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New school abroad in Moldova as a signal to the Kremlin

Moldova's Education Minister Dan Perciun, Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP), Carmen Goby (Vice President of the Austrian Economic Chamber), Peter Koren (Vice Secretary General of the Federation of Austrian Industries) from left to right.(Bild: [e-mail])

Domestic education as an export for the landlocked Eastern European state of Moldova. However, the focus of Education Minister Martin Polaschek's (ÖVP) trip is not just the shortage of skilled workers.

In Chişinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) and his counterpart Dan Perciun broke ground for a new Austrian school abroad - the eighth in the world. By September 2025, a higher technical college (HTL) with a focus on electronics and computer engineering is to be built there. Teaching will be primarily in German and based on an adapted Austrian curriculum.

Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) at the site of the new Austrian school abroad in the Moldovan capital Chişinău(Bild: [e-mail])

"This is a forward-looking step because we are investing in the country's youth," said Minister Polaschek happily. The project, in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), is intended to strengthen both business locations, but also contribute to the shortage of skilled workers.

There are good economic relations with Moldova. Around 30 companies are currently active there, primarily in the banking and insurance sectors. With an investment of 96 million euros, Austria is one of the top 10 countries.

However, it can also be seen as a clear signal to the Russian ruler in the Kremlin. Just a few days ago, Russia once again made dangerous attempts at intimidation.

The pro-Russian separatists in the breakaway region of Transnistria asked for Russia's "protection". Moscow emphasized that the safety of the inhabitants there was the "top priority". Moldova, bordered by Ukraine to the east and Romania to the west, has been a candidate for EU membership since June 2022. Concerns about a new war front in the Eastern European country are currently high.

Christoph Engelmaier, Chişinău (Moldova)