EU backs Moldova’s local governance reform: €1.9B investment plan
The European Union supports the local administration reform in the Republic of Moldova to transform public institutions into more transparent and efficient bodies that can meet citizens' expectations, stated the European Union Ambassador to Chișinău, Iwona Piorko.
Speaking at the second meeting of the European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) Working Group for the Republic of Moldova, held on November 24 in Chișinău, the EU diplomat emphasized that the country has recorded significant progress in its enlargement process.
"The latest enlargement report reflected the fact that the Republic of Moldova has made progress on several chapters, which shows the efforts of public officials, civil society, and local leaders. I am convinced that many of you contributed to this success. (...) The Commission's recommendations regarding the negotiation of Chapter 22 – regional policies and coordination of structural instruments – are clear. The Republic of Moldova should continue to build capacity, implement regional development programs, establish robust financial management, and involve local authorities in the design and implementation of policies," the Ambassador noted at the event, which took place at the Palace of the Republic.
Iwona Piorko specified that European integration is not just a national effort, but is firmly anchored at the local level. According to the European diplomat, local authorities are the ones who plan, deliver public services, manage investments, and communicate directly with citizens about what the European Union means in practice.
Piorko highlighted that the EU offers significant support for the regional development of the Republic of Moldova through programs such as: EU for Moldova, EU for Local Communities, and Mayors for Economic Growth.
"We are helping Moldovan municipalities improve infrastructure, strengthen governance, and become more inclusive. And the initiative for growth is very important at the European level. The first phase was in 2021 and reflected a systemic change at the local level, in Cimișlia or Gagauzia, regarding job creation. (...) Building on this success, the second phase focuses on inclusion and green programs. This way, municipalities can design and implement tailored solutions to stimulate growth and attract investments for local services. We acknowledge that many local administrations still face various constraints, such as a shortage of qualified staff and high costs due to inflation. At the same time, we encourage continued transparency and proper management so that every invested leu brings tangible benefits to citizens," said Iwona Piorko.
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The EU Ambassador in Chișinău further emphasized that these initiatives are in the spirit of the CoR’s mission, which seeks to support local authorities and ensure balanced integration. She mentioned that EU support directly relates to what is happening on the ground, within the communities.
"In addition to these efforts, €1.9 billion has been mobilized as investment to support reforms. This plan will mobilize resources for critical issues such as infrastructure, digitalization, energy efficiency, education, and local economic opportunities," the diplomat pointed out.
Iwona Piorko expressed hope that these reforms will translate into jobs and "tangible results for citizens in all regions." In her opinion, the Republic of Moldova's path toward the EU "is accelerating with determination and credibility," and local authorities, together with national ones, "play a decisive role in maintaining this speed."
According to the Ambassador, the European Union "will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova every step of the way, politically, financially, and institutionally."
Piorko added that the EU is not just supporting the accession process, but also aims for the Republic of Moldova "to have robust institutions, prosperous communities, and a common understanding of the development direction."
"We are working together not just toward accession, but we want to support the Republic of Moldova to have robust institutions, prosperous communities, and a shared significance, a common understanding. Work together to build a bridge to the people, and your leadership will ensure that these integration efforts bring visible advantages for all Moldovans. The European Union remains a determined partner on this path," was the message from Iwona Piorko to the central and local authorities in the Republic of Moldova.
The meeting of the Working Group dedicated to the Republic of Moldova, established within the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, which began at the Palace of the Republic, will continue in the afternoon of November 24 at the Ialoveni District Council. The event, which will include entrepreneurs from the district and representatives of the local public administration, will host 50 guests from the European Union, plus officials from the Chișinău Government.
Subsequently, a small ceremony showcasing Moldovan customs and traditions will take place for the European Union delegation at the "Andrei Ungureanu" District Culture House.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
