Czech government provides one million euros to improve social services offered within RESTART reform in Moldova

Moldova will benefit from one million euros on behalf of the Czech government, in order to improve social services provided to citizens under the RESTART reform. A Memorandum of Understanding today was signed in Chisinau between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS) of Moldova, the Czech Development Agency, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic.

The document will enable the implementation of the Support for Implementation of the RESTART Reform in Moldova project. Its goal is to strengthen the social assistance system, by training social employees, standardizing methodologies, endowment with IT gear and providing managerial support.

At the same time, the project will support the transposition of the European social acquis and the understanding of European Social Fund mechanisms through exchange experiences with the Czech side, as well as the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in Moldova.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu emphasized that this project was quite important for vulnerable families from Moldova.

"We have a very good cooperation relation with Czech partners. Many services and interventions in the field of social assistance have been created thanks to the support provided by the Czech people and government, for which I thank them very much. Since 2022 until now, the Czech Republic has invested in various projects over 20 million euros in key areas, including social initiatives. We have received support during the refugee crisis as well. Also, each winter, citizens received compensations, including contributions from the Czech people. The agreement signed today will allow us to benefit from support in implementing the RESTART reform, by purchasing equipment, conducting training, improving social services to help families get out of the risk zone. I also appreciate that we have received every political support on behalf of the Czech Republic for Moldova, in order to advance on the European course, and our partners are ready to share their experience in managing European funds. Thank you very much for the support and solidarity," said Alexei Buzu.

For his part, Marian Jurečka, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, said that this project aimed not only to improve social services, but also to support Moldova's efforts to get closer to EU accession.

"I am very pleased to be here on my first visit to Moldova. You have a wonderful country and wonderful people. I have earlier discussed with Minister Alexei Buzu the measures by which we can improve the lives of those in need of our help, especially since solidarity is the basic principle that must prevail among friendly countries. For over 20 years, through the Czech Development Agency, we have been trying to support Moldova's effort to improve the lives of those in need of help. The recent elections clearly showed that you are on a challenging path, but one that will bring you good results. We want to share our experience with you on this path and provide you with all necessary levers to boost the process of improving social services and aligning with EU standards," Marian Jurečka noted.

The Support for Implementation of RESTART Reform in Moldova project will be implemented during two years. It includes training over 1,700 social employees  and about 160 people from social management.

The RESTART reform was launched by MMPS in 2023. It aims to improve governance and transparency in the social assistance system and to provide equal and fair access to quality social services for the vulnerable residents.