Keystone Moldova, in partnership with the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), organised a regional forum dedicated to the opportunities and impact of the European Union enlargement on the deinstitutionalisation of people with disabilities and the development of human rights-based social services in the candidate countries.

The event brought together representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, members of the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), representatives of central public authorities, people with disabilities/survivors of institutionalisation and leaders of civil society organisations.

In the context of EU enlargement and the process of Moldova's accession to the EU, new opportunities for co-operation between authorities and NGOs have emerged. Civil society needs to be a partner of the government for policy alignment, fundraising and technical assistance, as the EU provides a solid framework for meaningful and sustainable reforms.

During the event, Ludmila Malcoci, Executive Director of Keystone Moldova, highlighted the progress made in the field of social inclusion and spoke about the barriers and opportunities for deinstitutionalization and community living for people with disabilities. "Through this event we aim to: explore how we can develop person-centered community support services, identify the unique challenges Moldova faces in transitioning from institutional care to community-based services, and explore strategies for collaboration in the accession negotiations process that could help us ensure sustainable social reforms."

David Buerstedde, representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, emphasised the EU's commitment to social inclusion: "Enlargement is an opportunity for positive change throughout society. For the EU, this means working closely with the Moldovan authorities and civil society in support of a rights-based approach that prioritizes deinstitutionalization and inclusion as major human rights issues. Making further progress on these issues is a condition for accession, so let's work together on this with confidence and determination."

Diana Zgherea, a survivor of institutionalisation, shared her personal experience: "In the institution they limited my choices and stole my childhood. In the institution I was afraid to speak out, the law didn't protect me and no one took any notice of me. Since living in the community, I am in control of my life, I have all my rights, I am seen with respect and dignity. Since I've been living in the community, I don't only think about myself, I also think about the 2000 other people who stayed in the institutions. I want to change their lives too!"

Agapi Papadaki, EASPD Council member, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration: "Exchange of experience and best practices between EU candidate and EU member countries is essential to build sustainable support systems. The Republic of Moldova's path towards EU accession is marked by significant progress in the respect of human rights and the deinstitutionalization process. After obtaining candidate country status in 2022, Moldova is working intensively to achieve the objective of accession by 2030, aligning its national legislation with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is essential to ensure that people benefit from conditions that allow them to thrive outside institutions, reflecting European values of inclusion and human dignity."

Accession to the EU offers Moldova a unique opportunity to advance its deinstitutionalisation efforts and create a care and support system that respects the dignity, autonomy and rights of people in vulnerable situations. This alignment will enhance social cohesion, promote equality and Moldova's commitment to European values.