European Committee of Regions' Working Group for Moldova met in Chișinău

Over 100 mayors from the Republic of Moldova and EU member states are discussing today in Chișinău the progress in the European integration process, opportunities for local communities, and readiness for accessing European development funds. The dialogue is taking place within the framework of the European Committee of the Regions' Working Group for Moldova, convening for second session.

In opening the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that European integration aims at building strong communities that offer people comfortable living conditions.

'The European path passes through our communities. Implementing the EU acquis, our reform agenda, institutional transformations – all these make sense only if they come to life in every village and city, if they raise the standard of living and improve the services offered to the people,' stated the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister spoke about the unprecedented investments made in recent years for modernizing localities. Between 2021-2024, nearly 3 billion lei were allocated for local and regional development. In this period, over 700 km of roads, 1420 km of water supply networks, 403 km of sewage, 610 km of public lighting were put into service, and 265 schools and kindergartens were modernized. Additionally, 254 parks and sports grounds were renovated.

'We have constantly taken care of the localities. Our entire reform agenda starts with the fundamental goal: better services for citizens. We want the distance to essential services to be suitable for people. We want increasingly accessible services, including through digitalization. We want localities that develop uniformly,' said the Prime Minister.

Moreover, Munteanu highlighted the importance of close cooperation between central and local authorities, as well as between Moldovan and European authorities, to maximize the opportunities offered by EU accession. In this regard, the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as the constant support provided by Romania, was appreciated.

'Europe is not built only at the European Integration Office or in government offices. Europe is built through every renovated hospital, drinking water in households, street lighting, good schools and quality services. You are the leaders of these processes. You are the mayors who can carry out European integration on the ground, in the communities that elected you. The European Union means that Europe reaches every village,' he added.

The Working Group for Moldova of the European Committee of the Regions was established to facilitate political dialogue and collaboration between local authorities in the Republic of Moldova, the Government, and European institutions. On the Working Group's platform, local authorities in our country can present their challenges, needs, and experiences directly at the European level.