15 mayors from the EU-funded initiatives attend the EU Cities and Regions event in Brussels
Fifteen mayors from the Republic of Moldova, representing the EU-funded initiatives Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) and Covenant of Mayors, took part in the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 (13-15 October), bringing Moldova’s perspective to Europe’s largest gathering of local and regional leaders.
The visit gave Moldovan mayors a chance to connect with European peers and see firsthand how EU cities are shaping inclusive and resilient communities. At the European Parliament and the European Commission, the delegation learned about best practices of municipal financing, project preparation, and EU approaches to cooperation with local authorities.
“This is an opportunity to build partnerships. Every community has its unique challenges but seeing how European peers address theirs helps us shape solutions that fit Moldova’s realities,” noted Rodica Munteanu-Croitor, Mayor of Hîrbovăț village, Anenii noi district.
“Partnerships make us stronger. When we share experiences openly, our communities benefit faster,” said Maria Manoli, Mayor of Zubrești village, Strășeni district.
“This visit was about perspective, seeing how others approach and tackle similar challenges give us clearer steps at home,” said Vadim Lelic, Mayor of Telenești town.
‘’During a series of high-level meetings, we understood that local authorities play a very important role in this process: from coordinating and adopting European cohesion policies to training employees to absorb development and alignment funds,” mentioned Rodica Russu, mayor of Telița commune, Anenii Noi district.
Such exchanges with European partners are equipping Moldovan municipalities with fresh ideas and practical tools for planning and delivering local development. The study visit also reinforced key principles such as subsidiarity, proportionality, and local autonomy showing how they can be applied back home.
Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) is an EU-funded initiative implemented by UNDP that supports municipalities across the Eastern Partnership to strengthen local economies and improve public services through people-centered, practical solutions.
