On November 10-11, 2025, Viorica Tudos, director of ALDA Moldova, joined representatives of 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) from Moldova on a study visit to Brussels, Belgium, organised as part of the project “Civil Society for European Integration.” The visit aimed to deepen dialogue with EU institutions and strengthen CSO understanding of the EU accession process.
Engaging with EU Institutions
The delegation held meetings at the Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Parliament.
At the Moldovan Mission to the EU, participants met with Ms. Angelica Munteanu, Minister-Counsellor, and Ms. Zinaida Negară, Sector Coordinator. Discussions focused on the Mission’s role in supporting Moldova’s European agenda, as well as the objectives of the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, with an emphasis on reforms and the contribution of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of EU funds.
The visit to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) included a meeting with Mr. Séamus Boland, President of the EESC, followed by a session with Ms. Janine Borg, Head of the Unit for National Economic and Social Councils. Key topics included the mandate of the EESC, the potential establishment of an Economic and Social Council in Moldova, and the essential role of civil society in the EU integration process.
At the European Parliament, delegates met Ms. Janina Sitaru, Head of Cabinet to Vice-President Victor Negrescu, discussing EU support for civil society and funding opportunities available through EU programmes.
Participation in the EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform
A highlight of the visit was participation in the 16th meeting of the EU–Moldova Civil Society Platform, also attended by MEP Siegfried Mureșan and Platform Co-Chairs Cristian Pîrvulescu and Liliana Palihovici. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration containing reform recommendations addressed to the Moldovan authorities and EU institutions, aimed at accelerating Moldova’s European integration.
Strengthening Civil Society’s Contribution to European Integration
Throughout the visit, Moldovan CSOs brought local perspectives to high-level discussions and promoted constructive dialogue between authorities, EU institutions and civil society. The two-day programme offered valuable opportunities for learning, exchange, and advocacy—reinforcing the commitment of Moldovan civil society to promoting European values, transparency, and good governance.
This study visit was organised within the project “Civil Society for European Integration”, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and ALDA Moldova was the beneficiary of the project during the period 2023-2025, when it was tasked with monitoring the public budget at the central and local levels in order to highlight the importance of transparency in decision-making and the efficiency of state budget spending in Moldova.
More details are available at: euromonitor.md/ro.
