Moldova ready to finalize European chapters on education, culture, says deputy PM for European integration

Moldova has made significant progress in the fields of education, research and culture, and these achievements could enable the country to open and close two of the European Union accession chapters—chapters 25 and 26—in the same negotiation session. Acting Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov made statements to this effect at a TV show.

“We have two chapters—25 and 26—related to education, research, and culture. In these areas, we are advanced enough. In the current context, with a little more effort, we might even manage to open and close these chapters in the same intergovernmental conference, meaning the same negotiation session. If a candidate country shows enough progress and proves it is ready for accession, a chapter can be opened and closed in the same session,” Gherasimov stated.

The deputy PM emphasized that Moldova's progress in education and research was already having direct effects on the country's youth and institutions.

“Once integrated into the European Union space, our diplomas—both school and university diplomas—will be recognized in all member states. Even today, Moldova benefits from the Erasmus+ program, through which our students can go to study in European universities for a semester or even longer. They then return home with these academic credits and an extraordinary life experience,” Gherasimov explained.

The official noted that the young Moldovans involved in European programmes were among the most enthusiastic promoters of European integration.

“All students who have gone through Erasmus are super excited. They come home with a different perspective, new ideas and a wish to contribute to change. We also need to raise the quality of studies at our universities, so that foreign students, curious and eager for new experiences, will be interested in coming to study with us, even for a semester or more,” the acting deputy PM added.

Cristina Gherasimov emphasized that education and culture were key areas for bringing Moldova closer to the European Union, representing a space for dialogue, modernization and increased competitiveness.