The Republic of Moldova advances the implementation of the European Child Guarantee to improve children’s access to essential services

Chișinău, 11 March 2026. Representatives of relevant ministries, experts, development partners, and civil society organizations gathered for a meeting of the Interministerial Group and the Technical Working Group for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in the Republic of Moldova. The event was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and UNICEF, with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom (FCDO).

The meeting aimed to review the results of an in-depth analysis on the situation of children in vulnerable circumstances and to collect technical contributions from participants to define public policy priorities within the implementation of the European Child Guarantee.

“Today we are discussing the results of an in-depth analysis that helps us understand not only the statistical data, but also the real barriers faced by children and families in accessing essential services. The purpose of this meeting is to validate these findings and ensure that the future Action Plan is based on solid evidence and reflects realities on the ground”, said Gerrit Maritz, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Moldova.

The analysis presented during the event examines the situation of children in vulnerable circumstances, including those living in poverty, children with disabilities, Roma children, children in residential care, refugee or migrant children, as well as children from rural communities where access to services remains limited.

The assessment analyses how these children access essential services in areas such as early childhood education and care, inclusive education and quality school activities, health services and healthy nutrition, as well as social protection benefits and services.

The analysis also includes the results of consultations conducted with professionals from the social, educational and medical sectors, as well as with parents, caregivers and children, whose experiences provide a direct perspective on the barriers encountered in accessing services.

“The in-depth analysis presented during the event provides us with solid evidence base on the situation of children in the Republic of Moldova and the barriers they face in accessing essential services. Its findings will guide the development of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee, an important commitment of the Republic of Moldova in the process of rapprochement and alignment with European Union standards”, said Vasile Cușcă, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

During the working sessions, participants discussed the key interventions needed to improve children’s access to essential services. The conclusions of these discussions will contribute to the finalization of the analysis and will guide the development of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee.

The European Child Guarantee is an initiative of the European Union aimed at preventing and combating child poverty and social exclusion by ensuring children’s access to essential services such as education, early childhood care, healthcare services, adequate nutrition and safe housing. More information about the European Child Guarantee (ECG) can be found here.

UNICEF supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in this process by providing technical expertise, international best practices and analytical support to ensure that the policies and programmes developed contribute to real improvements in the lives of children across the country.