The EU4Accountability project has successfully concluded its initiative in Moldova, fostering social accountability and transparency within local communities. Running from 2022 to 2024, the project has funded 59 local initiatives through collaboration between local public administrations (LPAs) and civil society organisations (CSOs).

Residents in various towns and villages have seen a new era of openness in decision-making processes. Local governments are now more transparent, involving citizens in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. These changes are not just bureaucratic; they are tangible improvements that people can see and feel in their everyday experiences.

One of the standout successes of the project has been the implementation of participatory budgeting. This approach has empowered citizens, giving them a direct say in how public funds are spent. In many areas, this has led to the development of social policies that are better aligned with community needs, ensuring that resources are used where they are most needed. Additionally, the project has placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Vulnerable groups, often left on the margins, are now more actively involved in community decisions. This has not only enhanced social cohesion but also ensured that the voices of all citizens are heard and respected.

The EU4Accountability project has successfully concluded its initiative in Moldova, fostering social accountability and transparency within local communities

The journey was not without its challenges, but it has offered invaluable lessons. Establishing formal collaboration frameworks, such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between CSOs and LPAs, has been critical. These agreements have clarified roles and responsibilities, fostering a more cooperative environment. Moreover, the development of supportive legal frameworks, including the Law on Access to Public Information, has been a cornerstone of the project. Such laws ensure that transparency and accountability are not just ideals but legally enshrined practices.

Capacity development for both CSOs and LPAs has also proven essential. Building skills and knowledge across all stakeholders ensures that the gains made are not lost but built upon. Finally, securing reliable funding and resources will be crucial to maintain and expand the accountability mechanisms established by the project.

Moldova stands at a pivotal moment in its journey towards EU membership. The strides made through the EU4Accountability project are more than just steps forward; they are leaps towards a more democratic and transparent society. As the nation integrates European governance standards, the project’s success offers a blueprint for inclusive policy dialogue and sustainable community development.

The story of the EU4Accountability project is one of hope, collaboration, and lasting change. It has shown that with the right support and commitment, even the most challenging geopolitical contexts can foster environments where democracy and transparency thrive.

The project “EU4Accountability” (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova) runs from 2022-2024, and is funded by the European Union, implemented by ALDA, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and People in Need Moldova. It is implemented in 10 districts (Cahul, Comrat, Cimislia, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Riscani, Straseni, Stefan Voda, Telenesti) and has a total budget of 1.6 million EUR.

To know more about the project click here.

In Floresti district, in Moldova, four civil society organizations (CSOs) were supported to increase development capacities, strengthen cooperation with local public authorities (LPAs), promote social accountability and good local governance, within the EU4Accountability project (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova), funded by the European Union.

One of the beneficiaries of the project, was the AO Regional Centre for Social Initiatives and Sustainable Development (AO CRISDD) in the city of Floresti, which aimed, in 2023, to create a platform for discussion between citizens, decision-makers and civil society to strengthen citizens’ capacity to participate in local decision-making, increase social accountability and transparency of decision-making processes.

An example of civil society involvement in good local governance is the city of Floresti and the commune of Stefanesti, supported by information campaigns and training of the population. As a result, tangible results have been achieved in strengthening participatory governance:

– citizens became aware of their responsibility for the development and well-being of the locality;

– citizens learned how the budget process works and the influence of projects financed from the local budget;

– the common vision for the development of localities has empowered people, through the Local Coalitions created for Budgetary Participation, encouraged citizens to propose projects and initiatives, which respond to the real needs of the community.

Mr. Dumitru Stoica, administrator of AO CRISDD said: “Through this project we aimed to strengthen citizens’ knowledge in participatory budgeting, empowerment in participatory democracy and tools for working with local authorities. About thirty people developed skills in the field of human rights, practiced mechanisms of involvement in the decision-making process, and later these people will form the basis of the local coalition for participatory budgeting and participate in the formation of the local budget“.

Signing of the Bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Floresti

As the Floresti Local Coalition for participatory budgeting was already established, the project directly resorted to the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation. At the same time, the validity of the Regulation on the mechanism of implementation of the Participatory Budgeting (PB) program, also called “CIVIC INITIATIVE BUDGET”, was extended and the City Council allocated a budget of 200000 MDL for the year 2023.

The signing of the Multilateral Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Ștefănești and the creation of the Local Coalition for participatory budgeting – served as a catalyst for increasing the participation of citizens and civil society representatives in the local budgeting process. Thus, the expertise of AO CRISDD, the openness of the Stefanesti City Hall and the involvement of AO “Ungherașul Fericirii” from the locality facilitated the creation of the Local Coalition in the commune and the signing of the first ever Regulation on the Participatory Budgeting process; for the year 2023, 20 000 lei were included in the local budget for civil society projects.

This important action for the locality was guided by experts from the EU4Accountability project.

Implementation of citizens’ initiatives through the participatory budgeting mechanism

The AO CRISDD team and the Local Coalitions formed, in collaboration with the town halls, have contributed to the proper implementation of citizens’ initiatives in Stefanesti and Floresti, financed by the participatory budgeting program:

– Development of educational and sports services for 200 children and young people from the Floresti (28000 lei EU funding, 40000 lei LPA funding, 15000 lei citizens’ contribution);

– Improving the rest area in the neighbourhood of the housing block located on Miron Costin Street no. 23 (28000 lei EU funding, 40000 lei LPA funding, 13000 lei citizens’ contribution);

– Improvement of the access ways in the courtyard of the block of flats located on Mihai Viteazul 5, Mihai Viteazul Street (28000 lei EU funding, 40000 lei APL funding, 20000 lei citizens’ contribution);

– The improvement of a children’s playground in the city. Floresti, str. Mihai Viteazul 7/9 (28000 lei EU funding, 40000 lei LPA funding, 15000 lei citizens’ contribution);

– Creation of rest areas and landscaping of green spaces in the courtyard of Miron Costin block no. 32 (28000 lei EU funding, 40000 lei LPA funding, 10000 lei citizens’ contribution);

– Construction of a public fountain in Stefanesti commune (63000 lei EU funding, 10000 lei LPA funding, and citizens contributed to the construction works).

Floresti and Stefanesti communes are examples that demonstrate that the participatory budgeting program is an advantage for the community, contributing to sustainable development, strengthening social responsibility, increasing citizens’ commitment and ownership of the participatory budgeting process.

Mr. Iurie Gangan, Mayor of Floresti stated: “I would like to mention that participatory budgeting has brought a number of benefits to our society and has contributed to raising awareness of citizens’ involvement in the budget process. Residents have learned how the city’s budget is formed, what is spent and how the money is spent. This process also leads to increased transparency in the work of the City Hall“.

Multiplication of good examples and sustainability of the project

The strengthening of the Local Coalitions, during the duration of the project, will ensure the sustainability of the mechanisms for citizens’ involvement in decision-making and the sustainability of the implemented activities. An active civil society will stimulate the commitment of public authorities to implement participatory budgeting by allocating dedicated funding to citizens’ initiatives.

The promotion of participatory governance for active involvement of citizens in the decision-making process serves as a solid foundation for local development, and the project results will motivate other communities to implement participatory budgeting programs and regulate this process.

Background information

The amount of grants offered to the civil society in Floresti district within the EU4Accountability project amounted to 62,600 euro, while 23,200 euro was offered for “Strengthening the participatory budgeting mechanism in the city of Floresti and commune of Stefănești”.

The project “EU4Accountability” (Empowered Civil Society for Greater Social Accountability in Moldova) runs from 2022-2024, and is funded by the European Union, implemented by ALDA, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and People in Need Moldova. It is implemented in 10 districts (Cahul, Comrat, Cimislia, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Riscani, Straseni, Stefan Voda, Telenesti) and has a total budget of 1.6 million EUR.

To know more about the project click here.

On 11 and 12 June 2024, ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy actively participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Berlin (Germany). Representing the Association at this significant event were Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, and ALDA Representative in Ukraine, Ms. Khrystyna Kvartsiana.

The conference, a major international effort to support Ukraine’s recovery, featured key addresses from Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The event underscored global solidarity with Ukraine and highlighted the critical role of local governance in the nation’s reconstruction efforts.

ALDA’s participation was further enriched by the presence of several notable members and partners, including: Mayor Vadym Boychenko of Mariupol, Mayor Serhiy Morhunov of Vinnytsia, Representatives from the cities of Poltava and Zelenodolsk, All-Ukrainian Association of Communities, Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, MitOst, Cities of Gdańsk and Wrocław, U-LEAD with Europe programme.

During the conference, ALDA vigorously promoted the Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) programme, which plans to establish 9 new LDAs in Ukraine, in addition to the existing ones in Odesa, in Mariupol and in the Dnipropetrovsk Region, as instruments of social cohesion and stakeholder engagement. This initiative, part of ALDA’s Flagship Initiative in Ukraine, is fundamental to strengthening local governance and community resilience. The LDA programme has been instrumental in fostering democratic principles and sustainable development at the local level, especially vital during the recovery period.

“We are deeply committed to supporting Ukraine through this challenging period“ said Mrs. Valmorbida

“We are deeply committed to supporting Ukraine through this challenging period,” said Mrs. Valmorbida, reaffirming ALDA’s unwavering dedication to the country and its people since the onset of Russia’s brutal invasion.

The conference also provided a platform for ALDA to collaborate with other stakeholders. We express our gratitude to the Committee of the Regions, with whom we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen our partnership, and to the Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine for providing ALDA with a space at the joint stand on the Recovery Forum.

As Ukraine continues to navigate its path to recovery, ALDA remains dedicated to its mission of fostering local democracy and supporting the rebuilding efforts in collaboration with local, national, and international partners.