European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova recognizes remarkable achievements of civil society organizations

Civil society organisations, funded by the European Union (EU), which contributed to the consolidation of democracy, connectivity, and trust, the promotion of gender equality and innovation, and the economic and social development of the Republic of Moldova received awards during the 4th edition of the Civil Society Gala 2022. The ceremony, organised by the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova, took place on June 7th in Chisinau.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) from different regions of the Republic of Moldova received awards for their perseverance, dedication, activism, and creativity in identifying solutions to the most pressing issues at the local and national levels.

This year, the awards were given in seven categories for promoting European values, democracy, as well as for contribution to the economic and social development of the Republic of Moldova. The list of winners is as follows: Analytical Center ‘Expert-Grup’ – Stronger Governance Award; Public Association ‘Casa Speranțelor’ – Stronger Society Award; The Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova – Stronger Economy Award; National Environmental Centre – Stronger Connectivity Award.

Also, during the Gala, three special awards were presented as follows: Public Association ‘Грани будущего’ – Trust Building Award, Public Association ‘Făclia’ – Gender Equality Promotion Award, and Educational Centre ‘Vibe Academy’ – Innovation Promotion Award.

‘The European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova is making efforts to reach even grassroots associations to be as close as possible to citizens and local communities. In the immediate future, we intend to increase our support for civil society. We will continue to invest in better social services, social entrepreneurship, and projects promoting good governance. We are proud to be present in many localities across the Republic of Moldova alongside you, and we are committed to contributing to improving the quality of life for vulnerable individuals,’ stated Jānis MAŽEIKS, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

‘The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have sent a clear pro-European message. They have decided that the place of the Republic of Moldova is undoubtedly in the European Union, among the states that support and believe in the European project, and, in short, they have demonstrated their desire to actively engage in defending the rule of law. Civil society has taken on the role of guardian of democracy throughout all these years. The fact that we are here, having the status of a candidate country, is also due to the significant and consistent efforts of civil society,’ said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

The award ceremony for civil society organisations was broadcasted on the online platforms of the European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova and media institutions.

The EU Civil Society Awards Gala is an event promoting and recognizing the activities of the associative sector in the Republic of Moldova. The first edition of the Gala was organised by the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova in 2018. This year, the 4th edition of the Civil Society Gala took place.