The EU supports young local leaders who contribute to participatory, inclusive, and effective local governance
On March 28-29, 2025, more than 50 young mayors, local and district councilors from all regions of Moldova gathered for the third edition of the Congress of Young Mayors and Councilors. The event was organized by the National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM) in partnership with People in Need Moldova, within the project “Moldova ASSIST: Improving Access to Quality Public Services and Social Cohesion”, funded by the European Union.
The Congress also marked one year since the establishment of the Young Mayors and Councilors Platform, an initiative coordinated by CNTM that brings together over 80 young elected officials promoting active youth participation in community development. This year’s edition provided a space for reflection, best practice exchange, and open dialogue between public authorities, international partners, and young local leaders.
Leonid Boaghi, Mayor of Sireți (Strășeni) and President of the Young Mayors and Councilors Platform, emphasized the importance of strengthening this community of young, elected leaders, who, through joint efforts, contribute to participatory, inclusive, and effective local governance.
The Congress was attended by representatives of the EU Delegation to Moldova and strategic partners.
Guillermo Llinas, Country Director of People in Need Moldova, stated: “We are glad to see this Platform uniting young mayors and councilors eager to foster dialogue and cooperation for the development of their communities. With EU support, we will continue to provide assistance to local authorities in Moldova.”
Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Competitive and Inclusive Growth at the EU Delegation, added: “The EU will continue to support local authorities in their efforts to improve their communities. Cooperation between civil society and local public authorities is essential, and recently, on March 18, the EU launched a new support program with a total funding of €6 million.”
The “Dialogue Between Young Elected Leaders and Partners” panel focused on support for local authorities and youth sector development.
Katerina Fatsea, EU Delegation Enlargement Coordinator, highlighted the crucial role of local authorities and civil society in Moldova’s EU accession process: “Everyone must actively engage for this process to be successful. The EU provides a platform for all those willing to contribute.”
Guillermo Llinas discussed ongoing community support programs, while Diana Toma (UNDP Moldova) presented initiatives aimed at strengthening local government capacities and youth involvement in decision-making. Olga Gordila-Bobeico (UNFPA Moldova) spoke about youth participation in decision-making processes.
Workshops covered: Participatory budgeting for youth, Co-management in local governance, Success stories from young mayors, Moldova’s priorities during the current Presidency of the Council of Europe.
The Congress was organized by CNTM in partnership with People in Need Moldova, within the EU-funded “Moldova ASSIST” project. It was also supported by the EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment project, co-financed by the EU and the German government.
