Innovation Talks Cahul: Discussing the European future of the Moldovan communities
There is no European integration without the involvement of citizens. European Integration does not happen only at the level of state institutions, but also at the level of communities: the way we think, act, collaborate, and make decisions.
We discussed how the EU accession process can maximize the potential of the civil service in Cahul, together with local entrepreneurs, civil society representatives, and the speaker of the event, Vadim Pistrinciuc, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives from Moldova.
The special guest of this edition, the EU Ambassador in Chisinau, Jānis Mažeiks, spoke about Moldova’s European integration path, especially how the EU accession process can bring more productive collaboration between people, institutions, and communities.
“I am very pleased to see the transformation of the Cahul region in recent years, and I am glad that the European Union contributes to this change. “Grigore Vieru” Park has become a beautiful place to rest, the city has smart street lighting and video surveillance systems to keep people safe. We have also renovated streets, kindergartens, and equipped modern schools. Moreover, entrepreneurs from Cahul receive grants, technical assistance, and expertise, and have access to the European market, which today is the largest commercial partner of the Republic of Moldova, with over 64% of total exports. The EU is also a reliable partner in supporting cultural, heritage, and tourism development programs. This is just the beginning, as there is still a lot of work to be done, and the EU will continue to support the modernization of the Cahul region, and the whole country as well”, said the EU Ambassador in Chisinau, Janis Mazeiks.
In recent years, the region and the municipality of Cahul have benefited from many investments from European funds, local entrepreneurs receive grants, technical assistance, and expertise, and have access to the European market. We were pleased to see the active dialogue and the involvement of entrepreneurs in the discussion about the European future of Moldova.
During the event, topics such as strengthening administrative capacity and promoting European values and identity, the need for unity and resistance in the face of challenges, and alignment with EU legislation and standards were also addressed.
“There is no European integration and day-to-day administrative, household matters. There is only a concerted effort. Everything the government, local authorities, parties, and civil society will do must be part of this process of transforming the country”, said Vadim Pistrinciuc, the Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives in Moldova.
Around 30 people participated in the event, including managers of public institutions, district councilors, civil society representatives, economic agents, university lecturers, and the deputy mayor of Cahul municipality, Stella Bădin.
“Through these types of events, it’s important to understand the citizens’ view of the EU and EU funding, and it’s a time when we need to approach things with confidence. Very important things are happening across the country right now, both educationally and infrastructurally, and many of them have been expected for years. Thus, it is necessary for all of us to be active, to believe in this transformation, and to become truly European citizens”, says Stella Bădin, the deputy mayor of the municipality of Cahul.
The participants obtained essential insights about the benefits of European integration, the challenges that may arise in this process, and the responsibilities of each party involved. At the same time, they were encouraged to express their opinion regarding the EU accession process.
“It is not enough what the EU Delegation is doing here in Moldova, it is not enough what the Government of the Republic of Moldova is doing, it is not enough what Cahul City Hall is doing to implement projects with the EU support, it is important that we, the people, should identify ourselves to feel European, to feel as a part of Europe. And when I say this, I’m not referring to our geographical position, I’m referring to the values that we must embrace, the values of freedom and well-being that the EU promotes”, said Sergiu Cornea, rector of the State University “B.P. Hasdeu” from Cahul.
Innovation Talks is a networking event dedicated to innovation and evolution in the technological field for the community in the Cahul region, organized by the Inotek Foundation, in partnership with Europe Café and the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project, implemented by ATIC, with the financial assistance of the European Union in partnership with Sweden.
