Protecting Citizens’ Rights and the Path to the EU: Ukraine and Moldova Strengthen Partnership

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin held talks with Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova Alexei Buzu. The parties discussed pressing issues of social protection and joint steps to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

“Our ministry’s daily priority is to improve the social protection system. We focus on supporting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, improving the social security system, protecting children’s rights, developing projects in the field of pension provision, and aligning our approaches with European standards. Close cooperation with Moldova in the social sphere is an important contribution to protecting the rights of citizens of both countries and strengthening our partnership on the European path,” stressed Denys Uliutin.

During the conversation, the ministers paid special attention to updating the contractual and legal framework and finalizing a modern international agreement on social security. They also discussed the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Repatriation of Unaccompanied Children, which is at the final stage of domestic approval procedures.

“I want to reassure our colleagues from Ukraine in our commitment to stand together through the brightest but also the hardest times. I am happy to strengthen our cooperation with the new Minister, which I am sure will develop into more common projects for the same big goal our both countries have - the EU accession and giving our citizens a better quality of life and social protection,” said Alexei Buzu.

Another key topic was the development of a new bilateral Agreement in the field of occupational safety and the creation of a working group to coordinate technical arrangements. This will contribute to the effective investigation of workplace accidents involving citizens of both states on the territory of the other party and ensure fair compensation for damages.

Moldova continues to provide support to Ukrainians forced to leave the country due to the war, offering temporary accommodation, financial assistance, and social support services. The ministers acknowledged the importance of such humanitarian initiatives and agreed to continue coordination in this area.