Moldovan berries dominate market—85% of consumption from local producers

The berry industry in the Republic of Moldova has been experiencing significant growth, becoming an essential component of the national economy after 2015. According to economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță, berry consumption among Moldovans has increased more than fourfold in under ten years. Additionally, the export of frozen berry products has proven to be profitable.

ANOFM issued 240 digital vouchers for the unemployed; over 50 already validated

Unemployed individuals can apply for vocational training vouchers provided by the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) through a digital platform. So far, 13 service providers have registered in the system, and approximately 240 vouchers have been issued, with over 50 already validated.

The Republic of Moldova’s public sector faces labor shortage

The labor market in the Republic of Moldova is currently experiencing a significant shortage of employees, particularly in the public sector and other vital areas for the economy. By the end of the first quarter of the year, approximately five out of every 100 jobs were unfilled, with more than half of these vacancies occurring in public institutions, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Experts emphasize the necessity of increasing, or even doubling, salaries in certain critical sectors.

Poverty rate in Moldova is falling but remains high, especially in rural areas

The poverty rate in the Republic of Moldova has seen a slight decline in recent years; however, it remains significantly high, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Experts highlight a substantial disparity between rural and urban residents, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to address these differences.

Graduation exams begin. Maia Sandu to graduates: "Your work will pay off – believe in yourself."

Today marks the start of the secondary school graduation exams for ninth-graders. The first test will assess students in Romanian and world history. In total, students will take four exams. The next exam is scheduled for June 5 and will focus on mathematics. This will be followed by the language of instruction exam on June 9. Finally, the exam for Romanian language and literature, intended for students studying in a foreign language, will take place on June 12.

"Moldova Fruct" Association calls for state of calamity in agriculture after frost and hail

After orchards across nearly all regions of the Republic of Moldova were impacted by two waves of severe frosts in April, followed by hail at the end of May, the “Moldova Fruct” Association is urging the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture to declare a state of agricultural emergency due to spring natural calamities, by May 31. In an official request sent on May 23 to Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga, the Association highlighted the significant losses experienced by farmers. The weather events—specifically, frosts occurring from April 7 to 11 and again from April 28 to 29, as well as hailstorms on May 1—have severely impacted crops during critical stages of growth, such as flowering and fruit formation, according to representatives of “Moldova Fruct.”

Families aiming to improve energy efficiency and use renewables will be eligible for subsidies

Families looking to make their homes more energy-efficient and utilize renewable energy sources will be able to access subsidies covering up to 50% of the costs. The authorities have announced that the "Casa Verde" (Green House) program, which was previously in the pilot phase, will be expanded nationwide this summer, managed by the National Center for Sustainable Energy (NCSE).

A childcare worker training center will open in Bălți

A training center for child care workers will be established at "Alecu Russo" State University in Bălți, with assistance from the International Labor Organization. This initiative aims to address the demand for specialists in the field, particularly in the northern regions of the country, where professional training options are limited. Lidia Pădureac, the vice-rector for part-time studies and Continuing Professional Training, shared this information with Radio Moldova.

Integrating Ukrainian refugee children into schools is costly; authorities seek funding

The enrollment rate of Ukrainian refugee children in schools in the Republic of Moldova remains low, despite ongoing efforts to integrate them into the educational system. Education Minister Dan Perciun stated that if the war in Ukraine continues, the refugee crisis will persist, and our country must prepare for an increasing number of children seeking access to education. Currently, data shows that only 15% of Ukrainian refugee children are enrolled in schools and kindergartens.

Lyme disease cases are rising alarmingly, experts warn

The number of people infected with Lyme disease has been increasing alarmingly in recent years. According to specialists from the National Public Health Agency, approximately 250 cases of Lyme disease were reported in the Republic of Moldova last year, which is an increase of over 60 cases compared to 2022. Additionally, doctors note that there may be many more cases since the disease does not always show symptoms immediately, or individuals may not seek medical help in a timely manner.

Two customs employees pre-arrested in $40,000 bribe case; a third under house arrest.

Two of the three defendants in the passive corruption case investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate and prosecutors from the Balti municipality were placed in preventive detention, while the third defendant is under house arrest. Violina Moraru, the spokesperson for the General Prosecutor's Office, confirmed this information to Teleradio-Moldova.

Former Chișinău director faces corruption charges

The former director of the "Green Spaces Management Association" is under criminal investigation by the National Anti-corruption Center (NAC) and Chișinău municipal prosecutors for abuse of office in a case involving significant damages to the municipal enterprise's budget.