Chișinău hosted AFCCRE 3rd France-Moldova multilevel exchange and CORLEAP 15th Annual meeting

On 10 and 11 September 2026, AFCCRE 3rd France-Moldova Meeting of Local and Regional Elected Representatives brought together local leaders, experts and institutional representatives in Chișinau (Moldova) to exchange experiences on decentralisation, territorial governance and local development in the context of Moldova’s European integration path. A few days later (14 September), the 15th annual meeting of the Conference of regional and local authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) gathered local and regional leaders from the European Union and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries in Chisinau to discuss how local governments from EaP can contribute to resilience, democratic governance, and the European integration process.

AFCCRE 3rd France-Moldova multilevel exchange

During AFCCRE 3rd France-Moldova Meeting, participants explored how local and regional authorities can effectively access and manage European funds, highlighting the importance of strong administrative capacity, territorial coordination and multi-level governance to maximise the impact of future EU investments.

The second session examined territorial organisation and decentralisation reforms, including inter-municipal cooperation, local autonomy and the evolving architecture of local government.

The final discussions focused on the delivery and financing of local public services, addressing different management models and the need to anticipate future European regulatory frameworks.

Closing the meeting, CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi highlighted the importance of empowering local governments as key actors of democratic governance and European integration. He also presented the preliminary findings from the upcoming CEMR TERRI 2026 report, which points to a growing focus across Europe on governance performance, administrative capacity and effective policy delivery.

15th annual meeting of CORLEAP

During the CORLEAP discussions, participants highlighted the growing responsibilities of municipalities in responding to citizens’ needs, delivering public services, and supporting reforms in an increasingly complex environment. Particular attention was given to strengthening local democracy, improving public trust, and ensuring that local authorities have the tools and capacities needed to address emerging challenges.

Representing PLATFORMA, spokesperson for the Eastern Neighbourhood, Karīna Miķelsone, stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking and inclusive decision-making processes at local level. She also highlighted the value of consultative structures that bring together citizens, civil society organisations, educators, and local businesses, helping ensure that policies reflect local realities and diverse perspectives.

The meeting further reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between local and regional governments across Europe and the Eastern Partnership region. Participants called for stronger long-term partnerships, peer-to-peer learning, and practical exchanges focused on shared local challenges, recognising these as essential tools for building resilient communities and supporting sustainable development.