Skytte and University of Tartu part of major Erasmus+ initiative to support Moldova’s EU accession through higher education

The University of Tartu is pleased to announce that the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project “EU-MOLDOVA Master's Programme in European Affairs” (INTEGRA) has been selected for funding, marking a significant step in supporting the Republic of Moldova’s European integration through higher education.

Coordinated by the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), INTEGRA brings together the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, Moldova State University, and three European partner universities: the University of Tartu (Estonia), the University of Padua (Italy), and the University of Strasbourg (France). The three-year project has a total budget of approximately 2 million and aims to strengthen Moldova’s institutional capacity as the country advances on its path towards European Union membership.

Within the consortium, the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu will play a leading role alongside the Universities of Padua and Strasbourg in the academic design and implementation of the programme. The project will directly involve several members of the Skytte Institute, contributing their expertise in European studies, public administration, curriculum development, and innovative teaching methods.

At the heart of INTEGRA is the collaborative design, implementation, and launch of the first nationally institutionalised flagship Master’s programme in European Affairs in Moldova. Delivered in English by Moldovan higher education institutions and including extensive study periods in the partners institutions, the programme is specifically designed to support the country’s EU accession process by educating both future civil servants and young professionals. Beyond providing an internationally competitive academic qualification, the programme is intended to serve as a catalyst for wider reforms in Moldova’s higher education system and to strengthen the country’s administrative capacity for European integration.

The initiative builds on the University of Tartu’s long-standing partnership with Moldova. Over the past years, the Johan Skytte Institute has developed extensive cooperation with Moldovan universities and public institutions through several international initiatives, including projects supported by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). This sustained engagement has contributed to strengthening expertise in European studies, digital competences, and digitalization of teaching activities (including the creation of Moldova’s first fully online course in the field of European integration), creating a strong foundation for the ambitious objectives of INTEGRA.

According to Stefano Braghiroli, Associate Professor of European Studies and Academic Coordinator for the University of Tartu “Moldova’s European future depends not only on political decisions but also on the capacity of its institutions and the expertise of the people working within them. INTEGRA is an investment in both. By bringing together leading European and Moldovan universities, we are helping create a sustainable educational framework that equips current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for successful EU accession and long-term Europeanisation.”-

In the words of Anna Beitane, the Institute’s Head of Digital Education Projects, “INTEGRA gives us a unique opportunity to rethink how European Affairs can be taught in a rapidly changing political environment. Together with our partners, we will develop innovative, learner-centred teaching approaches that combine academic excellence with practical relevance, preparing graduates to address the complex challenges of European governance and public service.”

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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