The Republic of Moldova is making a significant step in its European integration process by modernizing and aligning its veterinary medicine and food safety study programs with the highest standards of the European Union, with the Technical University of Moldova taking a leading role in this ambitious initiative. Between May 27–30, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FMV) at UTM hosted a group of experts from Germany, who showed particular interest in evaluating the curriculum and offering recommendations to harmonize it with EU requirements. This initiative, supported by the project “Moldovan-German Dialogue on Agricultural Policy” and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, marked a key milestone in the process of curriculum review and modernization.
At UTM, aligning the curriculum with EU standards is a high priority. This process is not just a formality but a strategic investment in the future of higher education in veterinary medicine in Moldova, strongly supported by the university’s leadership and its rector, Professor Viorel Bostan.
The expert team was welcomed by UTM’s Vice-Rector for International Relations and Finance, Dr. Daniela Pojar, who emphasized the importance of international partnerships in driving academic reform.
The German experts conducted an in-depth analysis of FMV’s academic capacities and infrastructure, assessing laboratories, institutes, and specialized teaching facilities, including a thorough review of the current curriculum. Based on these findings, they will propose concrete measures to update the programs and identify key investment needs required to meet European higher education standards in veterinary medicine.
In this context, UTM reaffirms its strong commitment to offering students a top-quality education aligned with European standards. Updating the curricula in veterinary medicine and food safety is crucial for preparing professionals capable of applying EU regulations related to official controls, risk assessment, and risk-based reporting. This modernization is urgently needed and presents a remarkable opportunity for UTM to strengthen its position as a regional center of excellence. By investing in education and research, the university ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to meet global challenges and make a significant contribution to national development and European integration. Education is the force that opens new paths, and veterinary medicine plays a key role in ensuring public health and quality of life. Through this commitment, a future is being built in which academic excellence translates into real impact for society.
Curriculum revision is progressing in parallel with the transposition of the EU acquis into national legislation, ensuring a coherent and integrated approach.
From his perspective, Hans Kordik, team leader of the APD Moldova project, stated that academic modernization within the context of EU integration is a strategic component of the assistance provided by the project. An objective assessment of the current state of veterinary education, including the identification of investment needs, will help facilitate future funding for UTM’s modernization initiatives.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UTM currently has over 400 students, including around 140 international students—a clear reflection of the institution’s appeal and international potential. Interest in veterinary medicine is growing steadily, and curriculum modernization will support the training of highly competitive graduates, capable of ensuring transparent and effective monitoring of food, feed, and animal by-products.
As veterinary medicine is a key component of Chapter 12 in the EU accession negotiations—covering food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy—the initiatives underway at UTM stand as evidence of Moldova’s deep commitment to the European integration process.
