The problem of access of Moldovan local authorities to European assistance stopped existing, the executive director of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) Viorel Furdui stated in the IPN public debate “How and who the European Union helps in the Republic of Moldova”. According to him, on the contrary, the demand for foreign support exceeds the supply now.
“After the last local elections, a large number of those who came to power are considering the possibilities of attracting funds with great interest. They try to take part in all the contests and use the available instruments to attract money for developing their communities,” said Viorel Furdui.
As an example of prodigious work done by local managers, he gave the towns of Edineț, Ungheni, Strășeni, Ialoveni and many villages where active mayors set the goal of developing the localities from economic viewpoint.
According to Viorel Furdui, the foreign partners permanently improve their instruments for supporting communities in Moldova. “Assistance is provided at the level of bilateral relations and as part of European projects. For example, the U.S. helps to develop cities and villages in the framework of the program “My Community”. Switzerland offers development grants for the program “I Get Involved”. The European Union, through the agency of Development Agencies, implements projects to build water supply and sewerage systems and roads and also own programs, such as the program to increase energy efficiency. The new projects “Leader” and “GAL” will be soon launched to unite communities, the local authorities and businesses,” said the CALM director.
For now, the local managers compete for insignificant funds. “They are glad even when they get by 5,000-7,000 lei through a program or another, but they could obtain much more,” noted Viorel Furdui, adding millions are needed to develop infrastructure and the main services and the access to investments does not depend on the local authorities.
“The government, the state should give clear signals and should ultimately decide the key directions that would enjoy international credibility so that investments in an appropriate volume come to the country. Without these we will permanently experience a shortage of funds and lack of access to substantial resources.”
The public debate “How and who the European Union helps in the Republic of Moldova” was held as part of the project “Overcoming Stereotypes of European Integration through Communication” that is implemented by IPN News Agency with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
