Budget Academy at Europe Café
On May 15, Europe Café hosted the sixth and final thematic session of the Budget Academy, focused on the topic “Community Partnerships in Local Development.” The event was organized by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi).
The session brought together 15 engaged citizens and representatives of local public authorities from five partner communities. Also present were representatives of People in Need Moldova, who acknowledged the efforts and achievements of the participants, emphasizing the importance of strong community partnerships in fostering local development through collaboration between citizens and local authorities.
Participants explored what defines an authentic community partnership — how it is formed, sustained, and how it can support the local budgeting process. The discussion highlighted sustainable models of cooperation and encouraged the creation and strengthening of such partnerships within their communities.
The event provided a space for participants to exchange ideas, reflect on lessons learned, and return home not only with valuable insights but also with a clearer understanding of the active role they can play in shaping their communities.
The Budget Academy “Citizen ACT” is a training and dialogue platform initiated and facilitated by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi). Comprising six thematic sessions, the academy aimed to bring citizens closer to the decision-making processes that impact their daily lives.
This event was organized as part of the project “Citizens ACT: Advancing Transparency and Good Governance,” implemented by iRi in partnership with People in Need Moldova, with financial support from the European Union.
