Moldova boosts cultural voucher scheme after record uptake
The Cultural Voucher programme reached a record of 4,000 young beneficiaries in 2025, and for 2026, it is proposed to increase their number to 5,000 and extend eligibility to young people starting from the age of 16.
Culture Minister of Moldova Cristian Jardan today made statements to this effect at a news conference where he presented the ministry’s 2025 activity report, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
“We have continued the Cultural Voucher programme for the third consecutive year, thanks to which young people aged 18 or those turning 18 receive 1,000 lei to purchase various cultural products—books, tickets to museums, theatres and different cultural events. In 2025, we registered a record figure of 4,000 beneficiaries, and for next year we aim to increase this figure to 5,000 and lower the programme’s eligibility age to 16,” said Cristian Jardan.
The national Cultural Voucher programme was launched in November 2022, following the example of other European countries. The voucher is a non-refundable “digital ticket” worth 1,000 lei, with which holders can go to concerts, theatre performances or the cinema and buy books until the amount is used up, within one year. The voucher can only be used online, in bookstores and on specialized platforms. Young people who have turned 18 and hold a digital signature, required for authentication, are eligible for the cultural voucher.
According to the official, the Culture Ministry has also recorded significant progress in other areas of the cultural sector. They include the development of cultural infrastructure through the restoration and modernization of museums, performance halls and libraries, as well as the promotion of contemporary arts and support for independent creation. In addition, the ministry has continued to organize and support traditional and international events aimed at promoting the cultural identity of Moldova and attracting audiences both in the country and among Moldovan Diaspora communities.
Another important area mentioned by the minister is the strengthening of the legal framework for the protection and registration of cultural heritage, the prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural goods and the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage, including through cooperation with UNESCO. In parallel, the Culture Ministry has invested in enhancing the involvement of young people and the broader public in cultural life through educational programmes, festivals, workshops and special initiatives, such as Cultural Voucher and Access to Culture.
“We are focusing on promoting social cohesion, European values, improving the efficiency of cultural institutions, investing in infrastructure and increasing the welfare of cultural professionals and cultural consumption. We invite the public to attend performances, exhibitions, museums, libraries and other cultural events, because they are becoming better and better and are worth any investment. At the same time, we aim to promote internationally our country’s cultural and tourist offer,” concluded Cristian Jardan.
As reported by CE Report, the minister stressed that all these achievements reflect the state’s constant attention to national culture and the ministry’s commitment to further develop and harness the country’s cultural heritage, maintaining a vibrant, diverse and accessible cultural sector for all citizens.
