President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu today attended the inaugural meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee between the European Committee of the Regions and the Republic of Moldova, a new platform for cooperation between local authorities in Moldova and those in the European Union, TRIBUNA reports.

In her address, the head of state emphasized the importance of this body in preparing local authorities to make the most of the opportunities offered by European Union membership, noting that the country’s development depends on strong communities with efficient administrations, sufficient resources, and the ability to respond to people’s needs.

“We need prosperous villages and towns in all regions of the country, well-planned infrastructure, and public services tailored to real needs,” the President said.

In this context, the head of state spoke about the importance of local public administration reform so that localities can better attract investment, maintain infrastructure, and provide quality public services. The President also highlighted investments already made in recent years through programs such as “European Village,” with the support of the European Union and its member states.

Referring to voluntary amalgamation, the President thanked mayors for their involvement in this complex and necessary process. The head of state reiterated that amalgamated localities have better prospects for attracting European funding.

“We are not carrying out reform for the sake of reform. We are doing it to achieve results that will give people confidence both in the present and in the future of the communities where they live — or where we want them to return,” the head of state emphasized.

The President encouraged mayors and representatives of local authorities in Moldova to use the new platform to exchange experience and best practices with administrations in European countries and to strengthen the voice of communities from the Republic of Moldova in Europe.

The Joint Consultative Committee between the European Committee of the Regions and the Republic of Moldova was established following the decision of the EU–Republic of Moldova Association Council of May 28, 2026. It provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation between representatives of local and regional authorities in the Republic of Moldova and the European Union in the context of the EU accession process. The first meeting is taking place today in Chisinau.