On 20 March 2026, the Council of Europe officially launched the project “Advancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova”, which will run until December 2028. The initiative aims to further strengthen the protection and enforcement of labour and employment rights in line with international standards, with a focus on improving access to vocational education and labour market integration for people from vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and NEET youth.

The project is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028 and builds upon the outcomes, recommendations, and lessons learned from the previous project “Enhancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented during 2022–2025.

In the opening session, the Head of the Co-operation Unit of the Department of Social Rights, Ms Margarita Galstyan, expressed appreciation for the long-standing cooperation and commitment of the project partners. She noted that the launch of the project, held the day after the High-Level Conference on Social Rights in Chisinau, marks a transition from high-level commitments to their practical implementation. Ms Galstyan further emphasised that efforts should now focus on ensuring social rights become a tangible reality for all.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ms Felicia Bechtoldt, highlighted the importance of promoting the employment of persons with disabilities, including through increased awareness-raising activities and the development of relevant informational materials. She also emphasised the need to strengthen career guidance services and to ensure the rights of EU citizen workers in line with the acquis communautaire and the principles of free movement.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research, Ms Liudmila Stihi, highlighted the importance of effective cooperation among key stakeholders, as well as the need to strengthen partnerships between general secondary and vocational education and training institutions. She also emphasised the role of career guidance in supporting the integration of students with special needs, and the importance of promoting education and training opportunities to attract and integrate NEET youth.

On this occasion, the First Steering Committee Meeting was also convened, bringing together key stakeholders and project partners. The meeting provided an opportunity to present, discuss, and approve the project’s general Work Plan for 2026–2028. Participants exchanged views on priority actions and expected outcomes, ensuring alignment with current needs and ongoing reforms in the field of labour and employment rights.  

This event is organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028, and the project "Advancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova".