A group of mayors from the Republic of Moldova is participating in discussions in Brussels on 29–30 June dedicated to strengthening the role of local public authorities in the European Union enlargement process.
Together with representatives of local administrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, the Moldovan delegation is examining ways in which local authorities can be more actively involved in the development and implementation of reforms, as well as in assessing the impact of European Union legislation at the local level.
The discussions are taking place within the framework of the seminar “Local Preparedness for EU Accession: Impact Assessments, Reform Agendas and Local Readiness in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine,” organized by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) and SALAR International.
In the Republic of Moldova, SALAR International supports local public authorities in the European integration process and the modernization of local administration through the PACE Local: Local Public Administration, Citizen Engagement Project, funded by the Government of Sweden.
The event facilitates dialogue among representatives of local, regional, and national authorities on the impact of the European Union accession process on local communities and local public administration. Participants are discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transposition of the EU acquis, as well as the measures required to ensure that reforms are adapted to local realities.
In her remarks, Daniela Morari, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, stated that the Republic of Moldova is ready to advance in the European Union accession process and that, following the launch of the official negotiations for the first cluster on 15 June 2026, the authorities are considering the possibility of opening additional negotiation chapters.
“As the Republic of Moldova advances on its path towards European integration, disinformation campaigns targeting our country are also intensifying across various dimensions. In this context, it is essential to counter disinformation regarding the European Union and the integration process. Local public authorities have a key role in this effort, as they enjoy the trust of citizens and can contribute to providing communities with accurate information,” Ambassador Daniela Morari emphasized.
A central topic of the discussions is the need for a phased and realistic approach to adopting European requirements, taking into account the administrative, technical, and financial capacities of local public authorities. Participants are also examining the current geopolitical context of European Union enlargement and the measures needed to better prepare local communities for the reforms that will be implemented.
Strengthening the role of local authorities in the European integration process is essential, as they are responsible for delivering public services, planning local development, managing resources, and implementing a significant share of European legislation at the community level. Their more active involvement can contribute to better preparing localities for accession and bringing the European integration process closer to the real needs of citizens.
During discussions with representatives of local administrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine, Leonid Boaghi, Mayor of Sireți and member of the Network of Local Ambassadors for European Integration, presented the role of the Network in facilitating the exchange of experience and information among local public authorities regarding alignment with new European Union provisions and requirements.
He also stressed that:
“The Network of Local Ambassadors for European Integration will propose a comprehensive agenda of recommendations for the reforms to be initiated in the context of transposing the EU acquis. The objective is to ensure that the needs of local communities and the interests of local public authorities are reflected and taken into account at every stage of the European integration process.”
