see themselves as solution-creators,” continues Daniela. “And they responded with incredible resilience and creativity.”

From maternity leave to a successful sewing business

Iulia Dudarev, a 34-year-old mother of two from Briceni, spent six years on maternity leave, relying on social benefits due to her diabetes. Yet, she had a lifelong passion: sewing. “I studied tailoring at a vocational school, inspired by a long family tradition of sewing. I began with making crib bumpers for my two kids, then costumes and dresses as they started kindergarten,” recalls Iulia. But without funding, her passion was limited to only meeting her family’s needs – until she discovered ‘Inima Nordului’. “Winning the grant was a turning point for doing what I love,” says Iulia.

She invested in professional sewing machines and opened her own workshop, where she now designs and repairs clothes and trains another young woman. “The NGO’s trainings helped me understand how to properly calculate expenses and set prices, so I stopped guessing my earnings and started pricing my work in a way that actually covers my real costs,” explains Iulia. As demand grows, she hopes to expand her workshop, hire more staff and turn her small business into a full production and showroom space.

Nurturing a family enterprise in woodcraft and beekeeping

In Edineț, mother of three Marina Pleșco and her husband merged two family traditions – carpentry and beekeeping – into a growing enterprise: “My husband comes from a family of beekeepers. My father and brother were both carpenters,” explained Marina.

After 15 years working in a supermarket, Marina decided to try to launch her own business and applied for support from ‘Inima Nordului’. The funding enabled the family to invest in professional equipment and expand their workshop. A new CNC milling machine improved the quality and range of their products – from terraces and doghouses to beehives and customised wooden trays – while saving time and effort.

The investment secured full-time employment for her husband but also gave Marina the confidence to seek further funding. “This was our first-ever grant application,” she says, “and Inima Nordului gave us both the confidence to believe we could do it.”

Driving change at home with a tire service

Despite an impressive academic background – six university degrees and solid work experience with international organisations – Călin Apostol decided to return to his hometown, Ocnița, to build something of his own.

“I wanted to create a job for myself, in my hometown and not depend on vacancies in Chișinău or Bălți,” he explains. With support from Inima Nordului, Călin turned his car maintenance idea into a successful local business. The funding enabled him to invest in high-quality Italian equipment for tyre vulcanisation and balancing, giving his workshop a competitive advantage over other local providers.

“I’ve also created a job for a young man from a socially vulnerable family – he’s the eldest of 13 siblings who now has a stable work,” Calin says.  Looking ahead, he plans to open a café above his car business, offering more local jobs and further contributing to the community’s development. “One small step at a time,” he says.

The Inima Nordului initiative is already making a tangible impact across the five target districts. Twenty new businesses are up and running, half of them generating jobs for vulnerable community members, including large families, young women and people with disabilities. But perhaps the most significant change is the renewed sense of hope and self-belief among young people here who now believe – that they don’t need to leave home to build meaningful futures. They can do it right where they are.

Children, young people, and athletes in Cimișlia can now enjoy two modern multifunctional sports grounds. The new facilities, designed for basketball, volleyball, and tennis, were built with the support of the European Union and will host training sessions, competitions, and outdoor community events.

The inauguration event was celebrated together with the local community through dances, songs, and demonstration matches. Local teams were also equipped with volleyball, tennis, and basketball balls to make immediate use of the new infrastructure.

“Eight months ago, this plot of land, right in the heart of our town, was completely unused and unappreciated. Through this project, we show that well-planned investments in sports infrastructure mean not only training grounds, but also spaces where the community can come together, where young people can develop their talents, and where families can spend quality time,” emphasized Sergiu Andronachi, Mayor of Cimișlia.

The two sports grounds are equipped with high-quality playing surfaces, resistant to various weather conditions, and modern stands. They were designed to ensure safe access, including for people with special needs, and can be used both for training and official competitions, as well as for daily recreation.

“The European Union supports the development of communities across the Republic of Moldova through investments that bring direct benefits to citizens. The inauguration of the sports grounds in Cimișlia demonstrates how the partnership between local authorities and the European Union can transform unused spaces into modern centers for sports and community life,” stated Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The project was carried out within the framework of the initiative “EU4Moldova Resilience: Secure State, Resilient Communities”, implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

“For us at Solidarity Fund PL, it is essential to support projects that not only modernize cities but also bring people closer together. These multifunctional sports grounds will encourage sports, but also the spirit of community, which is the foundation of sustainable development,” said Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.

The construction of the two multifunctional sports grounds in Cimișlia is part of a broader investment of over 17 million MDL made by the European Union for urban revitalization in five Moldovan towns: Rîșcani, Nisporeni, Ceadîr-Lunga, Cimișlia, and Hîncești.

The total budget allocated for the construction of these sports grounds is 5.4 million MDL, of which 3.8 million was provided by the European Union, and 1.6 million came from the Cimișlia City Hall.