EU4Accountability – social responsibility in the Republic of Moldova and the first completed projects

Promoting the active participation of citizens in the decision-making process and involving civil society in the development of local communities is the overall objective of EU4Accountability. 

From 2021, EU4Accountability actions support civil society to implement their projects to increase social accountability by increasing local engagement and transparency.

Out of a total of 50 EU4Accountability projects, 5 of them were successfully completed between July and August 2023.

The ProEntranse organisation, responsible for the implementation of the project in Vorniceni and Micleușeni, in the Strășeni district, together with active citizens and the town halls of each locality, managed to increase transparency in local public administration through a series of trainings to optimise the information process of LPAs, provide local councils with the necessary technology and involve the population in the decision-making process. As a result of these activities, citizens’ trust in local authorities has increased considerably.

The project’s performance, however, was the involvement of young people in local decision-making processes and as a result, Alternative Youth Councils were formed in Vorniceni and Micleușeni. The young people have signed a regulation for the functioning of these Councils and are going to submit a medium-term action plan to the LPA.

In the same district, the Association of the Zubrești Native People “Zubrea” and the Zubrești Town Hall, have put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into the creation of an Information Centre for citizens, which will facilitate the provision of public services, obtaining permits and other documents issued by the Zubrești LPA. At the test stage of the Centre, 500 documents were already completed, thanks to the modern technology and software within EU4Accountability.

The project has ended in Zubrești, but it is certainly an example where the active involvement of civil society and the openness of the LPA contribute to great and sustainable actions and solve the pressing needs of the community.

In the locality of Gura Galbenii in Cimișlia, civil society has also shown social responsibility. AO ADER, together with the local town hall and the inhabitants of the village, contributed to the implementation of priority actions for the locality.

Through the EU4Accountability project more than 40 citizens learned about participatory budgeting and monitoring of public procurement at local level and technical needs were provided to broadcast live the meetings of Gura Galbeni Local Council. Also, at the initiative of citizens, the courtyard of the “Guguță” kindergarten was landscaped, trees and shrubs were planted, an irrigation system was installed, benches were installed and other improvements were made with the voluntary involvement of citizens.

In the village of Volintiri, in the district of Stefan Voda, at the beginning of the project, actions and activities seemed unfeasible, but with a lot of ambition and confidence of the initiative group formed, the Public Association Speranta Voliniri and the village Mayor’s Office, capacities in the field of social responsibility were strengthened for 40 people and the infrastructure for meetings and public hearings was considerably improved. Residents have expressed their willingness to be involved in the decision-making processes of the LPA in the future, and already know what are the next projects involving civil society for the benefit of the locality. 

Young people from Dezginja, Comrat, have also been very active in EU4Accountability. Their achievement is the creation of a Youth Centre in the village.  This project marks a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between the “Молодежь Гагаузии” Public Association and the local Town Hall.

The youth centre aims to provide an environment conducive to the holistic development of young people, offering access to a range of educational, recreational and cultural opportunities. It will serve as a space for discussion and creation of proposals for social engagement, interactive workshops, vocational training, sports events and community initiatives that meet the needs and aspirations of local young people. 

EU4Accountability runs from 2022-2024, is funded by the European Union, implemented by a consortium of three organisations: ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, European Partnership for Democracy and People in Need Moldova, extends to 10 districts (Cahul, Comrat, Cimișlia, Fălești, Florești, Glodeni, Rîșcani, Strășeni, Ștefan Voda, Telenești) and provides for a total budget of EUR 1.6 million.