The European Union Delegation, EU Member States, and local authorities marked World Clean Up Day with a sanitation initiative

On the occasion of World Cleanup Day 2024, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, alongside EU Member States and development partners, took part in a large-scale sanitation initiative in the village of Telita, Anenii Noi district, on the banks of the Dniester River. Representatives from embassies, European institutions, local authorities, and the community joined forces to help maintain the cleanliness of the area.

This initiative in Telita kicks off the campaign marking World Clean Up Day, highlighting the European Union and its partners’ ongoing commitment to supporting environmental initiatives in the Republic of Moldova. Participants collected dozens of bags of waste, which were sorted into recycling categories (bottles and plastic containers, paper and cardboard, ferrous and non-ferrous materials) to ensure proper and sustainable management.

Jānis Mažeiks, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, said: “It is crucial that each of us takes responsibility for the environment. Actions like today’s are not only symbolic but also serve as a direct call to civic responsibility, respect for nature, and a more sustainable lifestyle. Protecting the environment is essential not only for our health but also for future generations. The European Union will continue to support the Republic of Moldova’s efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for all citizens.”

World Clean Up Day, observed this year on 20th September, is a global initiative that unites communities worldwide in the fight against waste and the promotion of sustainable resource management. Since its inception in 2018, this campaign has become one of the largest global civic movements, mobilising millions of volunteers from over 190 countries, with active support from governments, international organisations, and local communities.

In the Republic of Moldova, the National Environmental Centre (CNM) coordinates the campaign at a national level, working with central and local authorities, as well as various organisations, to ensure widespread participation and a meaningful impact on the environment.

The European Union and its Member States actively support environmental and sustainable development initiatives in the Republic of Moldova, as part of a broader agenda aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens and promoting a green economy. Events like World Clean Up Day underscore the EU’s strong commitment to environmental protection and support for local communities in their efforts to secure a sustainable future.

Through these activities, the Republic of Moldova joins a global movement working towards transforming the planet into a cleaner and healthier place for everyone.

Context

The European Union supports the Republic of Moldova in the areas of environment and climate change through several initiatives, including:

• EU4Environment – #Water Resources and Environmental Data in the Republic of Moldova: This programme continues to support the Republic of Moldova in conserving its natural resources, in line with the “European Green Deal” and post-COVID-19 environmental recovery measures. For more information: www.eu4waterdata.eu
• EU4Environment – #GreenEconomy: This initiative supports Eastern European partner countries in achieving political and legislative reforms, environmental planning, and investment. It encourages the use of innovative technologies, the adoption of new business models, and the creation of “green” jobs. For more information: www.eu4environment.org
• EU4Climate: This programme helps Eastern Partnership countries develop and implement climate policies, contributing to the development of low-emission, climate-resilient economies, and supporting their commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. For more information: www.eu4climate.eu
• The LIFE Programme: This is the only EU funding programme exclusively dedicated to supporting environmental projects. It aims to facilitate the transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy based on renewable energy and circular economy principles, while also protecting nature, improving air and water quality, and increasing wastewater treatment capacity. For more information: www.cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en