Civil society organizations believe the Government of Moldova, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, did not do much during the last year to promote the Eastern Partnership. Therefore, society does not know much about it, Info-Prim Neo reports. “As there is no synchronization and synergy at the local level, we did not manage to contribute to what the Foreign Ministry and created groups do,” executive director of the Partnership for Development Center Daniela Terzi-Barbarosie, president of the National NGO Council, said in a press club meeting. According to Daniela Terzi-Barbarosie, the Eastern Partnership started clumsily as there were voices that said it was a tribute of the European Union, with Russia saying it was a form whereby the EU wants to strengthen its influence in the area. Victor Cotruta, executive director of the Regional Environmental Center of Moldova, said the Eastern Partnership must be promoted by concerted effort. “We intend to launch an attractive website of the Eastern Partnership. We will look for financing so as to have dynamicity. The website must be regularly updated. It will be a platform for discussion,“ said Victor Cotruta. Launched in 2009, the EU’s Eastern Partnership is aimed at coming closer to six European countries, including Moldova. The initiative’s budget is €600 million for projects concerning the agreements and internal reforms in these states. The matters concerning the Eastern Partnership were discussed in a public debate moderated by Antonita Fonari, secretary general of the National NGO Council and a member of the Eastern Partnership NGO Forum. The debate themed “The 5 O’clock Tea” was organized by the National NGO Council and involved representatives of the press.