Moldovan government's secretary general participates in European Social Charter Conference

Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu has participated in the high-level European Social Charter Conference, a major international event hosted by Moldova and organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MMPS), in partnership with the Council of Europe.

In his address, the official emphasized that, in the context of current challenges – from economic pressures and technological change to the effects of the war in Ukraine – social protection cannot be treated as a secondary element, but represents an essential condition for development and stability. “There is no competitiveness without real social protection and no functional economy without people’s trust,” the secretary general said.

The head of the State Chancellery referred to Moldova’s experience in managing recent crises, including the energy crisis, stressing that the authorities intervened to protect vulnerable citizens while continuing to implement reforms. “Social protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive – they reinforce each other,” the official underlined.

He also emphasized the RESTART social assistance system reform, which has helped enhance the capacity to intervene in communities, expand services for vulnerable people and improve the quality of social interventions.

The secretary general of the government reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to stay a reliable partner in promoting social policies at the European level: “Moldova will remain an active partner, a serious partner, a partner that delivers. In an increasingly interconnected Europe, cooperation is not optional. It is essential.”

The event brought together approximately 50 delegations from Council of Europe member states, European institutions and international organizations, marking the first time that Moldova has hosted such a large number of international officials in the social field.

The Conference addressed the impact of technological transformations and new forms of work on the future of employment, as well as the challenges generated by the cost of living, demographic and climate change. The event concluded with the signing of the (revised) European Social Charter – a symbolic moment that reaffirms the shared commitment to promoting social rights.

The European Social Charter is a Council of Europe treaty that guarantees fundamental social rights, including the right to work, social protection, health, housing and education, contributing to the consolidation of democracy and social cohesion in Europe.