Moldova faces scrutiny over labor rights violations while holding Council of Europe Presidency
The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has released its 2025 conclusions, revealing significant gaps in how 45 signatory states, including the Republic of Moldova, implement the European Social Charter.
The report highlights that Moldova failed to meet requirements in every category studied. These deficiencies range from excessive working hours and unfair compensation to restricted collective bargaining rights.
Institutional impact and labor gaps
Although the European Social Charter is not a mandatory part of EU law, it serves as a critical benchmark for social standards. It is frequently cited by the European Court of Human Rights to interpret economic and social protections.
The ECSR found that several European nations, including Austria and Germany, still struggle with labor compliance. A primary concern remains the 60-hour work week allowed in certain sectors, which directly threatens worker health and safety.
Gender inequality and union rights
The 2025 report also underscores the persistence of gender pay gaps and the lack of women in senior decision-making roles. Furthermore, member states have failed to strengthen the freedom of association in sectors with traditionally low union participation.
Moldova’s situation is particularly notable as the country currently holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe until May 2026.
The path to compliance
The findings suggest that holding a leadership role within the Council of Europe has not yet translated into domestic alignment with the 1961 Charter, which Moldova ratified in 2001.
To bridge this gap, the ECSR emphasizes the need for states to accept the collective complaints procedure. This mechanism allows NGOs and social partners to report rights violations directly to the Committee.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
