Organisers : Council of Europe, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine
PROGRAMME
Venue: Mimi Hotel Chisinau (Jolly Alon): 37 Maria Cebotari str. Chisinau - Room Governor
Registration here
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 865 4081 5228
Passcode: LCM2026
This side event focuses on advancing social inclusion and sustainable protection systems in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine as vital enablers of democratic stability and resilience. The event will explore national priorities and social policies aimed at strengthening resilience and public trust, with a specific emphasis on expanding access to inclusive, community-based social services for vulnerable groups, including children, those with disabilities, and persons affected by poverty or displacement. Participants will assess how legislative and institutional alignment with European social standards, including the European Social Charter and EU social acquis, reinforces democratic governance, supports EU accession, and improves protection of social rights.
The event will also highlight the importance of coordinated international cooperation, cross-border collaboration, and technical assistance from organisations such as the Council of Europe in building cohesive societies aligned with European values. Through discussion of reform agendas, challenges stemming from war-related displacement and economic vulnerability, and practical achievements in closing social protection gaps, the side event aims to showcase best practices, promote knowledge exchange, and reinforce commitment to solidarity, sustainable development, and social justice across Europe.
PROGRAMME
15:30 - 16:00 | REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS AND WELCOME COFFEE
Moderator: Mr Rafael BENITEZ, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, DGI, Council of Europe
16:10 - 17:25 | Panel Discussion
The panellists will discuss how democratic stability and resilience can be strengthened through the effective implementation of European social rights standards, with particular emphasis on the European Social Charter.
Speakers:
- Mr Alain BERSET, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
- Ms Aoife NOLAN, President of the European Committee of Social Rights
- Mr Denys ULIUTIN, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine
- Ms Natalia PLUGARU, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova
Questions and Answers
17:25-17:30 | Closing Remarks
- Mr Rafael BENITEZ, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, DGI, Council of Europe
KEY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
- Strengthening social inclusion and sustainable protection for democratic stability: Strengthening inclusive and sustainable social protection systems in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is essential for democratic stability and resilience. It is vital that both countries continue to expand access to inclusive, community-based social services for people in vulnerable situations, with particular attention to children, including children with disabilities, those deprived of parental care, and those impacted by poverty or displacement. Such measures are essential to ensuring every person is afforded meaningful protection and opportunity, and to building cohesive, stable societies which are well aligned with European standards and values.
- Good practices from Council of Europe member states on legislative and institutional alignment with European social standards for democratic resilience: Aligned laws and institutions in Council of Europe member states with European social standards, such as the European Social Charter and EU social acquis, helps protect social rights and reinforce democratic governance. Modern frameworks, meaningful social dialogue, and active civil society involvement promote resilient, rights-based systems and strengthen democratic stability and resilience.
- Coordination and international cooperation: Given the cross-border consequences, such as refugee movements and migration flows, and the ongoing paths toward EU integration, close cooperation among countries, particularly Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as with international organisations is essential. The Council of Europe can play an important role in facilitating these processes by providing technical assistance to countries and serving as a platform for interstate cooperation. This cooperation should be guided by a shared commitment to solidarity, sustainable development, and social justice across Europe.