Mayors of Moldova directly Involved in EU accession: launch of Local Ambassadors Network

About 80 mayors and municipal employees from all districts of Moldova today launched the activities of the Local Ambassadors for European Integration Network – a platform meant to strengthen the role of local public administration in the process of joining the European Union. The initiative belongs to the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova, with the support of the Moldovan-Swedish project, PACE Local: Local Public Administration and Citizen Engagement, implemented by SALAR International with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The members of the Network have committed to playing an active role in the process of negotiations on Moldova’s integration into the European Union, with the goal of ensuring that the interests of local communities and local public authorities are reflected in the reforms promoted nationally.

At the same time, the initiative aims to facilitate the transfer and adaptation of European best practices in the development of localities across the country, so that administrative, economic and social standards are aligned with the European Union’s ones.

During the first working session, representatives of the mayoralties emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacities, in order to access and effectively use European investment programmes. Participants discussed the challenges faced by local administrations in adapting to European requirements and the solutions needed to improve administrative performance.

“Among the key areas identified for training local public administration employees, there are accessing European funds; project management; public procurement; decision-making transparency; the digitalization of public services and the implementation of European standards in local public administration. Representatives of local authorities believe that professional training and skills’ development are essential, in order to turn the opportunities offered by European integration into concrete projects for communities,” the organizers said.

The members of the Network agreed to adopt a proactive approach in their dialogue with governmental authorities involved in the process of joining the European Union, so that the voice of local administrations is heard in the drafting and implementation of reforms.

Through this platform, local public authorities aim to contribute to the formulation of public policies relevant to the local level and to ensure that on-the-ground realities are integrated into the reforms’ agenda.

In the coming period, topic-related trainings and information sessions are planned with decision-makers from various central public authorities involved in the European integration process. The agenda also includes study visits to European Union institutions in Brussels, as well as study trips to EU member states, in order to adopt European models of local governance and adapt them to the context of  Moldova.

The activity of the Local Ambassadors for European Integration Network is being launched in a pilot format. Subsequently, the platform is to be expanded by attracting new members, in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience between local administrations and to support, at territorial level, the process of European integration. The initiators emphasize that the direct involvement of local public authorities is a key element for the success of the reforms needed for accession to the European Union, and that strengthening administrative capacity at the local level is a strategic step in bringing Moldova closer to European standards.