European awards for civil society – stronger communities

Three Moldovan NGOs received the European Awards for Civil Society – Stronger Communities, offered by the EU Delegation, on 11 February 2021. This was the second awarding event organised in the framework of the information campaign “EU-Moldova: Together for a stronger society”, dedicated to the civil society organisations, which have managed by their activity to create stronger local communities.

Thereby, „European Awards for Civil Society – Stronger Communities” were awarded to representatives of civil society organisations, for the results obtained at local and country level, as follows: Stronger Society Award (“Femeia şi Copilul – Protecţie şi Sprijin” Association, Criuleni/ „Woman and Child – Protection and Support”), Stronger Economy Award (Business Support Center Orhei), the Award for the Promotion of Gender Equality („Casa Speranţelor” Association”, Soroca/ House of hope”).

The event was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Peter Michalko, as well as, virtually, by the Ambassadors of the EU member states. A similar event was organised in December 2020, dedicated to the associations that have achieved important results in the field of human rights. Thus, „European Awards for Civil Society – Human Rights” were offered to grassroots non-governmental organisations, for their efforts in this vital area for any society: Press Freedom Award (Nord news portal, Bălţi), Minority Rights Protection Award („Noi-Viitorul Luminos” Association, Falesti/ We – the Bright Future), Human Security Award („Human Rights Embassy” Association) and a special award, Advocacy for the Promotion of Change („Promo-Lex” Association). The award ceremony was broadcast on the www.privesc.eu platform (the event link is here), on the Facebook page of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova and on the „Împreună mai puternici” page.

The event is part of the information campaign „EU-Moldova: Together for a stronger society”, being dedicated to the civil society and human rights and was followed by an online media event with participation of national and regional mass media. The European Union currently supports 28 large projects implemented in the Republic of Moldova, by civil society organisations, in the total amount of EUR 22 million, which is 5% of the total volume of EU assistance to the Republic of Moldova. Thanks to these projects, more than 1 000 vulnerable people benefit from 42 social services available to them in different localities. In addition, more than 800 vulnerable people enjoy free services and products generated by more than 15 social enterprises (including six that are established on the left bank of Nistru river), which have created 59 jobs for disadvantaged people. At the same time, more than 70 small businesses started by young people were financed, which generated 84 jobs. The initiatives have enabled these people to improve their quality of life and a better inclusion into their communities.