PACE Local: A new project in Moldova by SALAR International

Launched in Chișinău on 5 September, the Moldovan-Swedish project “PACE Local: Local Public Administration, Citizen Engagement” will strengthen local governments capacities for active involvement in the European integration process and to ensure they take full advantage of the opportunities it brings.

Implemented by SALAR International and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the project builds on strong partnerships. To ensure effective cooperation, SALAR has signed collaboration agreements with the State Chancellery and the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), key partners in advancing the PACE Local project.

Focus Areas: Development, Digitalisation, and Infrastructure

Running from 2025 to 2029, PACE Local will promote inclusive local economic development, stimulate investment in rural communities, digitalise public services, and improve the quality of essential infrastructure such as waste management, energy efficiency, water supply, and sanitation. Small-scale investments will be made to attract larger ones, while local administrations will be supported to become more efficient, transparent, and responsive to community needs.

Launch of the PACE Local Project

At the launch event, Ryan Knox, Managing Director of SALAR International, reaffirmed the commitment to supporting Moldova: “Local Governments play a key role in EU accession and integration. Together with our donor and partner, the Government of Sweden, we are committed to supporting Moldova´s local public authorities on their journey.”

Andrei Strah, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, highlighted Sweden’s contribution to strengthening democracy in Moldova: “This project is fully aligned with the National Public Administration Reform Strategy, with the key objective of improving services for citizens. Its components are vital, and Moldova is now well placed to advance the idea of European integration at the local level.”

Viorel Furdui, Executive Director of CALM, stressed the importance of the initiative: “The project comes at a crucial moment for local public administration in Moldova. European integration is a matter of great interest to mayors, opening new perspectives for communities and creating opportunities for growth.”

Commitment from Local Authorities

The launch was attended by numerous mayors from Moldovan towns and villages, who welcomed the Moldovan-Swedish initiative. They emphasised their intention to draw on the experience of Swedish local authorities, EU members with strong traditions of local democracy, and expressed their commitment to actively engage in Moldova’s EU accession process while harnessing the opportunities it brings for their communities.