The veterinary higher education system in the Republic of Moldova is set to undergo significant modernization through the European project EDUVET. This initiative, under the Erasmus+ KA2 program, aims to integrate European standards into the training of specialists responsible for animal health and food safety.
A launch meeting was held in February, gathering representatives from academic institutions and national authorities. Tatiana Nistorica, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), emphasized that the project’s goals align with the ministry’s priorities. These include animal health and welfare, food safety, public health, and sustainable development of the agro-food sector.
Key Objectives of EDUVET
The EDUVET project focuses on several main directions to elevate veterinary education:
- Modernizing the integrated study program in Veterinary Medicine to meet European requirements.
- Developing continuous training courses in food safety and public health for veterinarians and agro-food professionals.
- Strengthening the One Health approach by promoting an integrated vision of animal, human, and environmental health, in line with EU standards.
The Ministry of Agriculture highlights that these actions will enhance the quality of professional training and ensure that future specialists acquire up-to-date competencies. This will contribute directly to preventing risks related to public health and food safety within Moldova.
International Consortium and Collaborative Efforts
The Technical University of Moldova (UTM) coordinates the EDUVET project and oversees the implementation of veterinary medicine study programs. The initiative involves a consortium of universities and partners from Spain, Slovenia, Romania, along with academic and research institutions from Moldova itself.
Such international cooperation enables the exchange of best practices, adoption of modern teaching methodologies, and creation of training programs tailored to global standards. This collaborative approach aims to raise Moldova’s profile in veterinary education and food safety on the European and international stage.
Aligning Education with Sustainable Agro-Food Development
Through EDUVET, Moldova’s veterinary education system aligns itself with European norms and prepares specialists equipped to safeguard animal health, ensure food safety, and protect public health. These improvements are expected to support the sustainable development of the national agro-food sector, reflecting a comprehensive, One Health perspective that benefits society and the environment alike.
