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Empowering local civil society organisations: Workshop on Transparency and Accountability

On July 5, 2023, the workshop “Monitoring Transparency and Accountability of Decision-Making Processes in the Republic of Moldova” was organized in Chișinău. This gathering drew in representatives from 48 local Civil Society Organizations (CSO) across Moldova’s regions and high-level delegates from GIZ headquarters.

The event’s primary objective was to empower local CSOs to strengthen their watchdog role. Through a combination of plenary sessions and group work, participants acquired the skills necessary to effectively fulfil this role. They gained expertise in managing multi-stakeholder consultations and engagement, equipping them with the tools required to actively influence decision-making processes and oversight mechanisms within their communities or regions. Additionally, participants received valuable insights into the area of holding institutions accountable, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding the interests of the public in policy formulation and implementation. The workshop’s agenda revolved around two critical Assessment Reports:

  • Needs Assessment Report: This report identified areas needing attention, including transparent budget implementation, public procurement monitoring, decision-making transparency, integrity, and good governance. 
  • Best Practices Report: Attendees learned from international and national best practices to support watchdog initiatives.

Corruption, acknowledged as a universal threat, distorts markets, hampers economic growth, deters foreign investment, and erodes trust in government officials. The workshop was a significant step towards addressing this menace. 

The event was part of the” Strengthening the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms in the Republic of Moldova (ACT)” Project, which strives to raise awareness about the damaging effects of corruption and promote strategies to combat it. The European Union and German Cooperation through GIZ provided essential support by equipping civil society organizations with the necessary tools for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

Moldova’s Government shares this commitment to combat corruption, aligning with the ACT Project’s broader objective. This initiative aims to increase citizen involvement in anti-corruption efforts, particularly at the local level. It also strengthens measures against corruption in high-risk sectors like education, healthcare, and agri-food.

Furthermore, this endeavour aligns with the European Commission’s recommendations outlined in its Opinion on Moldova’s EU accession application. The fight against corruption and enhanced civil society involvement in decision-making processes are key commitments that bring Moldova closer to the European community.