During the session dedicated to the economic criterion, discussions were held with experts from the European Commission on progress in the labor market, including policies promoted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection aimed at activating the inactive population and combating informal employment. These initiatives are closely linked to measures adopted by the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) and the State Labor Inspectorate (ISM).
Thus, the establishment of mobile teams within 21 territorial employment subdivisions, the implementation of performance-based management within ANOFM, the development of district profiles, and the revision of the working procedures with the unemployed have significantly contributed to improving employment services. Additionally, the initiation of ISM reform, which empowered labor inspectors to conduct more effective actions to identify and penalize illegal employment, modernized the institution's technical equipment, and focused on developing the employees' skills, led to a notable increase in detected and legalized informal work cases.
Furthermore, during the Chapter 23 screening session, Bechtoldt presented Moldova’s achievements in gender equality and violence against women, including:
– Law No. 45/2007 on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence was adapted for better alignment with the requirements of the Istanbul Convention by including a broader range of forms of violence, including psychological, economic, and sexual violence;
– The Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code were amended to include offenses related to violence against women, such as sexual harassment and sexual violence, to more effectively address cases of gender-based violence;
– The Promotion and Assurance of Gender Equality Program in Moldova for 2023-2027 and the National Program on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence for 2023-2027 were developed and adopted;
– The National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women was created;
– The role of specialist in preventing and combating domestic violence and rehabilitating victims of crimes was established at the local level;
– The regional integrated service for victims of sexual violence was piloted;
– Continuous funding is ensured for assistance and protection services for victims of domestic violence, including shelter, counseling, and legal assistance;
– A national referral mechanism for victims of domestic violence was implemented, involving cooperation between police, social assistance, civil society, and other relevant institutions. This mechanism is designed to ensure a coordinated and prompt response to protect victims and sanction perpetrators;
– The Family Justice Center was created to provide immediate help and protection, a safe and comfortable environment, referral services, and facilitated access to services;
– The professional capacities of staff involved in domestic violence cases were strengthened;
– The gender pay gap was reduced through the promotion of gender-adapted family policies;
– Family-friendly policies were promoted to facilitate work-life balance;
– The regulatory framework was adjusted to ensure equal access to goods and services for all individuals, regardless of gender;
– The regulatory framework for the creation, organization, and functioning of alternative care services for children under the age of three was developed and promoted, to facilitate women's empowerment and their participation in the labor market;
– Public nurseries were created and expanded.
Additionally, during the screening session, the future commitments of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection regarding the protection of violence victims and the promotion of equal opportunities between women and men were discussed.
European officials appreciated the measures implemented by Moldova to ensure gender equality, support victims of violence against women and domestic violence, and prevent and combat this phenomenon, also highlighting the progress made in empowering women, including the transposition of relevant EU directives in these areas.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
