Grants for cooperation of civil society experts from Romania and Moldova

Civil society experts from the two sides of the Prut River can win grants within the Mobility Fund for Experts from Romania and Moldova Project. The first round of the project will take place between March 15 and June 15, Info-Prim Neo reports. Valentin Burada, deputy chairman of the Federation of Nongovernmental Organizations for Development (FOND), which is implementing the project, told a news conference in Chisinau that the project proposes 20 grants for financing program ideas, consultancy, cooperation, dialogue and experience exchange between experts. According to a survey carried out in Romania, only 20% of the representatives of civil society there traveled to Moldova during the last three years. However, over 60% of them are interested in knowing more about Moldova. 72% of the Romanian civil society representatives do not know Moldovan NGOs, while those who know such organizations mentioned IDIS “Viitorul”, Promo-LEX, the Resource Center for Human Rights, and “Contact”. Romanian Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca said that this project provides new instruments for cooperation between civil society from Romania and Moldova. “This mobility fund doesn’t come here on an empty place. I want this fund to be universal and cover experts from all over the country, including the eastern districts of Moldova,” he stated. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Popov said that the mobility fund contributes to building ties between experts. “The Foreign Ministry of Romania provided support to Moldova during many years. Such projects are the real material by which the Republic of Moldova becomes integrated into the EU,” he said. Sorin Mereacre, president of East Europe Foundation, said that within this project Moldova can gain experience in implementing the provisions of the Association Agreement with the EU, in the education reform, the fight against corruption and other areas. The project finances the organization and participation in seminars, consultancy and training activities. Those who want to apply for financing should access a file that contains the application form, the CV, the planned agenda and the description of the actions. The project is supported financially by the Foreign Ministry of Romania. cloth