Local and regional development priorities in EU accession process discussed at Government

The policy dialogue on local and regional development and the European Union accession process took place today at the Government. The event, organized by the State Chancellery and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) brought together representatives of central and local public authorities, development partners and mayors from localities across the country.

Participants discussed regional and local development priorities and the necessary measures to strengthen the capacity of authorities to access and manage European and external funds.

'The European integration process offers us a unique opportunity to develop our communities, to bring equity and better, more accessible services to all citizens. In this context, strengthening the capacity of local and regional authorities to access European funds and implement institutional and administrative reforms becomes essential for providing modern, efficient public services oriented towards people's needs,' Deputy Secretary General of Government Alexandru Iacub said.

'To speed up the development of the Republic of Moldova and attract sustainable investments, strong institutions, coherent policies and collaborative governance are needed. UNDP remains fully committed to collaborating with national and local authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to support modern, resilient, and inclusive systems for local and regional development - systems capable of attracting sustainable investments and bringing tangible improvement in people's lives,' UNDP Moldova Deputy Resident Representative Seher Ariner said.

Participants discussed strengthening public services through efficient mechanisms and tools, such as unified service delivery centers (CUPS) or intercommunity development associations (ADI) etc. Recently, in Leova, one of the first voluntarily amalgamated units in Moldova, with support from Sweden, Norway and UNDP, four unified service delivery centers (CUPS) were equipped with necessary equipment and furniture – one in each locality: Leova, Tochile-Răducani, Sîrma, Sărata-Răzeși.

With UNDP support, another five CUPS are currently being equipped within two groups of localities that have initiated the voluntary amalgamation process – in Zîrnești, Cucoara and Baurci-Moldoveni from Cahul district and in Zolotievca and Ochiul Roș from Anenii Noi district. Thus, continuity and access to local administrative services after amalgamation will be ensured, including for women in rural areas, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.