More than 100 mayors from the Republic of Moldova and EU member states are meeting today in Chișinău to discuss progress in the European integration process, opportunities for local communities, and preparations for accessing European development funds. The dialogue takes place on the platform of the Working Group for Moldova of the European Committee of the Regions, convened for its second session, TRIBUNA reports.

Opening the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that European integration aims at building strong communities that provide people with comfortable living conditions.

“The European path runs through our localities. The transposition of the acquis communautaire, our reform agenda, institutional transformations — all of these make sense only if they come to life in every village and town, if they raise the standard of living and improve the services offered to people,” stated the Prime Minister.

He spoke about the unprecedented investments made in recent years to modernize localities. Between 2021 and 2024, nearly 3 billion lei were allocated for local and regional development. During this period, more than 700 km of roads, 1420 km of water supply networks, 403 km of sewerage, and 610 km of public lighting were put into operation, while 265 schools and kindergartens were modernized. Additionally, 254 parks and sports grounds were renovated.

“We have constantly cared for localities. Our entire reform agenda starts from the fundamental goal: better services for citizens. We want the distance to essential services to be convenient for people. We want services to become increasingly accessible, including through digitalization. We want localities that develop evenly,” declared the Prime Minister.

Munteanu also stressed the importance of close cooperation between central and local authorities, as well as between Moldovan and European institutions, to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by EU accession. In this regard, the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as the constant support provided by Romania, was appreciated.

“Europe is not built only in the European Integration Office or in government offices. Europe is built through every renovated hospital, through drinking water in households, through public lighting on streets, through good schools and quality services. And you are the leaders of these processes. You are the mayors who can achieve European integration on the ground, in the communities that elected you. The European Union means that Europe reaches every village,” added the head of government.

The Working Group for Moldova of the European Committee of the Regions was established to facilitate political dialogue and cooperation between local authorities in the Republic of Moldova, the Government, and European institutions. On its platform, local authorities from our country can directly present their challenges, needs, and experiences at the European level.