As part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Technical University of Moldova, the National Councils of Rectors from Romania and the Republic of Moldova marked a historic achievement on September 13, 2024, with the signing of a joint resolution in the heart of Chișinău. This resolution goes beyond academic collaboration—it stands as a symbol of the strong commitment to Moldova’s integration into the European Union and alignment with European educational and research standards. By uniting their efforts, Romania and Moldova are building solid bridges between their universities, providing students and researchers with a European platform for collaboration, innovation, and mobility.
This resolution symbolizes the unwavering dedication of both countries to deepening academic and research partnerships, laying the foundation for future generations of students and researchers to drive regional and European development.
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCILS OF RECTORS OF ROMANIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
Chișinău, September 13, 2024
In recognition of the shared language, culture, history, traditions, and values, the National Councils of Rectors from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, gathered in Chișinău on September 13, 2024, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Technical University of Moldova, hereby adopt the following resolution:
1. The National Councils of Rectors of Romania and the Republic of Moldova fully support Moldova’s European path and will actively collaborate to assist Moldova’s accession to the European Union.
2. In this context, the National Council of Rectors of Romania will take all necessary steps to support the Moldovan Rectors’ Council in becoming a full member of the European University Association (EUA) and other European associative structures.
3. The Romanian National Council of Rectors and Romanian universities will work to support the integration of Moldovan universities into the European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area (ERA), as well as other relevant European structures. The institutions of higher education in both countries will collaborate in implementing the commitments made under the Bologna Process.
4. Romanian universities, members of European university alliances, will initiate discussions and negotiations with European alliance members to include Moldovan universities in these alliances.
5. To enhance the internationalization of Moldovan universities, Romanian universities and the National Council of Rectors of Romania will support the participation of Moldovan universities in European programs dedicated to higher education.
6. The National Councils of Rectors of Romania and Moldova urge the governments of both countries to support the universities’ efforts to participate in joint programs and projects in education, research, and internationalization, as well as to support mobility for students, faculty, and researchers from both countries’ universities.
7. Romanian universities will grant Moldovan universities access to their teaching and research infrastructure to improve the performance of Moldovan research teams.
8. Considering the fundamental values of higher education promoted by the Bologna Process, the Romanian National Council of Rectors supports strengthening the autonomy of universities in Moldova.
In this regard, the Romanian National Council of Rectors calls on Moldovan authorities to accelerate and broaden the reform process so that Moldovan universities can benefit from real university autonomy (in governance, organization, financial matters, and staffing) and that academic freedom is strengthened for the benefit of both academic communities and Moldovan society as a whole.
9. The Romanian National Council of Rectors has granted permanent invitee status to the leadership of the Moldovan Rectors’ Council at its meetings.
Romanian National Council of Rectors, President Sorin Mihai Câmpeanu
Moldovan Rectors’ Council, President Emil Ceban
Secretary General of the Romanian National Council of Rectors, Mihnea Costoiu
