The year 2024 marks a double anniversary for two European Union programmes: 30 years of the Erasmus+ Programme in the Republic of Moldova and 30 years of the European Training Foundation (ETF). On this occasion, the National Erasmus+ Office in Moldova and ETF, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union, organised an anniversary event on November 19 and 20.
The evening of November 19, at 7:00 p.m., prepared a festive moment – a classical music concert by the Erasmus+ beneficiaries from the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, organised at the Organ Hall – a symbolic celebration of the partnership between Moldova and the Union European.
On November 20, an extensive seminar at the Technical University of Moldova explored key topics such as EU support for education and skills, the presentation of the preliminary conclusions of the Rapid Education Diagnosys Report (RED) and the results achieved by the Erasmus+ Programme in its 30 years of activity in the Republic of Moldova.
In three decades, the Erasmus+ Programme had a transformative impact on Moldovan education: over 5000 students and teachers benefited from international academic mobility, and numerous educational projects were implemented in universities, vocational education and training institutions, youth and sports organisations, bringing innovation and valuable resources. Until now, thanks to the support of the Erasmus+ Programme in the Republic of Moldova, the following actions have been implemented: 83 Tempus projects, 35 capacity building projects in higher education, 37 Jean Monnet projects, 10 capacity buillding projects in the field of VET, 6 capacity building projects in the field of youth, 3 virtual exchange projects in the higher education and youth, etc.
On the other hand, in its 30 years of activity, the European Training Foundation has significantly contributed to the modernisation of education and professional training systems in 28 partner countries, including the Republic of Moldova, facilitating the development of skills adapted to the labor market. The foundation has supported educational reforms, promoted social inclusion and mobility, and helped create evidence-based policies. Through its partnerships, the ETF has supported economic growth and human capital development, providing valuable expertise and strengthening political dialogue between member states and partner countries.
This anniversary has become not only an occasion for celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on how the support of the European Union contributed to the transformation of the educational system in Moldova.
The event brought together decision-makers, representatives of public institutions, members of civil society organisations, education experts, academics and students, to discuss the progress made and to chart future directions for collaboration.