Between 15–17 October 2025, a group of representatives from SOLIDAR Austria, part of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), carried out a study visit to the Republic of Moldova.

The delegation members are active in various fields and belong to several Austrian trade union organizations, including ÖGB, PRO-GE, GPA, and Younion, representing sectors such as paper industry, chemicals, telecommunications, public health, and social projects.

On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the SOLIDAR Austria representatives held a meeting with the leadership of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) and with representatives of the national-sectoral trade union centers.

During the meeting, Igor Zubcu, President of CNSM, spoke about the current challenges facing the trade union movement in Moldova, as well as the country’s socio-economic situation, marked by rising living costs, inadequate wages, labor migration, and the need for better protection of employees.

The CNSM President emphasized that the support provided by Austria to the Moldovan trade union movement has played a crucial role over the years in developing organizational capacities and promoting social dialogue. The current visit represents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences between trade union partners from both countries.

He also highlighted the role of trade unions in defending workers’ rights, promoting social dialogue, and reinforcing international solidarity.

In turn, Marcus Strohmeier, International Affairs Expert at ÖGB, underlined the openness and willingness of Austrian partners to maintain continuous collaboration with the Moldovan trade union movement. He stressed the importance of international solidarity among trade unions, highlighting that experience, support, and the exchange of best practices can significantly contribute to building organizational capacity and strengthening social dialogue. Strohmeier also reiterated the commitment of ÖGB and SOLIDAR Austria to continue supporting CNSM initiatives in trade union education, social protection, and youth engagement.

The parties also discussed cooperation in the areas of trade union training, social protection, gender equality, youth involvement, as well as joint projects aimed at promoting decent work, supporting the initiatives of Moldovan social partners in the European integration process, and improving working conditions for employees.