15 October 2026, Chișinău – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting of the Steering Committee overseeing the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028. Discussions focused on progress in implementing projects, their impact on reform processes, and cooperation priorities for the period ahead.
The event was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi and the Director of Programme Co-ordination at the Council of Europe, Claus Neukirch. The meeting was co-chaired by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Corina Călugăru and Director Claus Neukirch, with the participation of representatives of national beneficiary institutions, the Council of Europe and civil society.
In his opening remarks, Minister Mihai Popșoi highlighted the Council of Europe’s essential contribution to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights and supporting reforms in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration process.
“Cooperation with the Council of Europe provides essential support for strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the reforms required for European integration. It is important to make effective use of the resources mobilised through the Action Plan and ensure that the projects implemented deliver concrete and lasting results for institutions and citizens. Our objective is to build increasingly strong institutions capable of responding to challenges and ensuring the continuity of reforms,” Minister Mihai Popșoi stated.
The Moldovan Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening institutional and societal resilience against external interference, disinformation and hybrid threats. In this context, he highlighted the role of education and the development of critical thinking in building long-term democratic resilience. Mihai Popșoi also reiterated the Republic of Moldova’s objective of progressing to the post-monitoring stage within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
For his part, the Director of Programme Co-ordination at the Council of Europe, Claus Neukirch, commended the commitment of the Moldovan authorities and the effective cooperation in implementing joint projects.
“Strengthening democratic security requires not only strong institutions but also a resilient society capable of addressing hybrid threats, disinformation and external interference. The Council of Europe will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in promoting democratic values, strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights,” Claus Neukirch emphasised.
During the meeting, representatives of beneficiary institutions presented the main results achieved in implementing the projects, their impact on sectoral reforms, as well as the challenges and priorities for the next stage. The discussions highlighted the need for effective coordination between national institutions and international partners to ensure that the assistance provided responds to the Republic of Moldova’s concrete needs.
During the concluding session, State Secretary Corina Călugăru stressed the importance of building on the results achieved and adapting cooperation to emerging challenges. In this regard, opportunities were identified to expand joint projects in areas such as artificial intelligence and human rights protection, countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including disinformation, and protecting children’s rights and well-being in the digital environment.
The State Secretary reiterated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to ensuring effective coordination of the Action Plan’s implementation, in close cooperation with national institutions and the Council of Europe, to translate the assistance provided into lasting results and tangible benefits for citizens.
The Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028, with a total estimated budget of EUR 43.6 million, serves as the main strategic framework for cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the Council of Europe. The document aims to support reforms in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, contributing to the alignment of national institutions and the legislative framework with European standards and to advancing the European integration process.
