Young leaders from Gagauzia, Taraclia, and Basarabeasca districts took part in the final event of the "ICPMN Leadership Academy" project, implemented by the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities (ICPMN), with the support of the “EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment” project, funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany through GIZ Moldova.

The Closing Event of the “Leadership Academy” Project Took Place at Europe Café

28/05/2025

Young leaders from Gagauzia, Taraclia, and Basarabeasca districts took part in the final event of the “ICPMN Leadership Academy” project, implemented by the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities (ICPMN), with the support of the “EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment” project, funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany through GIZ Moldova.

The event was held at Europe Café, the main EU information center in Chișinău. It marked the culmination of a six-month initiative that engaged 100 young people from regions predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities. Participants benefited from training sessions, educational visits, and support in developing local initiatives.

The event showcased the project’s results and featured an interactive session with the beneficiaries. The young participants discussed the EU’s contribution to youth development and the core European values, including the rights of national, ethnic, and linguistic minorities.

A key moment of the event was an open dialogue between the participants and representatives of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, including:

H.E. Janis Mazeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova
Luigi Nicolò Segarizzi, Attaché, Political Advisor of the EU Delegation

The young leaders raised important questions about:

EU priorities in supporting youth initiatives for the 2025–2027 period
The development of local youth platforms
The role of young people from ethnic minorities in the European integration process
Inclusion and the opportunities provided by EU programmes

EU representatives emphasized that youth and ethnic diversity remain key priorities of the European Union’s foreign policy in the Republic of Moldova.

According to the organizers, working with young people from ethnic, national, and linguistic communities is a strategic priority for the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities. They stress that involving the new generation in democratic processes and facilitating their access to opportunities offered by the European Union are essential elements for sustainable development, social cohesion, and the modernization of the Republic of Moldova.