UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES IN THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

The European integration of higher education in the Republic of Moldova involves not only harmonizing the regulatory and institutional framework, but also adapting university governance mechanisms to new European priorities, including those regarding sustainable development. The article analyzes the relationship between university governance and the integration of sustainability principles in the context of the transformations determined by the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European Higher Education Area. The research is based on the analysis of European and national strategic documents, the regulatory framework and policies in the field of higher education, aiming to identify the main institutional challenges and mechanisms for implementing sustainable development objectives at the university level. At the same time, the role of international cooperation and European projects in supporting institutional changes is highlighted, with the Erasmus+ RE-GRAD project being mentioned as an example of promoting green and digital skills and educational practices oriented towards sustainability.