Citizen participation in decision-making discussed by mayors, national authorities and Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe

Citizen participation in decision-making was at the focus of discussions at a roundtable - Local voices, shared goals: promoting local democracy, held on 16 February 2026 in Sireți, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, under the aegis of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The event brought together representatives of the Government and Parliament, members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, mayors and members of civil society, and was organized in the context of implementing Council of Europe projects dedicated to strengthening local democracy.

Deputy Secretary General of Government Alexandru Iacub emphasized that the Government acts as a partner of local public authorities, providing support for the coherent and sustainable implementation of reforms.

“A European Moldova is built through strong communities, strong local administrations and engaged citizens. Through these joint efforts, we continue to strengthen a resilient and participatory system of local democracy,” Iacub said.

Congress President Marc Cools said that the Congress remains committed to supporting the Republic of Moldova in reforming local public administration, which will facilitate integration into the European Union.

Discussions with members of the Bureau highlighted the importance of exchanging good practices and cooperating with the structures of the Council of Europe in the area of participatory democracy.