EU4Culture is a project funded by the European Union, which was launched in January 2021 and will be completed in December 2024. The project supports the cultural and creative sector of non-capital cities in the Eastern Partnership countries, including the Republic of Moldova. EU4Culture aims to support the development and implementation of local cultural development strategies, to launch a grant scheme for local and regional festivals, cultural projects and cross-sectoral projects, as well as to support the organization of a mobility program for artists and cultural managers. The participants in IPN’s public debate “EU investments in the cultural sector of the Republic of Moldova” discussed the EU4Culture project and other European programs that support the cultural sector of the Republic of Moldova.

Tatiana Romaniuc, deputy mayor of Cahul municipality, said that, through this project, it was possible to make express gratitude to all those who were part of the Cahul culture the past generations. There was also an opportunity to examine the capacities of those working in this sector, to mobilize and to set particular goals that they will surely achieve. Last but not least, it is a reason of pride for those who work in the cultural field in Cahul. The municipality of Cahul managed to win this contest and obtain the unofficial title of cultural-creative capital of the country.

The deputy mayor noted that the municipality also obtained a grant of €300,000 – a consistent amount for any locality. And although it initially seemed an extremely high figure, in the course of implementing various activities within the project, it was concluded that much more is needed for culture. “The European Union supports us at all levels, but this is an extremely important area for the entire country and for the entire humanity in fact. It comes to culture. We are grateful to the European Union for this consistent financial support,” stated Tatiana Romaniuc.

The head of the Culture Division of the Ialoveni District Council Diana Josu-Braniște said the investments from the European Union also reached Ialoveni and a number of projects have been lately implemented in the district. “Many thanks also to the mayors of Ialoveni for whom culture has become a priority. With the support of the European Union, a series of cultural institutions have been rehabilitated, including through the “European Village” program. It is gratifying to see that the field of culture becomes a priority for citizens, but also for decision-makers,” noted the official.

Diana Josu-Braniste also said that Ialoveni district has a Development Strategy for 2022-2027 and a separate section of this refers to the field of culture. The document is aimed at the development of tourism, the district being a special attraction for locals and visitors of the country. Earlier, the “Guinness World Records Route in the Republic of Moldova” was launched. The strategy also aims to develop cultural services in the district and to equip cultural institutions, develop, promote culture, etc.

Parascovia Marandici, director of the Costești Multifunctional Socio-Cultural Center, said that Costești l is a large and beautiful locality with hardworking people eager to make a change for the better. “A lot of work is done in all areas, but I am glad that emphasis has been now placed on the cultural field, on the artistic events that we organize. At the House of Culture, we have four model bands and two more amateur bands.

According to her, this year the House of Culture was transformed into a multifunctional socio-cultural center because they wanted to diversify the services offered by the House of Culture to citizens. “In addition to the artistic groups and the activities of the House of Culture, the local youth council also works there. We have the women’s club, the elderly’s club, the library. And now we also aim to create the local museum for whose establishment funding is to be identified,” stated Parascovia Marandici.

The public debate entitled “EU investments in the cultural sector of the Republic of Moldova” was the ninth installment of the project “Benefits of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the EU for people, community and country”. The project is supported by Soros Foundation Moldova.