Moldova has made moderate progress in social protection and employment
The Republic of Moldova is currently at a "moderate level of preparation" for integration into the European Union regarding social protection and employment. This was stated by Cristina Jandîc, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, during the "Noi si Europa" show on Radio Moldova. She noted that recent discussions in Brussels, which were part of the bilateral screening process, specifically addressed this area. European officials have expressed appreciation for the progress made by the authorities in Chișinău.
“The screening process is a detailed technical assessment that helps us gauge our current status and identify what still needs to be done to ensure the success of our journey,” said Cristina Jandîc. She explained that this exercise allows both national and European authorities to assess how prepared the country is for EU accession and pinpoint any necessary adjustments.
“For citizens and for us, as civil servants, active participation and dialogue with our European partners are crucial. The screening process paves the way for change and for our accession to the EU,” Jandîc emphasized.
Regarding the current state of legislation, the official noted that extensive reforms have been launched in recent years, such as the Restart reform, the reorganization of the National Employment Agency, and the modernization of the State Labor Inspectorate.
“We started the process of integrating European legislation into national law. Many provisions related to employment policy and labor relations have already been transposed. Additionally, in areas such as occupational safety and health, there is less stringent legislation, with more communications and guidelines from the European Commission aimed at improving social protection to be inclusive of all population categories, including vulnerable groups. We have made significant progress here,” Jandîc said.
She also highlighted advancements in equal opportunities and the fight against gender violence.
“In terms of equal opportunities for women and men, the legal framework is well aligned. We have also made strides in combating gender violence, promoting equality, and increasing women's participation in the labor market. This remains a priority for the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in the Government of the Republic of Moldova,” she added.
Experts have noted the pace of reforms as well. Iulian Groza, executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms, stated, “The speed at which we are moving is accelerated, thanks to the political will from Brussels and the firm commitment of the authorities in Chișinău.”
“The National Development Strategy, or 'European Moldova 2030,' is an objective endorsed by the Republic of Moldova. We have a referendum that has embedded this objective into our constitution, clearly indicating that Moldova is making rapid progress. It is crucial to view this process as a transformation of the Republic of Moldova. The screening is an important stage, and we are truly halfway through this journey,” said Groza.
The screening process is not limited to a technical exercise, but also represents an essential means of internal transformation, the expert said. He explained that, to open accession negotiations, important political decisions are needed at the European Union level, and the next expected step is the initiation of negotiations on the first cluster of chapters. According to him, this stage could be reached in the fall of this year, when the evaluation for the remaining chapters is expected to be completed, and the Council of the European Union is to decide in this regard.
