Moldovan deputy PM conveys message at meeting of Working Group of European Committee of the Regions

Moldova integration into the European Union is a joint effort of central authorities, local public administration and European partners — this is the message conveyed by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, at the second meeting of the Working Group of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) regarding Moldova, held in Chisinau today.

Cristina Gherasimov said that the accession process was taking root in every community, where people directly feel the benefits of European projects:

“European integration is a joint effort between central institutions, local authorities, and our European partners. European integration starts in each settlement where people feel the change through rehabilitated roads, modernized schools and kindergartens, better services, investments and projects that improve their lives. I have encouraged local officials to continue on this path together and work hand in hand, in order to prepare Moldova for the moment of EU accession, so that we can enjoy, here at home, the same benefits as the citizens of EU member states enjoy,” said Gherasimov.

At the meeting, more than 100 mayors from Moldova discussed the priorities on the European agenda, enhancing administrative capacities locally and how local authorities can contribute to accelerating reforms.

Opening the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that the government would stay a reliable partner for local administrations in the process of modernization and European integration.

 

The meeting was also attended by EU Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko, members of the diplomatic corps and embassies, as well as representatives of the European Committee of the Regions from Romania and other member states.

The first meeting of the Working Group for Moldova took place in Brussels, where the status of accession negotiations, local challenges and the importance of close cooperation between the central and local levels were analyzed.

The European Committee of the Regions is an EU advisory body that brings together elected representatives at the local and regional levels from the 27 member states, providing them with the opportunity to contribute directly to European legislation that affects cities and regions.