The Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) has expressed concern that local public authorities and their representative association were not included in the agenda of the “2025 Enlargement Report – progress and future priorities of the Republic of Moldova” Conference, organized by the Bureau for European Integration, reports TRIBUNA.

In its statement, CALM notes that although over 70% of EU legislation is implemented at the local level, and Moldova’s Growth Plan foresees major investments managed by mayors and their teams, the voice of local administrations was not invited to contribute to this strategic debate. This omission contradicts European principles of subsidiarity, transparency, and partnership. Moreover, the reform of central and local public administration is a key area in the EU integration process, and the room included dozens of mayors from across the country — local leaders who could have contributed substantially with direct experience, concrete solutions, and grassroots vision. Their exclusion is not just a protocol error, but a loss of democratic substance.

“It is hard to understand how one can discuss reforms, decentralization, and European integration without the voice of those who implement these policies daily, in direct contact with citizens,” said Valentina Casian, CALM Vice President.

During the conference, Mayor Violeta Crudu addressed essential questions to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos regarding public administration reform and dialogue with CALM. The Commissioner’s response was clear:

“Decentralization is one of the fundamental elements in a country’s development. Local public authorities must be part of what is decided at the central level.”

CALM emphasizes that local authority involvement must not be formal, decorative, or occasional, but real, consistent, and with full actor status. Local administrations must be at the negotiation table from the outset, not just in symbolic panels or as “decor” for public events.

Without this substantive recognition, declarations about respect, dialogue, and partnership with local authorities risk becoming mere rhetoric, and trust in the European integration process may be undermined. The credibility of reforms depends on the sincere involvement of all relevant actors.

CALM reiterates the need for:

– strengthening the legal and permanent consultation mechanism between the Government and local authorities, including on European reforms (adoption of the draft law registered in Parliament and endorsed by the Government);

– recognition of CALM/local authorities as strategic partners in the EU accession process;

– active involvement of local authorities in all stages of drafting, implementing, and monitoring reforms that directly affect them.

“Moldova has dedicated mayors, resilient communities, and capable local administration. It is time for this strength to be recognized not just in speeches, but in action,” CALM concluded.