More than 148 young Roma who were not in employment, education or training (NEETs) in the last two years were helped to find a job or develop their entrepreneurial skills within the EU4Youth Phase III, which aims to employ and assist young people in developing a sustainable career, IPN reports.

The topic of integration of NEETs, especially those from disadvantaged communities, was discussed at the meeting of the National Coordination Group for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Moldova.

Felicia Bechtold, secretary of state of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, highlighted the positive impact of the EU4Youth program on the Roma community: "Young Roma benefited from concrete opportunities for social and professional integration, were able to express their ideas and developed their skills. Further, we aim to expand these opportunities for all the young people in Moldova."

Another essential element of this approach is the Youth Guarantee, launched in 2023 by the European Commission. It aims to prevent social exclusion and assist young people in finding a job or continuing their studies. Raisa Dogaru, director of the National Employment Agency, explained that the platform created within the institution brings together important actors from the public and private sectors to monitor and implement this initiative in Chisinau and its suburbs.

The specialists noted that the efforts to integrate young Roma NEETs continue, and the authorities and organizations involved aim to create more opportunities so that these young people find a place in society and on the labor market.

The EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship program is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency in the Eastern Partnership countries. It will run until summer and aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and nongovernmental organizations to combat youth unemployment and improve employment capacity.