The Draft Education Code of Moldova that will replace the Education Law approved in 1995 was made public by the Ministry of Education on April 21. Minister of Education Leonid Bujor said the document is not revolutionary as it continues to promote the implementation of the European standards in the education system of Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. The draft Education Code provides a different educational doctrine. Among the novelties for the education system are the organization of district schools and the institution of technical vocation eduction, as well as the introduction of the third cycle of doctoral studies and the creation of doctoral schools like in a number of European countries. The spending in education will constitute 8% of the GDP. There will be also established a close connection between the labor market and the university system. Leonid Bujor said the school program will be improved so that the children do not become overtired, but the 17 mandatory subjects will not be reduced in number. Attending the presentation, Prime Minister Vlad Filat said the draft Code should be analyzed thoroughly at public debates so that it makes things in the education sector clearer. Grigore Belostecinic, the rector of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, said the universities in Moldova need two things – financial autonomy and more money. “This Code provides for both. The universities will be able to carry out entrepreneurial activities in order to make money, but will remain nonprofit institutions,” he said. Cornel Ciurea, an expert of the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”, stated for Info-Prim Neo that the document contains both weak and strong points. “The Code must modernize the education system. The fact that the education institutions will benefit from 8% of the GDP and that the education system meets the requirements of the Bologna Process is welcome,” he said. However, he stressed that the new Code does not specify the ratio of the public financial resources to private financial resources that will be allocated to education institutions. Cornel Ciurea expressed his skepticism about the functionality of the district primary and secondary education. The draft Education Code will be discussed at public debates during 30 days. Heads of education institutions, teachers, parents, students and representatives of the civil society will take part in the debates.