National Labour Market and Social Dialogue Forum: Reform Directions for a More Inclusive and Competitive Labour Market

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stressed a people-centred approach, noting that digitalisation, artificial intelligence and automation are transforming how people work. Labour Minister Natalia Plugaru said the priority is formal, well-paid jobs for all, especially vulnerable groups and young people. Adrian Lupusor of Expert-Grup argued that the future employment programme should combine active measures for vulnerable groups, since at least half of the working-age population is not in work, with job creation in high value added, high productivity sectors, which is the main source of wage growth. Daniela Vidaicu of Soros Foundation Moldova called for accessible services and formal jobs for women, young people, people with disabilities and rural communities.

Three panels covered employment policy in the context of European integration, the effectiveness of active measures, and formalisation of work and job quality. Participants highlighted the gap between skills and employer demand, the need for more relevant public employment services, barriers for women and people with disabilities, and the links between productivity, wages, migration and investment attractiveness. The forum is part of the project "Support for Labour Market Reform".