The Republic of Moldova’s ambition to strengthen local self-government is among the commitments made in the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2021-2024). The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe supports the country in this endeavour by monitoring the situation of local democracy and through co-operation to foster closer alignment of the local self-government framework with the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government. The Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Congress have signed a step-by-step Post-Monitoring Roadmap for Local and Regional Democracy in April 2021. The Congress has previously encouraged strengthening the consultation of local authorities by national authorities through Recommendation 436 (2019).
The project “Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and ethical open local governance in the Republic of Moldova” (March 2022 – March 2024) supports the local and central authorities in achieving these commitments.
It aims to strengthen the political dialogue between local and central authorities, provide support for improving the quality of local governance through integrity, corruption prevention, open government, public ethics, and gender equality at local level, as well as support authorities with migration management. Together, these three efforts ultimately contribute to enhancing the quality of local democracy and ensuring that citizens of the Republic of Moldova benefit from local policies and practices that are ethical, fair, inclusive, and open.
The project also builds on needs and recommendations expressed during the previous Congress project “Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and consultation of local authorities in the Republic of Moldova” (June 2020 – June 2021).
Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and ethical open local governance in the Republic of Moldova
(March 2022 – March 2024)
Outcomes
Improved dialogue and consultation mechanisms between central and local levels of government and the parliament.
Policies and practices on integrity, corruption prevention, open government and gender equality at local level are more closely aligned with Council of Europe and Congress standards.
Local capacities in refugee management are enhanced.
Expected Results
Decentralisation is enhanced through regular consultation and dialogue between central and local levels of government.
Local public authorities strengthen their capacities to prevent corruption and apply principles of open government by implementing principles of transparent, ethical, and inclusive practices.
Local authorities enhance their capacities in refugee management and build the resilience of local communities.
Methodology
A combination of tools and activities are envisaged to support local authorities, local elected representatives, the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) and central authorities. These include expert policy and legal support, roundtable discussions, capacity development activities, study visits, and a grant to the national association of local authorities (CALM) to support local democracy in the country. A gender sensitive approach is employed to ensure that women and men are involved in equal measure in all project activities. The project also includes activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and abilities of local elected representatives to mainstream gender equality and combat sexism in local policies and practices. A human rights approach is applied ensuring that the principles of equality, non-discrimination and inclusivity are respected in the implementation of all activities. Local authorities will be supported in applying principles of open government, including inclusive policies and practices, thereby contributing to reduced inequalities.
Partners & Beneficiaries
The Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM)
Local and regional authorities of the Republic of Moldova
By having an impact on democratic sustainability and promoting inclusive and participatory societies and institutions at all levels, the project "Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and consultation of local authorities in the Republic of Moldova" contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 16 (Peace, justice and strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the goals) of the United Nations Agenda 2030.
Handbook on open local government and public ethics
This handbook aims to support local and regional authorities in their efforts to make communities more open, ethical and citizen-oriented. It provides practical guidance on transparency policies and citizen participation mechanisms, includes a concise assessment of the most prevalent corruption risks in the country and incorporates actual examples of best practices.
Preventing and combatting sexism at the local level
This guide for women and men in local politics on Preventing and Combatting Sexism at the local level in the Republic of Moldova was developed in the framework of the project Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and ethical open local governance in the Republic of Moldova, implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2021-2024).
marite.moras@coe.int