What is the project?

The project objective is to deliver justice that is better aligned with European standards in the field of discrimination  in the Republic of Moldovain the Republic of Moldova.

It is a project co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe in the framework of the Partnership for Good Governance Programme - phase II (2019-2021).

 What is the legal context?

The Republic of Moldova ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (Lanzarote Convention) in 2011. The Committee of the Parties to the Convention, also known as the Lanzarote Committee, is charged with monitoring the implementation of the Convention. The Republic of Moldova participated in the 1st monitoring round dedicated to the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in the circle of trust (2014-2017) and in the 2nd one on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse facilitated by information and communication technologies (2017).

Other important standards taken into consideration during the project implementation include the Council of Europe Guidelines on child-friendly justice (2010) and the Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on Guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment.

The project itself promotes the implementation of these international standards and builds on the progress and work already carried out at national level. Relevant national standards and policies include the Law no. 338 of 15.12.1994 on the rights of the child, Decision No. 434 of 10.06.2014 on the approval of the Child Protection Strategy for the years 2014-2020, Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2017-2020, as well as the conclusions and recommendations of the Roundtable “Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse: Challenges and Best Practices”.

 News

Back Steering Committee takes stock, defines upcoming priorities for the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028

Steering Committee takes stock, defines upcoming priorities for the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028

CHIȘINĂU, 15 October 2026 — The Council of Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova hosted the first Steering Committee of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028. The event brought together representatives of national partner institutions, the Council of Europe and civil society to assess progress, discuss impact and set priorities for the remaining two years of implementation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi and the Director of Programme Co-ordination at the Council of Europe, Claus Neukirch opened the meeting.

A plan that is delivering

The Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028 provides the strategic framework for co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Republic of Moldova. It supports Moldovan reforms advancing human rights, democracy and the rule of law, contributing directly to the Republic of Moldova's EU accession process.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi highlighted the Council of Europe’s vital contribution to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights and advancing reforms in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration process.

“Cooperation with the Council of Europe provides vital support for strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the reforms necessary for European integration. It is important that the resources mobilised through the Action Plan are utilised effectively, and that the projects implemented generate concrete and sustainable results for institutions and citizens. Our objective is to build ever-stronger institutions, capable of responding to challenges and ensuring the continuity of reforms,” said Minister Mihai Popșoi.

Director for Programme Co-ordination, Claus Neukirch welcomed the commitment of the Moldovan authorities and the quality of co-operation in implementing joint projects: underlined the broader context in which this work takes place:

"Strengthening democratic security requires not only strong institutions, but also a resilient society capable of facing hybrid threats, disinformation and external interference. The Council of Europe will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in promoting democratic values, consolidating the rule of law and protecting human rights."

Two years of implementation

Representatives of national partner institutions presented the main results achieved under the Action Plan's projects since January 2025, their impact on sectoral reforms, and the challenges and priorities ahead. Results span all six pillars of the Action Plan, covering gender equality and the protection of women from violence, media freedom, education and democratic participation, social rights, financial security, justice and rehabilitation, open government, and migration and integration. The discussions reflected the breadth and depth of a co-operation programme that reaches courts, schools, local authorities and individual citizens across the Republic of Moldova.

Discussions at the Steering Committee highlighted the need for effective co-ordination between national institutions and international partners to ensure that assistance continues to respond to the concrete needs of the Republic of Moldova. Opportunities for expanded co-operation were identified in areas including artificial intelligence and human rights, combating disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference, and the protection of children's rights and well-being in the digital environment.

The Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028 has an estimated total budget of €45 million. To date, €23.6 million — representing 52% of total financing needs — has been secured from the Council of Europe's ordinary budget and voluntary contributions from 18 donors.

The Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028 was approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 19 November 2024 and launched on 12 February 2025 in Chisinau by President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. It is implemented by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

CHIȘINĂU, REPUBLIC of MOLDOVA 15 october 2026
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 Who we work with?

Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, Ministry of Justice, Public Prosecution Service, National Institute of Justice, Police Academy, Supreme Court of Justice, Lawyers Union, Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights, National Council for the Protection of Child's Rights, NGOs, acclaimed experts in the field.

 Who benefits from the project?

The project targets judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police officers, staff members of the People’s Advocate Office, National Preventive Mechanism members and other criminal justice actors. The end beneficiaries are the users of the justice system, parties to criminal proceedings.