EU projects empower local leaders in Moldova
The project "Europe at Home: The Role of Local Authorities in Advancing European Integration" has now reached the northern part of the country.
The information session was organized to encourage mayors to identify and propose concrete ways that local administrations can support the European integration process.
In the Soroca district, 65 projects are currently underway. Another 34 have been completed through the 'European Village 1' and 'European Village Express' programs. In the village of Bădiceni, a project is being implemented to provide the community with drinking water, which will benefit about 350 households.
"It's very difficult without water. There are cases where people go and buy it from the water tower on the hill so they have it for their animals and poultry."
"It's very difficult because there was no water in our well; we had to bring it from another part of the neighborhood."
"The wells started drying up about four or five years ago, and while we have an old aqueduct built in 2008, half the village is connected to it. The other half will be connected by September 19. A total of 350 households need to be connected," said Marin Avornicița, mayor of Bădiceni village, Soroca.
Fifty mayors from the Soroca, Drochia, and Florești districts participated in the information session, where organizers emphasized the essential role of local authorities in achieving the country's main objectives: good governance, improving the quality of public services, and aligning with European standards.
"This way, we also get to exchange information and experiences, which helps us apply for new European projects. In the community I manage, three projects are currently underway," said Victoria Andriuța, mayor of Șeptelici village, Soroca district.
"In our village of Sofia, we have projects like 'European Village Express.' We've extended the electrical grids. Under the 'European Village 2' program, we're building and reconstructing the local gymnasium and insulating its walls. We've also built a fire station," stated Veaceslav Magaleas, mayor of Sofia village, Drochia.
The organizers highlighted the contribution of local authorities to the negotiation process with the European Union, their responsibilities in implementing European standards, including accessing funds through pre-accession instruments.
"This is the first activity of this project, which will be implemented in the Republic of Moldova over a period of four years. A special emphasis will be placed on empowering local public administration and on citizen participation," stressed Patricia Varzari, coordinator of the "PACE Local" project.
"I want to tell you that local public authorities—the mayors—are in a constant search for funds because the development of our communities is only possible by accessing these funds," declared Viorel Furdui, executive director of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova.
The “Europe at Home: The Role of Local Authorities in Advancing European Integration” sessions will continue in other districts, encouraging mayors to become active promoters of reforms.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
