Institutional Evolution of USPEE “Constantin Stere”
In the constellation of higher education institutions in the Republic of Moldova, a new academic entity emerged on July 28, 1997: the Institute for Political Studies and International Relations (ISPRI). Founded by Professor Platon Fruntașu, PhD, Associate Professor and a distinguished promoter of university education, ISPRI was established with a clear mission—to cultivate a new generation of researchers, public officials, and opinion leaders capable of guiding Moldova’s transition toward a democratic and European-oriented society. Since 1999, Associate Professor Nicolae Laiu, PhD, joined as co-founder, contributing to the academic and institutional development of the Institute.
In its early years, ISPRI operated with two faculties: the Faculty of Political Studies (specialising in Politics and Legal Training) and the Faculty of International Relations. Academic chairs in Political and Legal Studies, International Relations, and Applied Foreign Languages were established, laying the foundation for interdisciplinary development. In response to Moldova’s European aspirations, American Studies and European Studies were introduced in 2001, expanding the international dimension of the curriculum. Short-term and executive programmes launched in 2001–2002 were particularly востребված among public officials and policymakers, and the institution became known for preparing parliamentarians and government leaders.
On January 18, 2007, ISPRI was reorganised into the University of European Political and Economic Studies (USPEE) and officially registered under MD 0058965. This transformation marked not merely a change of name but a strategic modernization aligned with the Bologna Process and European Higher Education Area standards. Governance, academic quality assurance, and programme structures were reformed to respond to labour market demands and Moldova’s international commitments.
In 2008, the composition of the co-founders evolved, and Professor Gheorghe Avornic later assumed a central leadership role. From 2009 onward, USPEE consolidated its activity at its central campus located at 200 Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard in Chișinău. During this period, the Faculty of Law was established and licensed, and the University was authorised to offer Master’s (Cycle II) programmes in areas including Business Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Public Law, and Customs Law.
In 2011, by decision of the Senate and the co-founders, Professor Gheorghe Avornic, PhD, was elected Rector. In the same year, the University was officially named after Constantin Stere, an eminent lawyer, politician, and writer born in Soroca County, whose legacy of justice, civic responsibility, and intellectual leadership continues to inspire the institution.
Between 2012 and 2015, USPEE achieved significant milestones in academic accreditation and scientific recognition. The University received scientific accreditation under European standards for strengthening the rule of law and civil society. The Law programme was accredited by ARACIS (Romania), and the Master’s programme in Business Law was accredited by the Estonian Quality Assurance Agency (EKKA). The University was also recognised as a competitive national organisation in research and innovation, with the right to organise doctoral studies in fields such as International and European Public Law and Economics and Management.
Doctoral authorisations were granted in 2015 in legal and economic sciences, and the Doctoral School in Law, Political and Administrative Sciences received provisional authorisation from ANACIP. These developments reinforced USPEE’s status as a financially autonomous higher education institution capable of promoting its own strategic academic policies while integrating into the European Higher Education Area.
Over the years, USPEE has fostered international collaboration through conferences, research partnerships, and visiting scholars from Europe, the CIS, and the United States. Academic mobility, applied research, and innovation remain central pillars of its institutional identity.
Throughout its evolution, USPEE has expanded and adapted its academic structure in response to national and international standards. Today, the University continues to modernise its faculty organisation and programme portfolio in alignment with European frameworks and labour market needs.
For more than two decades, USPEE “Constantin Stere” has demonstrated stability, professionalism, and a commitment to academic excellence—educating specialists equipped with intellectual rigor, ethical responsibility, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.