From August 4-8, 2025, our colleague Gabriel Brezoiu took part in the "Europe Goes Local Study Visit in Moldova" an event designed to strengthen municipal youth work across Europe. The visit, organized by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (Polish National Agency) and SALTO Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, aimed to bring together local authorities and youth professionals. The primary goal was to facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote peer learning, and foster sustainable European cooperation in youth policy. The event is a key part of the Europe Goes Local mentoring process, encouraging the creation of high-quality youth policies.
Context
Young people in Moldova face some tough challenges. Many struggle to find jobs, and a significant number are not in school, working, or getting training (often called NEET). A big reason for this is that jobs are scarce and salaries are low, which sadly leads many young people to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. Life is especially hard in rural areas, where basic services like clean water and good healthcare are often missing, creating a big gap between city and country life. To tackle these issues, Moldova has a national plan called the "Youth 2030" Strategy. This plan is designed to help young people grow, get involved in their communities, and learn important skills for life and work. It also focuses on improving education to match job market needs and supporting young entrepreneurs. The National Youth Agency, a government body, is in charge of putting these plans into action, providing funding, and helping youth workers and organizations.
Beyond government efforts, many non-profit organizations are also making a difference. The National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM) acts as a voice for young people, encouraging them to participate in local elections and discussions about Moldova's future in Europe. Other groups like Millenium Institute and ADVIT Moldova help with international exchanges and volunteering, while CONCORDIA Moldova offers social support to disadvantaged families, especially in rural areas. There's even a "Youth Compass Mentoring Program" that connects young Moldovans with professionals living abroad to help them develop skills and find jobs.
Local visits
National Youth Agency, Chișinău
We kicked off the visits with the National Youth Agency in Moldova, being hosted by Mr Alexandru Petrov, Director. In the video below you can learn more about the 8 programmes of the agency.
Municipal Youth Center, Chișinău
With 5 youth centers in Chisinau financed by the Municipality, one in each district, young people in Chișinău have great opportunities to spend their time and develop their skills. We had the chance to visit the center one located in the city center that is also hosting a media hub.
Understanding the youth ecosystem in Moldova
Mr Donea Ion, former Director of the National Youth Agency presented the current legal framework in the youth sector in the Republic of Moldova.
Municipality & Municipal Youth Center, Ungheni
We met Mr Eduard Bălan, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Ungheni and discussed the support of the local authorities for youth.
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| We met Mr Eduard Bălan, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Ungheni and discussed the support of the local authorities for youth. |
Municipality & Municipal Youth Center, Cahul
We met Ms Tatiana Romaniuc, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Cahul and discussed the support of the local authorities for youth.
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| We met Ms Tatiana Romaniuc, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Cahul and discussed the support of the local authorities for youth. |
The way forward
The "Europe Goes Local" initiative works hand-in-hand with Moldova's national efforts. It helps local groups and city councils understand and use big European programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. This means Moldovan youth can access more opportunities for learning, volunteering, and gaining international experience. By sharing knowledge and working together, European and Moldovan partners are building a stronger network of youth support.
Looking ahead, it's clear that continued cooperation between Moldova and its European partners, including the Eastern Partnership countries is vital. By investing in training for youth workers, supporting local organizations, and creating more opportunities at home, Moldova can empower its young people. This collaborative approach is not just about solving today's problems; it's about building a brighter future for Moldova, where young people are engaged, skilled, and ready to contribute to their country's journey towards a more connected Europe.