Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova

EU Legislative Interests

The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) aligns its institutional development, research, and international cooperation with the key European Union policy frameworks and legislative initiatives in higher education, research, innovation, and digital transformation. As Moldova’s leading public higher education institution with an economic and business profile, ASEM actively supports the objectives of the European Education Area (EEA) and the European Research Area (ERA), both of which aim to strengthen academic excellence, inclusiveness, mobility, and the integration of education, research, and innovation across Europe. In this context, ASEM contributes to the implementation of EU policies promoting modernisation of higher education, open and responsible research, and digital transformation, with particular attention to the principles of quality, transparency, and international cooperation. ASEM’s activities are closely guided by the Council Recommendation on Building Bridges for Effective European Higher Education Cooperation (2022/C 160/01) and the European Strategy for Universities (COM/2022/16), which call for deeper transnational cooperation and the creation of shared European values in academia. The university also follows the priorities established in the Council Recommendation on a European Framework for Comprehensive and Sustainable Digital Education (2023/C 75/01) and the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 (COM/2020/624). These frameworks inform one of the strategic priorities within ASEM’s Institutional Development Strategy 2023–2027, which identifies digitalization of education, research, and university management processes as a key driver for quality, accessibility, and innovation in the Moldovan higher education system. In the field of research and innovation, ASEM supports the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2022–2024 and contributes to the advancement of the Open Science movement, in line with the Council Conclusions on Research Assessment and Open Science (2022/C 413/01) and the development of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). Through participation in European cooperation projects, ASEM promotes open access, transparent research evaluation, and integration into European networks of excellence, thereby fostering cross-border collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. ASEM also aligns with the European Skills Agenda (COM/2020/274) and the Council Recommendation on Micro-credentials for Lifelong Learning and Employability (2022/C 243/02), supporting the development of entrepreneurial, digital, and green competences that enhance employability and innovation potential among students and graduates. Its engagement in Erasmus+ CBHE and mobility projects further reflects commitment to the Council Recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (2017/C 189/03) and the Council Recommendation on Quality Assurance in Education and Training (2020/C 193/01), which promote mutual recognition of qualifications and institutional transparency. Additionally, ASEM’s educational and research priorities are consistent with the broader objectives of the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640) and the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan (COM/2021/102), emphasizing sustainability, equality, and inclusion as cross-cutting principles of its academic mission. The institution fosters digital citizenship and ethical leadership among students, in accordance with the European Democracy Action Plan (COM/2020/790) and the Digital Europe Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/694). Through these efforts, ASEM contributes to the implementation of EU education, research, and innovation policies, supporting Moldova’s alignment with European standards and its gradual integration into the European Higher Education and Research Areas, while advancing a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and digitally empowered academic development.

Communication Activities

The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova actively promotes the visibility, dissemination, and sustainability of EU-funded initiatives in higher education and research through a broad range of communication, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement activities. All communication efforts are directly aligned with the priorities of the European Education Area, the European Research Area, and the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027, ensuring that EU values and policies are widely understood and implemented at institutional and national levels. ASEM uses its public platforms, academic conferences, policy workshops, and online channels to inform and engage students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public about European education and research developments, digital transformation, open science, and graduate employability. In the framework of ongoing Erasmus+ CBHE projects, ASEM implements extensive communication activities to promote EU policy priorities and cooperation models. Within the UPGRADE project (Enhancing Graduates’ Employability Tracking in Moldova, 2023–2026), where ASEM involved as coordinator and leads national dissemination and consultation events dedicated to the modernization of graduate tracking systems and evidence-based policy in higher education. These events bring together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, universities, employers, and students, fostering dialogue in line with the European Skills Agenda and the Council Recommendation on Graduate Tracking (2017/C 423/01). Similarly, under the Skills4Future project, ASEM engages in communication campaigns that emphasize the development of green, digital, and entrepreneurial skills, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal and the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) at university and community levels. ASEM’s previous coordination of successful Erasmus+ CBHE projects has also generated significant structural and national impact. The ELEVATE project (2017–2020), focused on the internationalization of higher education, led to the development of institutional strategies, training programs, and awareness campaigns that supported Moldova’s integration into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Through a series of national conferences, public lectures, and policy roundtables, ELEVATE enhanced understanding of EU mobility instruments, quality assurance principles, and the role of universities in international cooperation. The MINERVA project (2020–2023) played a key role in strengthening the institutional and national ecosystem for Open Science, supporting the implementation of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and promoting open access to research results. ASEM organized awareness weeks, training workshops, and national policy dialogues in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research, thus contributing to the national roadmap for Open Science adoption in Moldova. Similarly, the COMPASS project (2019–2022) advanced the principles of lifelong learning and digital transformation in higher education, in line with the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways (2016/C 484/01) and the European Skills Agenda (COM/2020/274). Through information campaigns, teacher training programs, and dissemination events, ASEM strengthened institutional capacity to design flexible learning pathways and promote adult education as a driver of economic and social inclusion. In addition to project-specific initiatives, ASEM regularly organizes public conferences, research dissemination events, press releases, and student engagement campaigns dedicated to EU topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. All events and publications adhere to the Erasmus+ visibility guidelines and contribute to enhancing the public understanding of European cooperation in higher education. Through these comprehensive communication activities, ASEM acts as a national multiplier of EU values.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) is an active member of several national, regional, and international organisations and networks that promote academic excellence, research cooperation, and institutional development in accordance with the principles of the European Education Area (EEA) and the European Research Area (ERA). ASEM collaborates with a wide range of governmental, academic, and professional bodies to advance quality education, open science, internationalisation, and digital transformation. At the national level, ASEM is a member of the Council of Rectors of the Republic of Moldova and cooperates closely with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova in shaping higher education policy and implementing reforms consistent with European standards. The Academy also works with the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (ANACEC) to ensure compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG 2015) and to strengthen its internal quality management systems. At the international level, ASEM is a full member of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), one of the largest global university networks promoting education and research in the French language and supporting innovation, employability, and scientific cooperation across Europe and beyond. This membership allows ASEM to participate in Francophone academic programmes, digital transformation initiatives, and regional policy discussions in higher education. Beyond formal memberships, ASEM maintains active cooperation and participation in activities organised by regional and European academic networks, such as the Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN), the Baltic University Programme (BUP), and the Eurasia Universities Union (EURAS), through joint events, training, and project-based collaboration. ASEM has established over 80 bilateral cooperation agreements with universities and research institutions from 17 European and partner countries. These agreements underpin student and staff mobility, joint research, double-degree programmes, and the exchange of good practices. The Academy has also developed strong institutional affiliations through its coordination and participation in more than 20 EU-funded projects, including UPGRADE, COOPERA, Skills4Future, ELEVATE, COMPASS, MINERVA, which have created sustainable thematic and policy networks in the fields of internationalisation, lifelong learning, open science, employability, and digital transformation. ASEM continues to collaborate with numerous European universities and organisations to ensure the long-term impact of these initiatives. Additionally, ASEM engages with professional and academic associations such as the European Association for International Education (EAIE) and participates in Erasmus+ communities of practice and regional policy platforms. It also cooperates with international institutions such as the World Bank, the OECD, and the European Training Foundation (ETF) on higher education governance, skills development, and employability initiatives.

Organisation Members

The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) is a public higher education and research institution composed of several academic and administrative structures that implement its mission in education, research, and innovation. ASEM includes six faculties: Business Management and Administration; Finance; Accounting; International Economic Relations; Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics; and General Economy and Law. It also comprises the Master School of Excellence in Economics and Business, the Doctoral School in Economic Sciences, and the Doctoral School in Law, Political and Administrative Sciences, ensuring continuity from undergraduate to doctoral education. An integral part of the ASEM structure is the ASEM College of Trade, which provides undergraduate and vocational education aligned with labour market needs and national qualification frameworks. In addition, the National Institute for Economic Research (INCE) operates under ASEM, serving as the university’s principal research entity and contributing to the development of national economic policy and applied scientific studies. ASEM also hosts internal governance and community bodies such as the Senate, Council of Rectors, Student Senate, and Trade Union Committee, which ensure participatory decision-making and academic self-governance.

Additional Information

The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) is a public higher education and research institution, financed primarily through state budget allocations provided by the Government of the Republic of Moldova via the Ministry of Education and Research. These public funds ensure the operation of educational, research, and administrative activities, representing the largest share of ASEM’s annual institutional budget. In addition to national funding, ASEM receives project-based grants from the European Union, particularly through the Erasmus+ Programme – Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), and other international cooperation frameworks. ASEM’s financial management is conducted under national public sector accounting and auditing rules, ensuring transparency and compliance with Moldovan legislation and EU grant requirements. The university does not engage in commercial lobbying, consultancy, or profit-oriented activities. Its EU-related engagement is carried out by employed academic and administrative staff, none of whom are unpaid or pro-bono representatives. Financial operations related to EU projects are fully integrated into ASEM’s institutional accounts and are subject to both internal and external audits. The financial figures reported in this declaration reflect ASEM’s entire institutional activity, including public funding, tuition revenues, and international grants, as part of its mission to strengthen education, research, and international cooperation in line with the European Education Area and European Research Area objectives.