ALDA is happy to start working on a new project – INSPIRED Moldova, funded by the European Union, that started in September 2024 and will last until February 2027. The project aims to empower Moldovan civil society to actively shape national policies and play a leading role in the country’s integration into the European Union. By engaging civil society organisations (CSOs) in policy-making processes at the national, local, and digital levels, the project aims to create more inclusive and effective governance. Additionally, it promotes open dialogue and collaboration between CSOs and public authorities, ensuring that civil society becomes a central actor in advancing democracy, transparency, and accountability in Moldova.
The project aims to expand participatory opportunities for Moldovan civil society organisations (CSOs) through Citizens’ Assemblies and Civic Engagement Conferences, fostering greater involvement in reforming participation frameworks and addressing key policy reforms linked to Moldova’s EU accession. Additionally, it focuses on enhancing the capacity of public authorities to collaborate with CSOs by supporting multi-stakeholder platforms and fostering consultation. This cooperation will lead to more effective policy implementation. Another key objective is to improve the digital skills of CSOs, enabling them to participate more effectively in policy dialogue, advocacy, and citizen engagement, while also strengthening their online presence. Youth engagement will be promoted through community-based media and democracy literacy activities. The project also seeks to build up CSO capacities through help desks, training programs on advocacy, policy analysis, digital tools, and knowledge exchanges on EU policies. Civic education campaigns will highlight the importance of creating an enabling environment for civil society.
On September 23-26, 2024, the first strategic discussion and planning meeting of this project took place in Chișinău, Moldova.
The event brought together key consortium partners, including the European Partnership for Democracy, CPR Moldova – Center for Policy and Reforms, National Center for Assistance and Information of Moldovan NGOs CONTACT (CC) People in Need Moldova and Democracy Reporting International. The week’s sessions focused on aligning the project’s objectives with local and national needs, drawing on lessons from past experiences, and setting the groundwork for the next steps of the project. Representatives from the consortium organisations covered a variety of crucial topics, paving the way for the successful implementation of INSPIRED Moldova’s mission to strengthen democracy and local governance throughout Moldova.
During the meeting, significant progress was made in several key areas. The governance structure for the consortium was established, ensuring smooth coordination among all partners. The project’s objectives, scope, and desired outcomes were thoroughly reviewed to ensure alignment with the broader goals. Participants also designed the research framework for key outputs using the Democracy and Institutions for a Conducive Environment (DICE) approach, which will guide future activities. A comprehensive strategy for visibility, engagement, and outreach was developed to enhance the project’s impact and public awareness. In addition, discussions focused on the financial support provided to local organizations and beneficiaries. This support will enable them to carry out specific tasks aimed at capacity building, policy dialogue, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, all contributing to the project’s overall objectives and broader societal impact.
The Inception Week was an important opportunity for the consortium partners to exchange ideas, align their efforts, and strengthen their commitment to INSPIRED Moldova’s vision. The discussions and decisions made during the week are expected to have a significant impact on the successful rollout of the project’s upcoming phases.
The project partners expressed their gratitude for the collaborative spirit that defined the Inception Week, emphasising the importance of partnership in achieving the project’s ambitious goals. Moving forward, INSPIRED Moldova will continue to work with local communities and stakeholders to implement the plans discussed during the Inception Week, ensuring that the project creates lasting, positive impacts in Moldova.