Moldova will sign social security agreements with Slovakia and Canada in 2026
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova took a significant step in its European integration process by becoming the first candidate country for EU accession to sign an agreement with the European Labour Authority (ELA). Simultaneously, Moldova expanded its network of social security agreements to ensure that Moldovans who have worked legally abroad can access their pension and social benefits rights. This information was shared by Natalia Plugaru, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, in an interview with the Moldpres agency.
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova became the first candidate country for European Union accession to sign a partnership agreement with the European Labour Authority (ELA). This step is considered vital for facilitating labor mobility and aligning with European labor and social protection standards. The announcement was made by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, in an interview with the Moldpres agency.
According to Minister Plugaru, the signing of this agreement represents one of the major achievements of the past year. “The Republic of Moldova is the first candidate country to sign the Agreement with this authority,” she emphasized. The partnership will enable effective information exchange with European countries and provide access to technical assistance and best practices related to labor mobility.
"We are preparing to join a common market where workers can move freely and enjoy the same rights in all European Union member states,” the minister declared.
Another important aspect of the policies promoted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is the social security agreements. These agreements support Moldovans who have worked legally abroad or who have settled in other countries after working in the Republic of Moldova.
Minister Plugaru noted that these agreements allow for the accumulation of social rights obtained in multiple countries. “Individuals can receive their pension from both states, deposited on a bank card in their country of residence,” she said, adding that this mechanism significantly simplifies the lives of beneficiaries. There is no need for individuals to move to other countries; the pension is calculated according to the procedures of the respective country,”* Plugaru added.
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova signed social security agreements with Switzerland and France. For 2026, the authorities aim to finalize similar agreements with Slovakia and Canada. Additionally, negotiations have begun with Ireland, Croatia, and the Canadian province of Quebec.
The Minister of Labor and Social Protection emphasized that expanding the network of agreements remains a constant priority. “Every year, we will strive to sign as many agreements as possible that benefit our citizens,” concluded Natalia Plugaru.
Currently, the Republic of Moldova has signed around 20 social security agreements, the majority of which are with European Union states. Of these, 18 are already implemented for the establishment of pensions and other social benefits.
In the last four years, agreements have come into force with countries with large Moldovan diasporas, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, facilitating access to pensions and other social benefits for thousands of Moldovan workers.
