--- title: "Moldova outlines EU education and research priorities " url: https://moldova1.md/p/88676/moldova-outlines-eu-education-and-research-priorities published: 2026-10-26T19:14:00Z language: en author: "Liubomir Guțu" section: "Social" source: moldova1.md --- # Moldova outlines EU education and research priorities > Moldova has outlined education and research reforms for EU accession, including higher research funding, a revised school curriculum, expanded dual education, and plans to modernise sports facilities by 2030. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/6df1f476-ca86-4a57-8871-fbd561301ca3.jpg) Moldova has outlined education and research reforms for EU accession, including higher research funding, a revised school curriculum, expanded dual education, and plans to modernise sports facilities by 2030. **Research funding and business cooperation** The Ministry of Education and Research presented Moldova’s negotiating positions for EU accession Chapters 25, covering science and research, and 26, covering education and culture, during public consultations on October 26. Under Chapter 25, authorities plan to increase research funding through state budget allocations, private investment and international support. Igor Chiosa, secretary of the Chapter 25 working group, said closer integration into the European Research Area and stronger links between researchers and businesses were key priorities. *“Our main commitments focus on increasing funding. This is something the European Commission recommends: funding from the state budget as well as attracting funds from other sources, including the private sector and international partners,”* Chiosa said. The ministry also plans to strengthen cooperation between research institutions and businesses through the National Smart Specialisation Programme, a 2025–2027 roadmap for research-business cooperation and a framework regulation governing technology transfer offices. Another priority is research integrity and good governance. The ministry is drafting a framework regulation on ethics and integrity in research and innovation. **Education reform and EU legal alignment** Chapter 26 includes the alignment of national education policies with EU standards. Ludmila Pavlov, deputy secretary general of the Ministry of Education and Research, said Moldova was gradually transposing an EU directive dating from 1977 on the education of children of migrant workers. *“At present, it has been partially transposed through provisions introduced into the Education Code and Law No. 200 on the entry, free movement and residence of EU citizens in the Republic of Moldova,”* Pavlov said. Authorities also plan to update the national school curriculum by the end of 2026, with gradual implementation scheduled to begin in September 2027. The revised curriculum is expected to incorporate digital and green transitions, democratic citizenship, multilingualism and practical skills. The government has also approved new implementation measures for youth and sport strategies, with policies intended to align more closely with European standards. **Investment in vocational education** Moldova plans to expand dual vocational education and training, which combines classroom instruction with practical experience at employers. The authorities intend to increase financial support for participating employers, raise student enrolment and improve vocational education infrastructure. *“We will provide more financial resources and support for employers implementing dual education. We have committed to increasing the number of students entering dual education,”* Pavlov said. Infrastructure investment will include student dormitories, teaching facilities and stronger centres of excellence. A project worth €80 million (approx. 1.62 billion MDL), based on the National Bank of Moldova’s official exchange rate on October 26, is intended to strengthen vocational education infrastructure and upgrade dormitories. The ministry also plans to develop green training programmes and update qualification standards so that half of vocational education programmes are based on updated qualifications. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/f10c06ea-0abc-46d8-8075-0b7636a61b7e.jpg) **Inclusion, lifelong learning and Erasmus+** The negotiating commitments also cover equal access to education and support for disadvantaged groups. Authorities plan to expand the Model Schools Network to reduce disparities between rural and urban education, strengthen inclusive education and extend nursery provision for children under two to help parents return to work. Additional measures will support refugee and migrant children, Roma communities and multilingual education programmes. In adult education, the ministry intends to expand micro-credentials, lifelong-learning vouchers and centres that validate skills acquired through non-formal learning. Higher education is another priority. Moldova plans to establish a national entity to manage Erasmus+, with the aim of expanding mobility opportunities for teachers and young people, volunteering and exchanges of experience. **Youth and sport infrastructure** Youth policies are expected to align with the EU Youth Strategy and the European Youth Work Agenda. The authorities plan to approve a new implementation programme for the Youth Strategy 2030 covering 2027–2030 and adopt additional legislation to implement the Volunteering Law. In sport, the government has committed to promoting good governance, equal access, inclusion and both grassroots and high-performance sport. *“We have committed to renovating 22 sports facilities by 2030,”* Pavlov said, adding that plans also include purchasing minibuses and investing in the skills of coaches and technical staff. **Moldova’s EU accession process** The EU accession process comprises 33 negotiating chapters grouped into six clusters. Moldova has opened four clusters, covering 24 chapters: Fundamentals, External Relations, Internal Market, and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. The remaining clusters are Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity, and Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion. Moldova is scheduled to receive its EU accession roadmap on October 28, alongside Ukraine, Montenegro and Albania. The roadmap is expected to set out the further actions required on the path towards EU membership. 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