EU Integration: reinforcing local governance reform in Moldova

Chișinău hosted the Eastern Partnership Conference: Reinforcing Dialogue on Local Government Reform in Moldova on 22–23 May 2025, a landmark event that brought together around 200 local and international stakeholders in the Moldovan capital. Participants assessed Moldova’s progress and charted a course for the future of local governance in the context of EU integration.

Organised by the Network of associations of local authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) and the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM), under the PLATFORMA Eastern Partnership programme, this conference served as a high-level platform for political dialogue, knowledge exchange, and renewed commitment to decentralisation and democratic reform. The sessions reflected on Moldova’s decentralisation journey, celebrated key milestones, and addressed the ongoing challenges of reform.

The conference attended by Moldovan President Maia Sandu also marked the 15th anniversary of CALM. Over the past decade and a half, CALM has championed local autonomy, empowered municipal leadership, and served as a key bridge between local governments and national and international partners.

A particularly inspiring session, “Bridging Communities: Women’s Leadership in Resilient and Inclusive Local Governance”, emphasised the crucial role of women in building inclusive, forward-looking communities. With contributions from across Europe and neighbouring countries, the panel showcased how women leaders are fostering trust, cohesion, and resilience—often in the face of crisis and systemic barriers. « Localising equality is not optional! It is essential to building a democratic, inclusive & resilient Europe,” said PLATFORMA adviser Bella Tskhelishvili, who was among the pannelists.

The “Partners Coordination Roundtable” brought together representatives of CALM, development partners, and national and local authorities to align efforts around Moldova’s reform agenda. The discussion underscored the importance of coordinated support and multilevel governance, especially in a time of global complexity and Moldova’s advancing EU aspirations.

CEMR Secretary General Fabrizio Rossi addressed the conference in a video message broadcasted during the opening.

The Eastern Partnership Programme led by PLATFORMA and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) aims at strengthening local government associations and promoting meaningful political dialogue in Moldova, but also in Georgia and Ukraine, to ensure that local authorities play a central role in their EU accession paths.