Labour minister says Moldova aims for more inclusive, connected, fairer labor market – a European market

Moldova is making concrete steps toward connecting its labor market to the standards and networks of the European Union, by recognizing professional qualifications, harmonizing legislation and strengthening social protection for workers. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru has made statements to this effect at the Enlargement Report 2025: Moldova's Progress and Future Priorities Conference, held in Chisinau today.

‘’Our objective is for any Moldovan citizen to be able to work in any EU member state under equal conditions and with recognized qualifications. We are ensuring this not only for the citizens of Moldova, but also for those of the European Union who come and work here. It is a bilateral process of openness and integration,’’ said Natalia Plugaru.

Among the recent achievements, the minister mentioned the adoption of the law on free movement and residence of EU citizens and their family members in Moldova, which sets conditions for residence, study and professional activity. At the same time, Moldova is increasingly connected to the European EURES network, which provides information about available jobs in EU member states.

‘’Through a government decision, we managed to bring the EURES network to  Moldova. We now have a national catalog of professional occupations, harmonized with European standards,’’ the minister noted.

Natalia Plugaru emphasized the importance of ensuring social protection for all Moldovan workers abroad, mentioning the signing of social security agreements with over 20 countries, including Italy, which allow for the recognition of work periods and access to pensions and social benefits.

‘’These agreements recognize the work of our citizens and give them the possibility to return to the country while benefiting from full social protection,’’ the official stressed.

In the context of employment reforms, the National Employment Agency has already supported over 20,000 people in finding a job, and the Restart programme aims to modernize and streamline social services for vulnerable groups.

'We aim for a more inclusive, connected, and fair labor market – a European market where each citizen has real opportunities for development,’’ the minister highlighted.

Natalia Plugaru welcomed the 2025 Enlargement Report of the European Commission, which reflects the solid progress of Moldova and the advanced level of preparedness in the chapters on Freedom of Movement for Workers and Social Policy and Employment, managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

‘’We have a solid, consistent, result-oriented partnership. We stay fully committed to Moldova's European path and to continuing reforms for the benefit of citizens,’’ Plugaru declared.

The official announced three strategic directions for the coming period: support for vulnerable families through accessible and quality social services; increasing the employment rate, with the goal of employing over 100,000 people in the next four years; and supporting families with young children by expanding the network of nurseries and creating 5,000 new places.

‘’We have made progress in the fields of social protection, mobility, and employment. We will continue working with even more determination, because we have a prosperous future ahead. Together, we can build a stronger Moldova more closely aligned with European Union values,’’ summarized the minister of labor and social protection.

The European Commission on November 4 presented the 2025 Enlargement Package, which positively assessed the progress made by Moldova in the EU accession process.

‘’This year, Moldova has made the greatest progress among all candidate countries for accession. While in 2023 – at the first evaluation, we had 7 chapters in the early stage and only 2 with a moderate level of preparedness, by 2025 we no longer have any chapters in the early stage and one third of the chapters have a moderate or better level of preparedness. The level of preparedness has increased for two-thirds of the chapters over the past year. This is unprecedented progress for our country and demonstrates that we, as a country, can deliver results,’’ according to Deputy PM for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov.