New Committees to Improve Moldova’s Public Services

What problem is being addressed?
The European Union and Moldova need to improve public administration in Moldova so that its institutions are stable, effective, and aligned with EU standards. The current Association Agreement calls for reforms but lacks a dedicated body to coordinate and monitor progress.

How the problem is being solved here?
The Council proposes to create a Public Administration Reform Sub‑Committee (PAR Sub‑Committee) under the Association Agreement.
It also endorses a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) that will bring together the European Committee of the Regions and elected local authorities in Moldova.
Both bodies will discuss reforms, share best practices, and help Moldova meet the Agreement’s goals.

What changes result from this document?

1. PAR Sub‑Committee is established

• Governing rules follow Article 16 of the Association Committee’s Rules of Procedure.
• Its scope can be adjusted by agreement of the parties.
• It will monitor the Public Administration Reform roadmap and advise on alignment with EU norms.

2. JCC is endorsed

• Equal numbers of representatives from the European Committee of the Regions and Moldovan local authorities.
• It will operate independently, set its own rules, and can submit recommendations to the Association Council.
• Meeting costs (travel, staff, organization) are shared by the European Committee of the Regions and the Moldovan government.

3. Decision details

• Adopted by the Association Council on 15 December 2025 (document COM(2025) 756 final).
• Addressed to the European Commission.
• Enters into force on the date of adoption.
• References the Association Agreement that entered into force on 1 July 2016 and several of its articles (3, 4, 47, 107, 140, 436, 439).

Other important information

• The Association Agreement is between the EU, the European Atomic Energy Community, and Moldova.
• The PAR Sub‑Committee and JCC will strengthen dialogue on public administration, local governance, and the implementation of the Agreement.
• The decision is part of the broader effort to support Moldova’s EU integration path and improve governance at all levels.