The draft new Law on Youth, approved by the Cabinet on May 4, aims to promote the interests of the young people in public policies and to adjust the youth policies to the present time. It is also aimed at creating a viable mechanism for supporting the youth, IPN reports.

The Law on Youth hasn’t been updated since 1999. That’s why the Government thought to promote a broader legal act adjusted to the realities and current needs of the young people.

The law refers to the people aged between 14 and 35. The current law covers the people from the 16-30 age bracket. This way there will be ensured the broader participation of young people in extracurricular activities, including of those from rural areas, and their involvement in national and international economic programs.

The bill envisions the stimulation of entrepreneurial initiatives of young people, facilitation of their employment, development of aptitudes and professional skills, creation of an appropriate environment for physical development and promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and provision of dwellings to young people. The new legislative regulations recommend the local public authorities to engage young people and youth organizations in the drafting and implementation of youth policies.

There will be created the National Agency for the Development of Youth Programs and Activities that will deal with the implementation and promotion of policies in the field and will ensure the quality of services intended for young people at national and local levels.

The new law provides that such informal youth bodies as initiative groups, student senates and youth organizations of political parties will be recognized.

According to official data, in Moldova there are over 870,900 young people. Of these, 58.6% live in villages, while 41.4% in towns.