Council of Europe organised a round table on the development of the national network for the integration of not in employment, education, and training (NEET) youth into the vocational education and training system by creating new opportunities and possibilities.

The round table brought together representatives from 8 vocational education and training institutions, beneficiaries of the project, representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Employment Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Youth Council of Moldova and the National Agency for the Development of Youth Programs and Activities.

The round table represents a pivotal step towards ensuring equal opportunities for NEET youth to access the vocational education and training system. The objectives of the round table envisage a detailed analysis of the current situation of NEET youth, identifying their challenges, interests, and opportunities in accessing the vocational education and training system.

Among the topics of discussion was also the identification of needs for human, educational, financial, and promotional resources necessary for an effective integration of NEET youth in the vocational education and training system. Participants acknowledged the importance of developing collaborative strategies and partnerships to overcome identified barriers and to support NEET youth in accessing the opportunities offered by the vocational education and training system. At the end of the round table, a roadmap with concrete actions on the creation and capacity building of the National Network for the integration of NEET youth in the vocational education and training system was conceptualised.

The event is organized within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024, and the project "Enhancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova" which is co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency and the Council of Europe.