Labor market paradox: staff shortages despite over 300,000 inactive people

The Republic of Moldova is experiencing a paradox in its labor market: despite having over 300,000 inactive individuals, numerous sectors are facing employee shortages. The government is working to increase employment through initiatives that support youth and by expanding childcare infrastructure, allowing parents to return to work sooner. Meanwhile, labor unions are highlighting issues such as unattractive wages, informal employment, and a lack of job security.

Labor market in the Republic of Moldova: 270,000 people aged 25–45 are not employed

The Republic of Moldova is experiencing notable imbalances in its labor market, characterized by high rates of inactivity, migration, and rapid economic changes. To address these issues, participants at the National Labor Market and Social Dialogue Forum, held on April 30 in Chisinau, emphasized the importance of digitalization and reducing the informal economy.

Maia Sandu: Free speech increasingly used for manipulation and disinformation

The future of democracies will hinge on the ability of institutions and societies to safeguard the truth, ensure a fair information environment, and maintain a balance between freedom of expression and security. This was emphasized by President Maia Sandu at the opening of the International Conference titled "Future of the 'Marketplace of ideas' in the context of the rise of the Internet, fake news, and Artificial Intelligence." The event, which began on Friday in Chisinau, brought together high-ranking officials and experts in constitutional law.

Ministry of Environment plans to ban plastic wreaths and single-use bags

The Ministry of Environment is developing a series of measures to reduce plastic waste. Gheorghe Hajder, the Minister of Environment, announced during the “Public Space” program on Radio Moldova that there could be a ban on artificial flower wreaths and disposable bags. After the Easter period, the minister observed a slight decline in the number of plastic wreaths compared to previous years; however, this remains a concern.

Dniester pollution under control as Moldova seeks damages

Environmental authorities in Moldova have contained the recent oil spill on the Dniester River, though long-term monitoring remains in effect. While the primary leak has stopped, Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder warns that toxic residues persist along the riverbanks and within aquatic vegetation.

Moldova must pivot to AI and innovation to unlock €1.9 billion EU growth plan

Moldova stands at a critical economic crossroads. Despite access to a landmark €1.9 billion (approx. 37 billion MDL) EU financial support package, experts warn that the national economy remains fragile and overly reliant on external shocks.

Freedom lesson of the 2009 generation: 17 years since April 7 protests

Seventeen years ago, the Great National Assembly Square in Chisinau became the focal point of a significant transformation for society. This event marked a definitive break from the communist model of governance, which had been heavily influenced by the Russian Federation, and established the Republic of Moldova's commitment to European civilization. The catalyst for this change was driven by tens of thousands of young people who refused to accept the fraudulent results of the April 5, 2009 election. Their protests evolved into a powerful manifesto advocating for freedom and democracy.

Economic Growth Plan: maximum funding for Moldova set for 2027–2028, Gherasimov

Moldova continues to attract significant European funds through the European Economic Growth Plan, with the amount disbursed depending on the pace of reforms. Cristina Gherasimov, the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, announced that a tranche of 189 million euros from the overall 1.9 billion euros plan provided by the European Union was granted after the authorities implemented most of the reforms scheduled for the second half of 2025.

Deputy PM Gherasimov: Moldova can’t advance EU accession without justice reform and anti-corruption

The Republic of Moldova will not be able to start discussions on the final stages of negotiations unless there is concrete progress in several key areas, said Cristina Gherasimov, the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration . These areas include justice reform, strengthening anti-corruption institutions, combating organized crime, and aligning with European policies on migration and asylum.

Surging input costs threaten Moldova’s agricultural stability in 2026

Rising energy prices and logistical bottlenecks in the Middle East have triggered a 50% surge in fertilizer costs since February 2026. Economic experts warn that while the immediate impact is buffered by early-year imports, Moldovan agriculture faces a severe financial strain in the second half of the year.

Latvia calls for immediate start of Moldova’s EU accession talks

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called for the commencement of Republic of Moldova’s European Union accession negotiations "without delay." Following a high-level meeting in Riga on April 1, 2026, Rinkēvičs reaffirmed Latvia’s full support for Moldova’s integration into the European bloc.

Moldova to launch EU-style deposit return scheme by 2026

Moldova is accelerating its transition to a circular economy, with plans to implement a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for packaging as early as 2026. The Ministry of Environment is currently evaluating two applications to select a single national administrator for the programme.