EU4Youth: Youth Week 2025 unites thousands young Moldovans

On 16 August, Chișinău came alive with energy, creativity, and civic spirit, as more than 5,000 young people and over 70 organisations and public institutions gathered for the 7th edition of the Youth Festival 2025. 

Organised by the National Youth Council of Moldova, together with national and international partners and the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project, the initiative turned International Youth Day into a vibrant series of events, held from 8 to 16 August to showcase youth participation and impact.

The Youth Caravan: Voices from Villages to the Nation

Between 8 and 12 August, the Youth Caravan travelled across the regions, spreading messages of civic participation and youth engagement. In Căușeni, Rezina, and Cimișlia, more than 200 young people took part in NGO fairs, community debates, and festive activities, linking local youth with national organisations. The Caravan served as a strong reminder that every voice – from villages to cities – matters in shaping Moldova’s future.

Edineț: Youth Capital for a Day 

On 12 August, Edineț became Moldova’s Youth Capital, hosting the official celebration of International Youth Day. Youth groups from Chișinău and beyond – over 50 young people and five youth organizations – presented civic, cultural, and educational initiatives. A key highlight was the campaign Vote for Youth, which promoted active democratic participation and introduced the symbolic #YouthReferendum, affirming young people’s right to a voice in decision-making.

An International Dialogue for a European Future 

On 15 August, the spotlight shifted to Chișinău’s Digital Park, where more than 100 participants from Moldova and abroad (Belgium, Romania, Ukraine, Armenia, Germany, and Belarus) joined the International Youth Conference. Interactive sessions explored pressing themes such as European integration, democracy, education, security, and economic development. The discussions highlighted a shared vision: Moldova’s future belongs to an open, European-minded generation.

Festival uniting generations

The week culminated on 16 August with the Youth Festival in central Chișinău, which drew nearly 5,000 visitors. Featuring more than 70 CSOs and institutions, the event offered interactive zones dedicated to democracy, non-formal education, arts and culture, economy, public services, and wellness, alongside concerts, workshops, and exhibitions. It was a celebration of innovation, creativity and community spirit, bringing together different generations of Moldovans.

This landmark week was made possible by the National Youth Council of Moldova, with support from the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project, financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as well as in partnership with the Swiss Government, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Danish Youth Council, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and private sector partners. Official partners included the Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova and the National Agency for Youth Programmes and Activities.