At a meeting with representatives of the EU Delegation to Moldova and a broad group of experts, the EU Youth Guarantee initiative was presented. This is a mechanism through which European states commit to provide young people under the age of 25 (or in some cases under 30) with a specific employment, education, training or internship opportunity within four months of leaving school or losing their job.
Risks of social exclusion
Experts noted that the youth unemployment rate at EU level in 2024-2025 hovered around 15%, more than double the average unemployment rate at EU level.
At the same time, it was noted that one in ten young people in the EU is NEET (not in employment, education or training), which affects both the labor market, reducing labor supply and productivity, and social cohesion, increasing the risk of social exclusion and dependence on state support.
The chairman of the working group, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergiu Harea, in this context, emphasized the importance of the topic for the Moldovan labor market as well, the involvement of all branches of public authorities in the development of the competitiveness of the national economy: “Supporting youth employment and skills development are strategic investments in the future of the Moldovan economy”, he said.
Pirkko Periala, employee of the Public Policy Unit “Future of Work and Youth Employment” of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Social Inclusion of the European Commission, presented the content of the EU initiative “Guarantee for Youth”, as well as the experts involved in the EU4Youth program, phase III, implemented in the Republic of Moldova by the Lithuanian agency Centrinė projektų valdymo agentūra (CPVA) and co-financed by the EU.
European experience
The experts presented the European structure of the initiative implementation, as well as the best practices of Lithuania and Ukraine. At the same time, information on the current situation of young people not working and not in education (NEET) in Moldova was presented. They also described the support provided by ANOFM for pilot projects targeting NEET young people from Chisinau, as well as from Balti, Riscani and Ocnita.
Felicia Bechtoldt, State Secretary for Employment, Gender Equality and Demography, who was present at the meeting, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection to the effective integration of young people into the labor market.
Felicia Bechtoldt: “Youth in the Republic of Moldova is our most valuable potential. With the right support, they are able to adapt, learn and become competitive on the labor market. The “Guarantee for Youth” program is a tool that turns this potential into real opportunities, giving every young person a chance to get education, vocational training or a job in a short time and tailored to their needs”.
Ludas Dabkus, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Lithuania in Chisinau: “Lithuania’s experience has shown that its success depends on strong inter-institutional cooperation, an effective approach to young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), involvement of employers and social partners, and a clear focus on the quality of results. We have seen that early investment in youth is a long-term investment in economic sustainability, social cohesion and trust in public institutions”.
Representatives of business associations also emphasized the need to expand programs for youth not engaged in studies or work and to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation to transform the Youth Guarantee program into an effective and functional policy in Moldova.
