Moldova celebrates Council of Europe anniversary

The Republic of Moldova is marking 31 years since joining the Council of Europe, a milestone that marked an important step in the country's democratic development and reaffirmed its commitment to the core European values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moldova became a full member of the Council of Europe on July 13, 1995. Membership represented a key stage in strengthening the country's democratic institutions and aligning its governance with European standards, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

"Joining the organization on July 13, 1995, was a defining moment in our country's democratic journey and confirmed our firm commitment to the fundamental values that unite us: democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," the ministry said in a statement.

Marking the anniversary, the European Union Delegation to Moldova said the country's 31 years of membership reflect its enduring commitment to the shared European values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The delegation noted that cooperation with the Council of Europe has played an important role in modernizing state institutions, strengthening the judiciary, and protecting fundamental freedoms.

"Today, the Council of Europe's standards and recommendations continue to serve as an important guide for Moldova's reforms and its closer alignment with European values and practices," the delegation said.

Moldova participates in numerous Council of Europe mechanisms, whose recommendations have contributed to judicial reform, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting citizens' rights.

The Council of Europe, Europe's leading human rights organization, currently has 46 member states, all of which are parties to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Moldova became the 36th member state of the Council of Europe by signing its accession documents in Strasbourg on July 13, 1995. It was the first country from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to join the organization, committing itself to uphold the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Since then, Moldova has acceded to more than 100 Council of Europe treaties. The strategic framework guiding cooperation is the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova. On February 12, 2025, the 2025–2028 Action Plan—the fourth program of its kind—was launched in Chișinău to support democratic reforms.

A key component of the new Action Plan is assisting Moldova's institutions in fulfilling commitments related to the country's European Union accession process.

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