Republic of Moldova launches the initiative to implement the European Child Guarantee

Chișinău, September 17, 2025. Today, the first meeting of the inter-ministerial groups dedicated to implementing the European Child Guarantee in the Republic of Moldova took place. This is a recommendation of the European Union that sets important standards for ensuring children’s rights and guaranteeing access for all children to essential services.

The event brought together decision-makers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They expressed their firm commitment to develop a mechanism for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in the form of an action plan that will be designed and carried out as part of the National Child Protection Programme.

„In the Republic of Moldova many children still live in poverty, lack access to basic services, or grow up without the support they need. The European Child Guarantee is a direct response to these realities, a clear commitment that we will develop policies that protect, support, and provide equal opportunities to all children, especially the most vulnerable. Every child must be seen, heard, and supported to reach their potential”, said Vasile Cușca, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of local public authorities, civil society, and development partners, including the Delegation of the European Union, the Council of Europe, and UNICEF, who reaffirmed their support for achieving the proposed objectives and for aligning the Republic of Moldova with European standards in child protection.

„The policies of the Ministry of Education and Research prioritize several key areas, such as early education, compulsory education, access to school activities, inclusion, and providing students with healthy nutrition in educational institutions. These fully correspond to the objectives set out by the European Child Guarantee,”, said Ludmila Pavlov, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Research.

The European Child Guarantee aims to remove barriers to accessing essential services such as education, early childhood care, health, adequate housing, healthy nutrition, and to promote equal opportunities for children. The initiative targets in particular children in vulnerable situations, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, children with disabilities, children who are victims of violence, children affected by migration, poverty, and social exclusion.

„We will continue to provide expertise, data, good practices, and technical assistance to ensure that the National Action Plan is not only ambitious but also achievable. Sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of Moldova, especially the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, for their leadership and coordination. We also express our appreciation to our partners and donors, including the Delegation of the European Union and the Government of the United Kingdom, for their continued support and commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children”, said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

The implementation of this initiative represents an additional step taken on the path of European integration of the Republic of Moldova, contributing to the achievement of a priority action from the National Programme for the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union for 2025–2029.