Scholars of innovative program, launched by EU, Moldovan government successfully complete internships in state institutions

Chisinau, August 26 /MOLDPRES/- For two months, 29 young people participated in the innovative scholarship program launched by the European Union in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova. They worked together with civil servants, being guided in their daily activities by EU High Councilors. The interns were hosted by state institutions, including the State Chancellery, the Presidential Administration, the ministries of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Education and Research, Justice, Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the Environment, as well as the Customs Service, the National Anti-Corruption Center, the National Bank and others, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

The festive closing ceremony of the program, which took place today, was chaired by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița and the head of the European Union Delegation in Chisinau, Jānis Mažeiks. The premier voiced confidence that the experience, under the guidance of EU High Councilors and civil servants was a useful one. "Public service is the most important field for the development of a country. Decisions made here influence the quality of life and well-being of all citizens. We hope that, after graduation, the trainees will be actively involved in decision-making in state institutions, choosing a career in the public sector".

According to the EU Ambassador, this was a visionary program, supported by the Government and the High Councilors of the EU from the very first day. "We are pleased that many of the trainees plan to start a career in public service and work for the benefit of the country. The EU will continue to support the young generations of the Republic of Moldova with such initiatives in the future as well", said Jānis Mažeiks.

The closing event brought together the interns, mentors and their counterparts from state institutions, each having the opportunity to share impressions about the program, its benefits and results. Olivia Plămădeala, third-year student at the Academy of Economic Studies, intern at the State Chancellery said that the program gave her an unforgettable experience. “Government has become a third home for me this summer, the second being my University. Both civil servants and High Councilors shared their knowledge with us and we had lessons to learn from each of those we worked with,” said the intern.

The initiative was launched in the context of the European Year of Youth 2022, to encourage the active involvement of young people in all social, economic and administrative aspects of society. The main purpose of the internship is to give young people the opportunity to learn what it means to work in the public service and to gain skills that will increase their chances of employment. The finalists were chosen following a rigorous selection process, including the competition of files (CVs and cover letters), but also face-to-face interviews with an Evaluation Committee made up of representatives of the European Union Delegation, the Government of the Republic of Moldova and High Councilors of the EU. The internship program is funded by the European Union.

In parallel, 18 young people are following a similar internship in a program initiated by the Presidential Administration and financed by the EU through the High Councillors' Mission.

Photo: Government