Skytte Institute and Moldova State University Launched the Country’s First MOOC: “Moldova and EU Integration”

The Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, in collaboration with the Faculty of International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration (FRISPA) at Moldova State University, has developed the first-ever Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by a Moldovan university. The course attracted more than 300 participants, primarily from Moldovan higher education institutions, public institutions, and governmental agencies.

The MOOC “Moldova and EU integration” is designed for learners affiliated with Moldovan higher education institutions who are interested in regional studies, European Union affairs, EU enlargement, and EU–Moldova relations. It is particularly suited for master’s students and advanced bachelor’s students but is also open to working professionals and the wider public in Moldova.

The programme introduces participants to the foundational aspects of the European Union (EU) and Moldova’s path toward EU integration.

The course takes place fully online in the Moodle learning environment of the University of Tartu. Video lectures are pre-recorded and complemented by e-learning materials, discussions, and assignments.

The MOOC is divided into four thematic modules:

• Module 1. EU Enlargement Process – an overview of the EU enlargement process and how new member states join the Union.
• Module 2. EU Institutions and Their Role in Enlargement – the responsibilities of EU institutions such as the Commission, Council, and Parliament in evaluating and approving accession.
• Module 3. EU–Moldova Relations – the political, economic, and social dimensions of Moldova’s relations with the EU.
• Module 4. Moldova’s Path Toward EU Integration: Lessons from Estonia – an in-depth look at Moldova’s integration trajectory, with parallels to Estonia’s EU accession experience.

Anna Beitane, the course instructor and MOOC coordinator, highlighted the broader significance of the programme for Moldova’s society: “This course plays an important role in raising awareness about the EU enlargement process and Moldova’s path toward integration. By engaging students, professionals, and the wider public, it helps to build knowledge and critical understanding that are essential for Moldova’s European future. In this way, the course contributes to preparing the next generation of informed leaders who will shape and support the country’s integration into the European Union.”

For further information about the training, please contact Anna Beitane (Head of Digital Education Projects, [email protected])

The project is supported by ESTDEV - Estonian Centre for International Development

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