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 Strong local democracy for Republic of Moldova’s European path

Strong local democracy for Republic of Moldova’s European path

Stronger local democracy is essential to building democratic resilience in the Republic of Moldova, Congress Vice-President Konstantinos Koukas (Greece, EPP/CCE) stressed at the 15th Annual Meeting of the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP), held in Chișinău on 14–15 September 2026.

Speaking on 14 September on countering foreign information manipulation and interference, Vice-President Koukas highlighted the risks posed by disinformation, cyberattacks and the misuse of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Referring to Congress Recommendation 525 (2025) on foreign interference in local and regional elections, he stressed the importance of protecting citizens’ democratic choices, supporting independent local and regional media and strengthening media literacy. “The answer to information manipulation is not less democracy. It is stronger democracy,” he said.

On 15 September, Mr Koukas took part in the inaugural meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee between the European Committee of the Regions and the Republic of Moldova, focusing on the country’s EU accession process and public administration reform. Referring to the Congress’s 2025 monitoring report on the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, he underlined the need for clear local competences, adequate financial resources, stronger administrative capacity and meaningful consultation with local authorities.

The Congress continues to support the Republic of Moldova’s reform efforts and to strengthen local democracy in the context of the country’s European integration process.

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova 15 September 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.