Romania and Moldova introduce new employment subsidies

Romania has launched the ‘STEP UP – Youth, a Chance for the Future’ project, aimed at supporting NEET individuals (those not in employment, education, or training) aged 16 to 30. According to interim Minister Dragoș Pîslaru, the program provides monthly stability grants for two years to those who secure their first full-time, indefinite employment contract. The payments, which are tax-free, are set at 1,000 lei for the first 12 months and 1,250 lei for the following 12 months, totaling up to 27,000 lei. To qualify, applicants must be registered with the employment agency before hiring and cannot be employed by public institutions or state-controlled companies.

In Moldova, the state is offering subsidies to economic agents that hire unemployed individuals from vulnerable groups. These subsidies can cover up to 80% of the employee's basic salary for a period of six months, provided the employment relationship is maintained for at least 12 months.