Chișinău and Iași to become European education hubs in 2027

The Republic of Moldova and Romania will host on 26–27 May 2027 in Chișinău and Iași the Ministerial Conference of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), one of the most important international events dedicated to university education. The event will bring together education ministers from the 46 EHEA member states, along with leaders of international organizations and experts from about 80 countries, within the Global Policy Forum.

The announcement comes in the context of marking 20 years since the Republic of Moldova joined the Bologna Process, a milestone celebrated on 27 April in Chișinău through a conference organized by the Ministry of Education and Research. The discussions focused on the evolution of the university system and development prospects.

The Republic of Moldova joined the process in 2005, during the Ministerial Conference in Bergen, which marked the beginning of a broad reform process to align higher education with European standards. Over the last two decades, the university system has undergone significant transformations, including the introduction of the transferable credits system, the organization of studies in three cycles, and the development of quality assurance mechanisms.

Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said that hosting the 2027 conference represents recognition of the progress made and an opportunity to strengthen the role of the Republic of Moldova in the European educational area. According to him, the reforms in education have facilitated closer ties with the European Union and have contributed to the modernization of the university system.

State Secretary Adriana Cazacu emphasized that accession to the Bologna Process has transformed the university system into one that is more flexible, student-centered, and connected to international standards, while also noting the need to continue reforms.

Launched in 1999, the Bologna Process aims to create a higher education system that is compatible and comparable at the European level, promoting academic mobility and international cooperation. For the Republic of Moldova, participation in this process has meant deeper integration into the European educational area.