Moldova, Council of Europe assess progress in implementing 2025–2028 Action Plan

Moldova and the Council of Europe have assessed progress in implementing the 2025–2028 Action Plan. The discussions focused on developments in the implementation of projects, their impact on reform processes and cooperation priorities for the upcoming period.

The event was opened by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi and Claus Neukirch, Director of the Programme Coordination Directorate of the Council of Europe. The meeting was co-chaired by Corina Calugaru, State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), and Director Claus Neukirch, with the participation of representatives of beneficiary national institutions, the Council of Europe and civil society.

Minister Mihai Popsoi underscored the essential contribution of the Council of Europe to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights and supporting reforms in the context of Moldova’s European integration process.

“Cooperation with the Council of Europe represents essential support for strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the reforms necessary for European integration. It is important that the resources mobilized through the Action Plan be used efficiently and that the implemented projects generate concrete and lasting results for institutions and citizens. Our objective is to build increasingly stronger institutions capable of addressing challenges and ensuring the continuity of reforms,” Mihai Popsoi stated.

The Moldovan diplomacy head highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional and societal capacities to counter external interference, disinformation, and hybrid threats. In the context, the minister emphasized the role of education and the development of critical thinking in building long-term democratic resilience. Mihai Popsoi also reiterated Moldova’s objective of advancing toward the post-monitoring stage within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

For his part, Claus Neukirch, Director of the Programme Coordination Directorate of the Council of Europe, praised the commitment of Moldova’s authorities  Moldova and the effective cooperation in implementing joint projects.

“Strengthening democratic security requires not only strong institutions, but also a resilient society capable of facing hybrid threats, disinformation and external interference. The Council of Europe will continue to support Moldova in promoting democratic values, strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights,” Claus Neukirch said.

During the meeting, representatives of the beneficiary institutions presented the main results achieved in implementing the projects, their impact on sectoral reforms, as well as the challenges and priorities for the next stage. The discussions highlighted the need for effective coordination between national institutions and international partners, so that the assistance provided responds to the concrete needs of Moldova.

During the concluding session, State Secretary Corina Calugaru emphasized the importance of making the most of the results achieved and adapting cooperation to new challenges. In this regard, she highlighted opportunities to expand joint projects in such areas as artificial intelligence and the protection of human rights, countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), as well as protecting the rights and well-being of children in the digital environment.

The state secretary reiterated MAE’s commitment to ensure the effective coordination of the implementation of the Action Plan, in close cooperation with national institutions and the Council of Europe, in order to transform the assistance provided into lasting results and concrete benefits for citizens.

The Council of Europe Action Plan for Moldova 2025–2028, with a total estimated budget of 43.6 million euros, represents the main strategic framework for cooperation between Moldova and the Council of Europe. The document aims to support reforms in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, contributing to the alignment of national institutions and legislation with European standards and to the advancement of the European integration process.