Local democracy at the core of Georgia and Moldova EU accession

Representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and local elected officials from Georgia and Moldova discussed the role of local democracy and the imperative need for capacity building in the way of the EU accession process in the two countries, during PLATFORMA online Eastern Neighbourhood Cluster meeting on 7 May.

The session was moderated by Vaida Aleknavičienė, Vice Mayor of Joniškis District Municipality and PLATFORMA spokesperson on the Eastern Partnership.

The subsequent part of the Cluster meeting focused on policy and advocacy work. The secretariat shared updates on the latest developments and the successful submission of 5 amendments to the Committee of the Regions opinion on the enlargement package. A strategic decision was made to establish an internal working group to effectively coordinate and set a common strategy on the Eastern Trio beyond 2027.

The forthcoming activities for this year encompass: CEMR-PLATFORMA political debates, with a sharp focus on the “Eastern trio”, ALAL (Lithuania) Study visit emphasising Moldova, LALRG (Latvia) Study visit centring on Ukraine, AFCCRE (France) Country Coordination Seminar with a dedicated focus on Moldova, VNG International (Netherlands) seminar with a focus on Ukraine, SALAR (Sweden) EaP Seminar focusing on the “Eastern trio”, the 3rd EaP Cluster meeting, NALAS Country Coordination Seminar with a specific focus on Georgia, and NALAG 20th Anniversary celebration.

The PLATFORMA secretariat is unwavering in its commitment to continue fostering such vital dialogues and carry out effective policy and advocacy work aimed at localising the EU-Eastern Trio agenda.