On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the Council of Europe (13 July 1995), the Pro-European Centre of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova (NLRM) has organised a thematic exhibition running from 20 June to 20 August 2025, highlighting key moments in this European journey.
The exhibition, “30 Years in the Council of Europe: Strengthening Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law” presented in the context of both the anniversary of Moldova’s accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) and the country’s upcoming Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (15 November 2025 – 15 May 2026), comprises 12 thematic sections:
Through documents, publications, photographs, statistical data, testimonies, and information materials from the collections of the NLRM’s Pro-European Centre, the exhibition offers a comprehensive panorama of Moldova’s relationship with the Council of Europe. Visitors have the opportunity to explore how this partnership has contributed to strengthening democracy, protecting human rights, and building the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova.
Key topics include the history of accession, institutional cooperation, the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as reforms supported by the Venice Commission. The exhibition also highlights the Council of Europe’s contribution to democratic reforms, free and fair electoral processes, civic participation, cultural heritage promotion, diversity, and the strengthening of local democracy.
Strategic cooperation priorities between Moldova and the Council of Europe are presented in the broader context of current transformations, including commitments adopted at the Fourth Summit of the Council of Europe. The Reykjavík Declaration and the New Democratic Pact for Europe are among the core documents that define the organisation’s priorities in the face of contemporary challenges, reaffirming the shared commitment to protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova has supported the NLRM’s initiative, providing factsheets with information on the priorities of Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (15 November 2025 – 15 May 2026).
A special section is dedicated to ongoing Council of Europe projects focusing on areas such as justice, civic education, children’s rights, gender equality, and good governance. The publications displayed in the showcases are donated to the NLRM by the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău. Another display spotlights the role of the Council of Europe Development Bank in modernising social infrastructure.
To mark and promote the event, a special video was produced featuring the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Moldova, Falk Lange.
In his message, Mr Lange emphasised that Moldova’s membership in the Council of Europe has been – and remains – a strategic anchor for the country’s democratic development, with the organisation’s support playing a vital role in modernising institutions, protecting citizens’ rights, and aligning with European standards. He invited the public to visit the exhibition and reflect on Moldova’s journey alongside the Council of Europe.
Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=604300429389667
„This exhibition reminds us how it all started, how it is going and how we achieved what we now have: through dialogue, trust, and partnership”
Mr Falk Lange expressed his appreciation to the National Library for its professional and thoughtful organisation, uniting in one space a rich and coherent history of cooperation.
„This exhibition, hosted with care and vision by the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, tells the story of this partnership — through documents, images, and voices from the past and present. It is a story of shared values— democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
„On behalf of the Council of Europe, I thank the National Library for bringing together these materials— and for giving us a space to reflect and to look ahead.”
The exhibition is aimed at a wide audience – young people, students, researchers, public officials, journalists, and diplomats – serving as a platform for information, education, and reflection on the values that connect Moldova to the wider European family.
The event reaffirms that Moldova’s membership in the Council of Europe has been and continues to be a strategic anchor for democratic development and for advancing towards European standards. Exhibition enabled visitors to discover the tangible impact of the Council of Europe’s actions on the lives of Moldovan citizens and to reflect on the country’s European path.
More information: https://t.ly/mp5Ci and https://t.ly/H7D06
Authors – Natalia Gulco, Elena Caraus / the Pro-European Centre of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova
Translated by Natalia Gulco