Moldova records 12,000 new jobs; Romania introduces summer student hiring subsidies

Moldova's Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said that 12,251 job seekers were placed in employment in the first months of 2026 through the National Employment Agency's territorial offices. Of those, 3,853 were registered unemployed and 344 were short‑term unemployed. Women accounted for 42.2% of placements and the majority of jobs were in collective, social and personal services (37.8%), followed by agriculture and trade. Minister Natalia Plugaru noted the goal of helping 25,000 people find work in 2026.

In Romania, the National Employment Agency announced that firms hiring pupils or university students during the summer vacation can receive a financial incentive equal to 50% of the social insurance reference index (660 lei) for each eligible contract, for up to 60 working days. The subsidy applies to standard or temporary contracts that do not exceed the vacation period, with specific conditions for young workers and a requirement to conclude a convention with the local employment office.