On October 24, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in collaboration with the European Commission, organized a high-level forum titled “Towards a Successful EU Enlargement,” which brought together representatives from the European Commission, EU member states, candidate countries, and potential candidate countries. The event aimed to highlight the role of social dialogue and civil society in the progress towards accession, including the importance of supporting the fundamental values of the EU.

The forum was attended by Igor Zubcu, president of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM), Sergiu Sainciuc, vice president of the CNSM, and Valeriu Cazacu, head of the International Relations, Mass Media, and Information Technologies Department of the CNSM.

During the opening of the forum, speeches were delivered by Oliver Röpke, president of the European Economic and Social Committee, officials from the European Commission, as well as representatives from EU member states and candidate countries.

In a discussion panel, Igor Zubcu, president of the CNSM, spoke about the situation regarding social dialogue in the Republic of Moldova, the objectives of the trade union movement in the socio-economic protection of employees, trade union members, and the efforts of social partners in the context of the EU accession process.

“Social dialogue is a key element in building an authentic democracy. We aim to develop bipartite social dialogue, following the European model. We believe in a future of work cantered on the worker, not on capital. I consider that the topics discussed at the forum will add value to the enlargement process, and the actors of civil society – trade unions, our negotiation partners – employers, and civil society organizations representing various social groups, will reaffirm their role in this accession process,” emphasized the president of the CNSM.

In his speech, the president of the CNSM also referred to the activity of the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining, the legal framework for social dialogue, and stressed the need to strengthen the capacities of social partners and to streamline the negotiation process between parties.

“I recently had a meeting with the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, attended by leaders of national branch trade union centers and representatives of employers, where I highlighted the importance of developing social dialogue. The role of trade unions and social partners must grow in order to jointly solve, through dialogue, the issues faced by society,” added Igor Zubcu.

The president of the CNSM proposed to candidate countries for EU accession to create a platform for exchanging best practices in social dialogue.

Building on aspirations for European integration and considering the need to develop social dialogue, Igor Zubcu, president of the CNSM, referred to the opportunity to create an Economic and Social Committee in the Republic of Moldova. The president of the CNSM expressed hope that the leadership of the EESC, headed by Oliver Röpke, president of the European Economic and Social Committee, will support the efforts of the CNSM, social partners, and civil society in this regard.

A video recording of the participation of CNSM president Igor Zubcu at the forum “Towards a Successful EU Enlargement” can be accessed here.

More information about the topics addressed at the forum “Towards a Successful EU Enlargement,” held during the 591st plenary session of the EESC, can be found on the EESC website.