The European Commission and the Republic of Moldova have reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the areas of education, employment, and social policies, which are crucial for Moldova’s reform efforts and its aspirations to join the EU.
This was confirmed during the second High Level Dialogue on Labour, Skills, Education, Social and Child policies between Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu (pictured), Moldovan Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru, and Moldovan Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun.
The EU currently supports Moldova in the areas of employment, social policy and education through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) with over €27 million allocated to projects relevant to these policies. This includes assistance for improved school curricula, helping more women and young people find jobs, and improve primary healthcare services. Moreover, reforms under the Growth Plan’s social pillar can unlock €236 million of funding until 2027. Moldova is already increasingly benefitting from the Erasmus+ programme support, with €16 million received since 2021, and there is a strong commitment to progress towards the full association of Moldova to Erasmus+.
As part of today’s discussions, the Commission will also share advice on how Moldova can implement the Youth Guarantee to ensure young people are in employment, education or training.
EU-Moldova’s cooperation will continue under the Union of Skills to bring Moldova’s education and employment frameworks up to EU standards. As the EU and Moldova share common challenges, including on education, labour and skills shortages, today’s discussions will help set next steps to address these issues together, building on the conclusions of the first High-Level Dialogue held in Chișinău in June 2025.
Executive Vice President Mînzatu said: “Moldova is advancing steadily on its European path, with concrete progress in education, employment and social rights. Through our cooperation, the EU is investing in people: in better skills, quality jobs, equal opportunities, and stronger support for children and families. This is about alignment with EU standards and moving forward, because a stronger Moldova also means a stronger Europe.”
