Civil Society Awards Gala 2025: European awards for excellence for six civil society organizations
The Civil Society Gala 2025, organized annually by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, is a landmark event dedicated to promoting and recognizing civil society organizations (CSOs) and initiatives that drive meaningful change, influence public policy, and contribute to strengthening democracy, social inclusion, and sustainable development in their communities through the effective use of European funds.
As a result, six civil society organisations from the Republic of Moldova were recognised and awarded at the eighth edition of the Civil Society Gala for their professional excellence, impactful initiatives, and best practices in project implementation.
The event brought together representatives of the voluntary sector, public authorities, development partners, and the media to honour initiatives that demonstrated excellence in implementation, transparency, and tangible impact in communities.
The organisations were honoured for their fundamental contributions to the sustainable development of local communities, notable achievements in the social sphere, excellence in promoting energy efficiency, and efforts to strengthen society’s capacity to counter misinformation and manipulation. Particular importance was given to CSOs that have made concrete progress at the local level, in line with one of the EU’s priority areas of support: empowering civil society across the Republic of Moldova.
The winners of the eighth edition of the Civil Society Awards Gala, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, are as follows:
- NGO “Henri Capitant” – Stronger Governance Award,
- NGO “Paideia” from Florești – Stronger Society Award,
- NGO “Pino” from Molovata Nouă, Dubăsari – Stronger Economy Award,
- NGO “EcoContact” – Green and Sustainable Development Award,
- NGO “Motivație” – Gender Champion Award,
- NGO “Reţeaua Naţională a Consiliilor Locale ale Tinerilor din Moldova” – Stronger Resilience to Disinformation Award.
“Today, we are not only rewarding successful projects but also honouring the deep commitment of organisations that daily contribute to a more prosperous Moldova—one more focused on the needs of every person. I am very proud to know many civil society organisations across different regions of the Republic of Moldova that have put their shoulder to the wheel to deliver truly outstanding EU-funded projects at the local level—be it social laundries, the expansion of basic social services for vulnerable people, economic empowerment of youth, women, and those in need, or the modernisation of local public services and local economic development. The European Union will continue to support these guardians of a prosperous and healthy society—civil society—especially at this time, as Moldova advances on its path toward integration into the European family,” said Jānis MAŽEIKS, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
Given the Republic of Moldova’s candidate status for the European Union, an active civil society contributes to meeting the necessary conditions for EU membership. The European Union has consistently supported the capacity building of civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova to foster a fair, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Background information
EU Support for Civil Society Organisations in the Republic of Moldova
The EU has been supporting civil society in the Republic of Moldova for over 20 years. Under the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility, the Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organisations, and the Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy, the EU’s bilateral support to civil society amounts to 28 million EUR for the period 2021–2024, with over 35 million EUR budgeted for 2025–2027. In addition, the EU provides around 10 million EUR annually to civil society across the Eastern Partnership region, including Moldova, through regional projects aimed at promoting inclusive, resilient, and democratic societies.
The European Union is currently supporting 20 grant actions, along with over 200 sub-grants for civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova, amounting to approximately 38 million EUR. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including strengthening democratic participation and civil society involvement in decision-making processes; promoting gender equality and inclusive youth participation; developing improved social services for vulnerable groups; enhancing access to justice for vulnerable communities; monitoring the implementation of policies and reforms such as justice reform, social reform; increasing energy efficiency in social services; supporting active labour market measures and the development of childcare services; and building resilient, independent media while combating disinformation.
European Union Civil Society Awards Gala
The European Union Civil Society Awards Gala aims to recognise the vital role of civil society as a driver of positive change and impact for the benefit of citizens. These awards are also offered to NGOs that have demonstrated tangible and sustainable results from EU-funded initiatives at national, regional, and local levels—organisations that have had a positive and lasting impact on democracy, economic development and social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova, while promoting European values.
The first edition of the European Union Civil Society Awards Gala was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova in 2018.
