European Committee of the Regions’ Second Working Group Convenes in Chișinău to Advance Moldova’s European Integration at the Local Level
The Working Group of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on Moldova convened today in Chișinău for its second meeting, bringing together representatives of the Moldovan Government, the European Union (EU), diplomatic corps, and local authorities from Moldova and EU Member States. Discussions focused on the state of play of Moldova’s EU accession process, effective decentralization, opportunities for local communities, and preparations for accessing European development funds.
The event gathered Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, EU Ambassador Iwona Piórko, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, ten CoR members, representatives of EU Member States and more than 100 mayors from Moldova and the EU. The sessions in Chișinău build on the first Working Group meeting held on 27 May in Brussels.
In the opening of the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that European integration aims to build strong communities that offer people comfortable living conditions: “The European path runs through our localities. The transposition of the EU acquis, our reform agenda, institutional transformations – all of these make sense only if they come to life in every village and city, if they raise the standard of living and improve the services offered to people.”At the same time, Prime Minister Munteanu emphasized the importance of close cooperation between central and local authorities, as well as between Moldovan and European authorities, in order to maximize the opportunities provided by EU accession.
EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piorko praised Moldova’s reform progress, as confirmed in the European Commission’s recent Enlargement Report. In her opening remarks she highlighted the importance of Commission’s Recommendations for Chapter 22 — Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments: “Moldova should continue building capacity to manage regional development programmes, ensure sound financial management, and apply the partnership principle by engaging local authorities in policy design and implementation.”
Ambassador Piórko underlined that the CoR Working Group plays a crucial role in linking the EU and Moldova’s local actors to ensure that European integration is not only a national effort, but one built on strong local foundations. She highlighted that CoR’s mission stems on empowering local communities, supporting good governance and promoting balanced integration. In addition, the EU Ambassador stated that Moldova Growth and Reform Plan worth 1.9 billion euro is now ready to deliver the investments needed to sustain reform and support balanced regional growth.
She concluded with a strong message of support: “The EU will continue to stand by Moldova every step of the way—politically, financially, and institutionally. Together we are shaping a European Moldova, building strong institutions, vibrant communities, and a shared sense of purpose.”
Mariana Gâju, Head of the CoR Working Group, praised the leadership of local administrations stating: “We have the opportunity to show how important the work of local elected officials is. Numerous investments need to—and can—be implemented at the local level.”
Tatiana Badan, President of the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM),reiterated local administrations’ commitment to European integration: “CALM remains a stable and fair partner of the European integration process. The road to the European Union passes through every town hall.”
Background information:
The CoR Working Group for the Republic of Moldova serves as a platform for political dialogue between Moldovan local authorities, the national government, and EU institutions, ensuring that regional perspectives are reflected in Moldova’s accession efforts. CoR is the EU’s assembly of local and regional representatives, enabling municipalities and regions to have a voice in EU legislation and policymaking.
