Government launches new call under National Nursery Program, to invest 385 million lei over next two years

Over 5,000 new places for children integrated into nursery services are set to be created in the Republic of Moldova by 2027, as part of the National Program: Public nursery services – employed parents, children in nursery. A new call for projects for the third edition of the Program was launched on December 17. Over the next two years, the Government will allocate 385 million lei for the expansion and modernization of nursery groups.

The project call is intended for Level I Local Public Authorities. Eligible municipalities include Chișinău and Bălți, as well as localities with a population of over 3,000, totaling about 120 communities. The value of funding per project will vary between 1.5 million and 10 million lei, depending on the complexity of the work, whether it involves expanding existing groups or constructing new annexes for nurseries.


“In 2026, we will invest 136 million lei exclusively in the expansion and modernization of nursery services, which will allow the creation of up to 85 new groups and generate 1,700 new places for children, in modern and safe conditions,” Deputy Premier, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea said.


He explained that the Government's program aims to create five thousand new nursery spots by 2027, with a total budget allocation of 385 million lei for the next two years.


“For the 2026 edition, 136 million lei are earmarked, funds that will be directed towards the expansion and modernization of local nursery services, aiming to support young families, facilitate parents' return to the labor market, and ensure the harmonious development of children,” added Bolea.


Program provisions include a total budgetary allocation of 385 million lei for the next two years and aim to support young families, facilitate parents' return to the labor market, and ensure the harmonious development of children. For the 2026 edition, funds will be directed towards the expansion and modernization of local nursery services.

At the same press conference, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru emphasized the social and economic impact of the program, noting that investments in nurseries contribute to increasing parents' employment rates and promoting equal opportunities. According to the presented data, the employment rate of women with children under 6 years increased from 39% in 2019 to 50.7% in 2024, but care responsibilities remain disproportionately on women.

Officials stated that the expansion of the nursery network is supported by already adopted complementary measures, such as the possibility to share child care leave between parents, calculating allowances based on the most advantageous salary, and promoting flexible work programs.

Previous editions of the program have yielded concrete results, with dozens of nursery groups created or renovated over the past two years, directly supporting thousands of young families in the Republic of Moldova. Projects submitted under the new call will be rigorously evaluated, and their sustainability will be monitored even after the funding ends.