14 Local NGOs Supported by the EU Will Promote Civic Engagement and Cooperation with Authorities
People in Need, with the support of the European Union, has awarded grants to 14 civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Republic of Moldova. The selected projects will benefit from financial assistance and technical support, contributing to the strengthening of local democracy, community development, and the building of trust-based relationships between citizens and public institutions.
“This project has reached its second phase because we’ve seen how important it is to support civil society organizations that foster citizen participation at the local level, where real change begins. The European Union remains a development partner, not just a donor, and will continue to support civic engagement, democratic education, and capacity building. In a context where the space for CSO activity is shrinking more and more, they must be prepared to face these challenges. We want to reach the communities where you will be active and see the direct impact of your work,” said Irina Beșliu, Civil Society Programme Officer at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.
The INSPIRĂ Moldova project, implemented between 2024 and 2027, supports an enabling environment for civil society in the context of Moldova’s European integration path. The initiative encourages CSO involvement in decision-making processes at the national, local, and digital levels, as well as cooperation with authorities to promote democracy and good governance.
“In these times, when societies are increasingly divided and polarized across the globe, civil society needs to remain strong — like a lighthouse in a stormy sea: independent, steadfast, and faithful to its mission,” added Rafał Chibowski, Country Director of People in Need Moldova.
The 14 organizations will implement initiatives in communities across the country, addressing themes such as citizen participation in decision-making, promoting transparency, youth engagement, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The grants awarded range from €10,000 to €30,000, depending on the scale and focus of the projects.
Through the thematic and geographic diversity of these initiatives, the programme contributes to strengthening a culture of civic engagement and constructive dialogue between citizens and public administration, in the spirit of democratic values and participatory governance.
The INSPIRĂ Moldova project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), the National Center for NGO Assistance and Information CONTACT, the Center for Policies and Reforms (CPR Moldova), Democracy Reporting International (DRI), and People in Need (PIN).
