• MEPs condemn repeated technical, organisational and procedural faults in EPSO’s selection procedures

• Urge EPSO to review testing methods and reintroduce certified on-site facilities

• Digital technology and AI tools must always remain under human oversight

On Thursday, MEPs adopted a resolution calling for urgent measures to restore integrity, transparency and credibility of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO).

In a resolution adopted on Thursday by show of hands, MEPs strongly condemn the repeated technical, organisational and procedural failures that have affected EPSO selection procedures, causing reputational damage to the EU civil service and distress to affected candidates.

Unreliable remote testing

Since the introduction of remote testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, EPSO’s selection procedures have been marked by repeated platform deficiencies and inconsistent communication to candidates on technical issues. MEPs call on the Commission to conduct an independent assessment of EPSO’s management, IT systems, outsourcing practices to external contractors, and handling of candidates’ complaints.

They urge EPSO to restore certified on-site test facilities, which have previously proven reliable, and to offer them as an alternative to remote testing. MEPs also warn that full reliance on computer-based exams risks creating new forms of discrimination linked to varying levels of digital proficiency.

Parliament rejects any attempt to automate procedures that affect candidates’ fundamental rights and urges EPSO to review its testing methods to ensure that all digital technology and AI tools are subject to continuous human oversight.

Candidates’ selection and feedback

Recognising the negative impact of EPSO’s mismanagement on candidates’ psychological well-being and financial situation, MEPs ask the Commission to find appropriate solutions, including retesting, for all those affected by test cancellation, IT issues or technical delays.

The resolution also criticises the current system, which requires candidates to pass generic computer-based tests before demonstrating subject-specific knowledge. MEPs warn this may exclude qualified candidates for specific posts within the EU institutions.

The increased reliance of temporary staff and contract is a direct consequence of EPSO’s inefficiency, MEPs argue, and urgent measures are needed to reverse this trend and guarantee dignified and secure working conditions within the EU.

Quote

“The aim of this resolution is to contribute constructively to restoring trust and ensure equal and fair opportunities for all EU citizens in the recruitment processes. We call for greater transparency, clear communication, more technological solutions and stronger guarantees for candidates, including those with disabilities and special needs. Every candidate must be able to demonstrate their abilities under fair and stable conditions,” said Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, PL), Petitions’ Committee Chair, during the plenary debate.

Background

EPSO is the body responsible for selecting staff for EU institutions, bodies and agencies. In several enquiries, the European Ombudsman concluded that EPSO committed maladministration in its handling of cases concerning remote testing procedures, platform deficiencies and inconsistent communication regarding technical issues.Between 2019 and 2023, 35% fewer EPSO competitions were launched and 38% fewer were completed compared to the previous five years. During the same time frame, the number of temporary staff employed in permanent post as increased significantly - 192% increase at the Commission, 256% in the Council and 89% in Parliament.

In occasione della  giornata internazionale che si celebra il 3 dicembre, gli organismi di garanzia richiamano l’attenzione sulle barriere che limitano la piena partecipazione alle persone con disabilità in tutti gli ambiti della vita: l’accessibilità è un diritto umano.

Il 3 dicembre si celebra in tutto il mondo la Giornata internazionale delle persone con disabilità, istituita dalle Nazioni Unite. Essa richiama l’attenzione sulla necessità di eliminare le barriere e garantire la piena partecipazione delle persone con disabilità in tutti gli ambiti della vita.

Anche in Alto Adige permangono significative barriere che limitano l’accesso nella vita quotidiana. Gli organismi di garanzia – la Consigliera di parità in qualità di Presidente dell’Osservatorio provinciale sui diritti delle persone con disabilità, la Difesa civica, il Centro di tutela contro le discriminazioni e la Garante per l’infanzia e l’adolescenza – segnalano che le stazioni ferroviarie e le strutture sanitarie non sono ancora sufficientemente accessibili.

Numerose stazioni sono prive di ascensori funzionanti o di marciapiedi rialzati e accessibili. In alcune strutture sanitarie, le porte girevoli ostacolano l'accesso alle persone con limitazioni permanenti o temporanee. Ciò comporta una notevole limitazione nell'accesso a servizi essenziali.

Le richieste degli organismi di garanzia:

• Ascensori funzionanti in tutte le stazioni ferroviarie
  È necessario garantire quanto prima un accesso senza barriere ai mezzi di trasporto pubblico in tutto il territorio provinciale.
• Ingressi accessibili nelle strutture sanitarie
  Le porte girevoli devono essere sostituite con soluzioni alternative idonee che permettano a tutte le persone un accesso sicuro e autonomo.

Dichiarazioni degli Organismi di garanzia

Brigitte Hofer, Presidente dell’Osservatorio provinciale sui diritti delle persone con disabilità: "L’accessibilità è un diritto umano ancorato nella Convenzione ONU sui diritti delle persone con disabilità. Chiediamo l’attuazione rapida delle misure necessarie affinché tutte le persone con disabilità in Alto Adige possano muoversi senza limitazioni e avere pari accesso ai servizi sanitari".
Priska Garbin, Responsabile del Centro di tutela contro le discriminazioni: "Un accesso paritario ai servizi pubblici non è una questione di buona volontà, ma un obbligo di legge".
Difensora civica Veronika Meyer, Difensora civica:  "Strutture e servizi sanitari devono essere accessibili senza barriere a tutte le pazienti e i pazienti, comprese persone con limitazioni motorie, e devono essere raggiungibili in modo affidabile con i mezzi di trasporto pubblico".
Daniela Höller, Garante per l’Infanzia e l’Adolescenza: "L’accessibilità è essenziale per la partecipazione sociale di bambini e giovani con disabilità. Si tratta di un loro diritto profondamente radicato che garantisce loro una mobilità affidabile e sicura, nonché un accesso equo a tutte le prestazioni sanitarie".

Passi condivisi

Gli organismi di garanzia hanno già trasmesso ufficialmente le loro richieste a RFI e ai competenti distretti sanitari e attendono le rispettive risposte nelle prossime settimane.

"Confidiamo che vengano avviati a breve miglioramenti concreti – nel segno delle pari opportunità, dell’autodeterminazione e dell’inclusione in Alto Adige”.

Der frühere Bundespräsident wird für seinen jahrzehntelangen Einsatz für Freiheit, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit gewürdigt. Gauck sei „eine der bedeutsamsten Stimmen in der deutschen Geschichte und Gegenwart“, erklärt Landtagspräsidentin Muhterem Aras in ihrer Laudatio. Und weiter: „Zur Freiheit Ja zu sagen, sie nicht nur zu wollen, sondern auch zu leben: Dazu laden Sie uns ein. Sie verstehen die Ohnmachtsgefühle, die viele empfinden. Aber erinnern daran, dass es in der Demokratie keine Ohnmächtigen gibt. Macht kommt von Machen. Von der Möglichkeit des Mitgestaltens. Darin besteht ja der Sinn von Demokratien!“

Ahmad Mansour erhielt die Auszeichnung für sein außergewöhnliches Engagement gegen Radikalisierung, Antisemitismus und Unterdrückung – und für sein Wirken als Brückenbauer für ein friedliches Zusammenleben. Der Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Preis, gestiftet 1984 von der heutigen Mercedes-Benz Group AG ehrt Persönlichkeiten, die sich für Freiheit, Demokratie und soziale Verantwortung stark machen – und damit unsere Gesellschaft jeden Tag ein Stück stärker und menschlicher gestalten.

Human rights are increasingly marginalized worldwide, as economic pressures, market competition, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing war in Ukraine intensify their impact in the Republic of Moldova as well. At a time when the economy develops, and the country’s path toward the European Union requires clearer standards, both the state and the business sector must take genuine responsibility for protecting fundamental rights.

For the first time in Moldova, a comprehensive national assessment of the impact of economic activities on human rights has been carried out at the initiative of Ombudsman Ceslav Panico. The study was launched on November 26, 2025, in the presence of representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society. The initiative is a consequence of increasing concerns about human rights violations in the economic area, the absence of a legal framework on business due diligence, and the urgent necessity to align the Republic of Moldova with European and international standards.

“We cannot speak of sustainable development without responsibility in business. Moldova needs not only investors and companies that grow their business at any cost and contribute to the budget, but above all, responsible economic stakeholders who assume obligations, costs, and due diligence to protect workers and the environment, respect community interests, promote gender equality, prevent workplace harassment, and help combat corruption and undeclared/under-declared labor. While companies create jobs and drive the economy, they can also generate significant risks to human rights if there are no clear rules, effective control, and adequate state support meant to guide and encourage the business environment to assume these responsibilities,” stated the People’s Advocate Ceslav Panico.

At the launch event, Alexandru Iacub, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, confirmed the State Chancellery’s support, noting that the study aligns with the Government’s activity plan and that its recommendations would consolidate responsible practices nationwide. 

Søren Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark, emphasized the importance of this evaluation for Moldova’s European path, pointing out that Denmark’s experience shows business responsibility and respect for human rights are not optional – they are prerequisites for a modern, competitive economy.

The study highlights that Moldova’s Constitution and national legislation provide a solid foundation for human rights protection, but integration of these principles into business practices remains inconsistent. The assessment aims to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities so that public policies can be adjusted in the interest of people and communities.

The analysis focused on key sectors of the economy – agriculture, construction, HoReCa, the IT sector, state enterprises, and public procurement, as well as business and human rights in the Transnistrian region, highlighting systemic problems that require quick and coordinated interventions.

The assessment examines the extent to which the legal and institutional framework, as well as current practices, are aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), structured around three pillars: the state’s duty to protect human rights, the responsibility of companies to respect them, and access to effective remedies.

The study was developed by the People’s Advocate Office (PAO) in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights under the 2024 – 2025 Memorandum of Understanding. It was published with financial support from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Main findings of the Study:

1. The law framework is mostly aligned with international standards, but its implementation is still fragmented

Moldova’s Constitution and national legislation provide a solid foundation for human rights protection. However, integration of these principles into business practices is inconsistent. Sectoral policies systematically do not include human rights obligations, leading to gaps in protecting rights holders, especially in areas such as the environment, investment, and public procurement.

2. Human rights due diligence is missing from legislation, and practices are underdeveloped

Moldova lacks a legal framework requiring companies to conduct human rights due diligence. Small and medium‑sized enterprises – representing more than 99 percent of all companies – do not have the capacity to identify and prevent risks in the human rights area. The increase in the number of foreign‑owned enterprises presents opportunities but also highlights the urgent need for a modern regulatory framework in this area.  

3. Remedy mechanisms exist, but their effectiveness is limited 

Civil, criminal, labor, and administrative laws establish accountability for companies, yet effective access to remedies is still a challenge. Costs, geographic distances, and institutional barriers reduce people’s chances of obtaining efficient remedies in cases of abuse. Extrajudicial mechanisms are useful but remain underutilized. 

4. High‑risk economic sectors

Agriculture, construction, and HoReCa are marked by informal labor and precarious conditions. The expanding IT sector faces risks related to outsourcing and unstable contracts. State enterprises have not fully integrated sustainability and corporate responsibility standards. 

Public procurement sector – valued at 13.32 billion lei in 2024 – lacks clear requirements for human rights compliance of economic agents, despite major risks such as forced labor, trafficking, discrimination, and unsafe conditions. 

Day workers remain among the most vulnerable, with incomes below subsistence levels even under maximum legal working hours.  

5. The conflict‑affected region is still a major challenge 

In Transnistria, the absence of a functional protection framework exposes companies and workers to high risks of abuse, including discrimination and exclusion.  

At the EU level, promoting human rights in business is a priority. The new EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence marks a decisive step forward. Aligning the Republic of Moldova with these developments is crucial for EU accession and for strengthening economic transparency.  

The study formulates 47 recommendations, most harmonized with EU standards, directed at authorities, oversight institutions, businesses, and civil society. These recommendations aim to strengthen the legal and institutional framework, reduce informal labor, advance equality, combat discrimination, and protect the right to a healthy environment.  

To ensure implementation, Ombudsman Ceslav Panico proposes the creation in 2026 of a Working Group or Council, bringing together government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. This body will initiate discussions on the recommendations and, most importantly, begin drafting the first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova. Similar plans already exist in many European countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Czechia, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Ukraine. For Moldova, this step is essential to modernize the economic environment and safeguard the rights of all people.  

You can access the full study via the following link: https://ombudsman.md/en/national-baseline-assessment-on-business-and-human-rights-in-the-republic-of-moldova-2/