NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
EU – MOLDOVA: STRONGER TOGETHER
EU – MOLDOVA COOPERATION
NEWS JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2021 TABLE OF CONTENT
MOBILITY 01 AND PEOPLE
European Union and its Member States remain committed to support the 6 Republic of Moldova to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic
Institutional programme on prevention measures and control of COVID-19 8 pandemic, developed with EU assistance
The European Union continues to support civil society in the Republic of Moldova 10
European Awards for Civil Society – Stronger Communities 12
European Union supports well-being of civil society activists during COVID-19 crisis 14
Capacity development of civil society organisations from the Republic of 15 Moldova with the support of the European Union
EU grants for civil society organisations and media organisations awarded 17 within the European Union’s Local Grants Programme
Y-PEER Moldova keeps its doors open thanks to the support of the European Union 19
Youth and local authorities united for a community without violence and 20 gender stereotypes
EU supports local partnerships for women’s empowerment in Cahul and 22 Ungheni districts
Promotion of European gender equality practices in 24 localities in Cahul and 23 Ungheni districts
Students dormitory of the Agricultural College of Svetlii renovated according to 24 European standards INSTITUTIONS AND 02 GOOD GOVERNANCE
35th Advisory Board-European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova 25 and Ukraine
Recommendations on strengthening the access to justice for vulnerable groups 26 in the Republic of Moldova
EU Ambassador Peter Michalko and the team of EU High Level Advisers had a 27 working meeting with President Maia Sandu and her advisers
EUBAM continues to support its Moldovan and Ukrainian Partner Services in 29 fighting illicit firearms trafficking
EU-funded Twinning project provides expertise for the development of the 31 Moldovan National Spatial Data Infrastructure
Training course on money laundering investigation for Moldovan prosecutors 33 and investigators
EU assistance for the development of the national platform for publishing 34 judicial data
Improvement of the judicial communication with the support of the 35 European Union
EU Technical Assistance to support the National Bureau of Statistics of the 36 Republic of Moldova
ECONOMY AND 03 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
EU4Moldova: Focal regions programme launches 47 development initiatives in 39 rural communities from Cahul and Ungheni regions
EU–LEADER Innovators – LAGs as role models for development of rural 42 communities 41
EU-funded Twinning AgriFood Project supports the development of the National 43 Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development 2030 Regional Forums organised by the National LEADER Network in the Republic of 45 Moldova with the support of the European Union
Increasing the competitiveness of the Moldovan agri-food sector in the framework 46 of the EU project Development of Rural Areas of the Republic of Moldova
Enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the Vocational Education and Training 47 system in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the European Union
EU4Youth project supports the development of the legal framework for social 48 entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova
European Investment Bank, EU’s Bank, supports business development 50 in the Republic of Moldova – EIB credit line investments supporting the development of organic horticulture businesses in Moldova
ENERGY 04 AND ENVIRONMENT
Citizens in the north will benefit from energy efficiency projects and improved 52 water supply services – all funded by the European Union
Strengthening the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Cantemir with 54 the support of the European Union
Solar energy - the inexhaustible source. EIB Fruit Garden of Moldova financed 57 6 solar systems for cold stores
Citizens in the centre will benefit from energy efficiency projects and improved 59 water supply services – all funded by the European Union
17 civil society organisations, EU grants beneficiaries, shared the experience 61 of engaging in the field of solid waste management at the local level
Thermal modernisation of educational institutions of Cantemir, funded by the 62 European Union, continues EU-funded thermal rehabilitation of the Gymnasium „M. Eminescu” from 64 Cantemir is nearing completion
Cantemir has its own shredder for vegetable waste, purchased with EU support 65
Architectural lighting of the Museum of History and Ethnography from Călăraşi 66 with the financial support of the European Union EU supports the creation of the Center of Excellence through piloting 68 demonstrative new energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy sources in Feșteliţa community EU4Energy: Round table for young people in Călăraşi on energy efficiency and 71 reduction of CO2 emissions
6th High Level National Round Table “GREEN ECONOMY - Made in Moldova: 73 From Green Economy to the European Green Deal”
EU4Environment: First National Workshop on the Eco-Innovation Methodology 75 and EU Case Studies for the Republic of Moldova
Launch of an e-learning course “Introduction to the Green Economy” in the 77 Republic of Moldova
EU4Environment is facilitating green public investments in Moldova by 78 implementing the designed Clean Public Transport (CPT) Programme
Meeting of the Inter-ministerial Working Group on the promotion of Sustainable 80 Development and Green Economy
RESILIENT DIGITAL 05 TRANSFORMATION Digital solutions delivering real benefits: EU4Digital campaign focuses on eHealth 81
SAVE THE DATE – 06 PLANNED EVENTS Date: 25-26/03/2021 – e-TRADECON 82 MOBILITY AND PEOPLE
EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS MEMBER STATES REMAIN COMMITTED TO SUPPORT THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA TO OVERCOME THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Medical supplies valuing 3.6 EUR million were provided by Czech Republic (on 12 February) and Romania (on 19 February) under the umbrella of Team Europe. The donation consisting in medical protective equipment has been provided through EU Civil Protection Mechanism as a response to the urgent call of the Government of the Republic of Moldova addressed to EU member states to reduce the pressure on the healthcare system of the country.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 6 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 In response to requests for assistance and support launched through the EU Civil Pro- tection Mechanism, under the umbrella of Team Europe, the Czech Republic donated medical and protective equipment worth 1.3 million EUR. From its stocks, the Cze- ch Government provided the delivery of 300,000 protective masks, 100,000 gloves, 5,000 protective suits and 55 lung ventila- tors to be distributed to hospitals across the country. One week after the Chech Republic donati- on, Romania sent a 13 trucks convoy worth 2.3 million EUR. The humanitarian assistance provided by Romania consists of 1,500,000 surgical masks, 100,000 FFP3 masks, 100,000 pro- tective suits and 100,000 gloves, which were delivered to the Republic of Moldova. So far, the European Union has provided support to the Republic of Moldova in the fight against COVID-19 worth approxima- tely 100 million EUR in total.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 7 INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMME ON PREVENTION MEASURES AND CONTROL OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC, DEVELOPED WITH EU ASSISTANCE Six temporary placement Centres for people with disabilities approved the Institutional programme on implementation of prevention measures and control of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The staff of the Centres from Orhei, Hânceşti, Bălţi, Cocieri (r. Dubăsari), Bădiceni (r. Soroca) and Brânzeni (r. Edineţ) have consulted the Programme elaborated and proposed by Keystone Moldova and offered recommendations for improvement.
THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAMME is prevention and control of COVID-19 infection in residential institutions, focused on strengthening institutional and human capacities on the medium- term response to the implementation of public health measures. THE PROGRAMME’S OBJECTIVES are: • Institutional capacity building and strengthening the skills of staff from institutions regarding the measures of prevention and control of COVID-19 infection; • Ensuring the implementation of measures of prevention and control of COVID-19 infection in residential institutions.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 8 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 Also, the Action Plan on the implementati- of Trainers; further, the participants delive- on of the Programme for the period 2020 red informational sessions on the imple- – 2023 was approved. mentation of measures of prevention and The institutions have made clear commit- control of COVID-19 infection for another ments regarding mandatory measures to 453 institution employees. prevent and control COVID-19 infection, use of protective equipment and disinfec- The activities are organised within the pro- tants. The document sets out the measu- ject „Ensuring safety and human rights of res taken by the administration and staff persons with intellectual and psychosoci- of the residential institution, measures for al disabilities in 6 residential institutions people with disabilities from residential in- stitution, measures for visitors, case ma- during the COVID-19 pandemic”, imple- nagement of COVID-19 infection. mented by Keystone Moldova and funded The employees of the institutions have pre- by the European Union from the EU Rapid viously participated in a series of trainings. Response Mechanism to urgent needs of 17 employees participated in the Training civil society in the Eastern Partnership.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 9 THE EUROPEAN UNION CONTINUES TO SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
On the 1 February 2021 a new project was launched “Local civil society contributes to the inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country”, funded by the European Union and co-financed by Sweden. The duration of the project implementation is 40 months.
The East Europe Foundation, as leading (2) integration into employment, (3) social partner, together with its partners - the entrepreneurship and (4) access to the EU Contact Centre and the European Business market. Association, will support civil society organisations in developing three platforms The current project aims to empower to facilitate the promotion of more inclusive vulnerable women and men by creating policies in the fields of business and sustainable economic opportunities, reap employment, trade, social entrepreneurship, the benefits of AA / DCFTA and prepare the including 10 entrepreneurship funds that population for economic risk management will financially support the economic (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) through activity of young NEETs; 10 CSO consortia the active involvement of civil society. that will design and implement inclusive employment services for vulnerable groups; The final beneficiaries of this project are 15 social enterprises, integrating vulnerable vulnerable women and men from the groups on the labour market and 6 regional following categories: migrant workers, business support centres. young people, people with special needs, The project comprises four interconnected unemployed due to pandemic such as components: (1) advocacy for more COVID-19, elderly people with special needs, inclusive trade and employment policies, etc.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 10 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 The joint efforts of the implementing partners and CSOs will be focused on achieving specific results, such as: • at least 25 policy proposals will be developed and presented to the relevant authorities and supported by CSOs; • at least 15 sustainable social enterprises developed with the support of the project; • at least 10 CSO consortia created, which implement joint initiatives aimed at facilitating the learning and employment of vulnerable groups; • consolidated capacities of 6 business support centres in the development of the value chain of SMEs in the region; • at least 200 SMEs supported by business support centres; • at least 10 youth entrepreneurship funds provide support for business creation and development for at least 60 youth-run enterprises; • at least 20 local companies ensure the quality of their own products, access financing and manage to export to the EU.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 11 EUROPEAN AWARDS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY – STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Three Moldovan NGOs received the European Awards for Civil Society – Stronger Communities, offered by the EU Delegation, on 11 February 2021. This was the second awarding event organised in the framework of the information campaign “EU-Moldova: Together for a stronger society”, dedicated to the civil society organisations, which have managed by their activity to create stronger local communities.
Thereby, „European Awards for Civil Society The event was attended by the Ambassador – Stronger Communities” were awarded to of the European Union to the Republic of representatives of civil society organisations, Moldova, Peter Michalko, as well as, virtually, for the results obtained at local and country by the Ambassadors of the EU member states. level, as follows: Stronger Society Award A similar event was organised in December (“Femeia şi Copilul – Protecţie şi Sprijin” 2020, dedicated to the associations that Association, Criuleni/ „Woman and Child – have achieved important results in the field Protection and Support”), Stronger Economy of human rights. Thus, „European Awards for Award (Business Support Center Orhei), the Civil Society - Human Rights” were offered to Award for the Promotion of Gender Equality grassroots non-governmental organisations, („Casa Speranţelor” Association”, Soroca/ for their efforts in this vital area for any House of hope”). society: Press Freedom Award (Nord news
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 12 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 portal, Bălţi), Minority Rights Protection Award The European Union currently supports 28 („Noi-Viitorul Luminos” Association, Falesti/ large projects implemented in the Republic We – the Bright Future), Human Security Award of Moldova, by civil society organisations, („Human Rights Embassy” Association) and a in the total amount of EUR 22 million, which special award, Advocacy for the Promotion of is 5% of the total volume of EU assistance Change („Promo-Lex” Association). to the Republic of Moldova. Thanks to these projects, more than 1 000 vulnerable people The award ceremony was broadcast on the benefit from 42 social services available to www.privesc.eu platform (the event link is them in different localities. In addition, more here), on the Facebook page of the European than 800 vulnerable people enjoy free services Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova and products generated by more than 15 social and on the „Împreună mai puternici” page. enterprises (including six that are established on the left bank of Nistru river), which have The event is part of the information campaign created 59 jobs for disadvantaged people. At „EU-Moldova: Together for a stronger society”, the same time, more than 70 small businesses being dedicated to the civil society and started by young people were financed, which human rights and was followed by an online generated 84 jobs. The initiatives have enabled media event with participation of national these people to improve their quality of life and and regional mass media. a better inclusion into their communities.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 13 EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTS WELL-BEING OF CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISTS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS
Employees of civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova have been exposed to additional risk of COVID-19 and high stress levels, due to intensified interaction with their beneficiaries during the pandemic. Services for marginalised and vulnerable people (for example, drug users, sex workers, people with HIV, people with disabilities) could not be interrupted, as they are a lifeline for them.
To help civil society activists maintain their mental health, ERIM (former IREX Europe), provided psychosocial support under the project „COVID 19: Civil Society Resilience and Sustainability” funded by the European Union. The Alliance for Public Health in Tiraspol received such support and it helped their employees to reduce their levels of accumulated stress through an anti-burnout training session, individual psychotherapy sessions, and the installation of a chill out space in the office.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also turned Employees of the Social the work of the Social Support Center Support Center Trinity Trinity in Rîbniţa upside down. improve their physical, The organisation had to reconsider mental and emotional well- their usual work schedule and develop being during an art therapy new mechanisms for interacting with session beneficiaries, such as online consultations.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 14 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
‘Civil Society Organisation Capacity Development’ is a project implemented by ERIM (former IREX Europe) with the financial support of the European Union. The project aims to strengthen civil society organisations from the Republic of Moldova and improve their operational and organisational capacity. In 2020, six small-to-medium sized organisations were selected for the organisational development programme. The programme involves two main stages: initial in-depth organisational assessment followed by the implementation of the organisational action plans elaborated by each organisation. Both these stages are run in a participatory manner with the support of ERIM capacity development consultant.
Picture from the archive of the Association of Librarians from the Republic of Moldova
The Association of Librarians from the Republic of Moldova (ABRM) is one of the six organisations that are part of the programme. After an initial in-depth organisational evaluation, the Association set its priorities, starting to implement the action plan elaborated with the support of ERIM and experienced national consultants. As a first step after the evaluation process, in December 2020, ABRM began to adjust and update its internal documents. In this context, for the first time in 26 years since it was first established, the Association amended its Statutes which now fully reflect its aims, objectives, mission and vision.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 15 Currently, the Association is developing and adjusting the internal regulation in order to ensure that it is in line with existing best practices, as well as national legal standards. Within the same capacity development programme, at the beginning of February 2021, a participatory strategic planning process was initiated with other 3 selected organisations, namely A.O. “Viaţa fără Leucemie” (“Life without Leukemia”) and A.O. “Centrul de Drept al Avocaţilor” (“Law Center of Lawyers”) from Chişinău and A.O. “Primăvara care ne uneşte” (“Spring that unites us”) from Bălţi. The aim of the participatory strategic planning process is to ensure that the three organisations establish their internal priorities in line with their mission and vision based on the results of the initial needs assessment and taking into account external trends as well as risks. As a result, a strategic document supported by a realistic and tangible action plan will help the organisations to fulfil realistic indicators in the coming years. By the end of March, the three organisations are expected to adopt their three-year strategic plans and start implementing the associated action plans with the support provided by ERIM.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 16 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU GRANTS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS AND MEDIA ORGANISATIONS AWARDED WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION’S LOCAL GRANTS PROGRAMME
GIZ and implementing partner organisations have completed the selection process of the second call for project proposals under the European Union’s Local Grants Programme (LGP). Following an extensive administrative, technical-financial evaluation process, as well as field visits and online meetings with applicant organisations, the EU approved 29 projects to be awarded grants. Civil society organisations and media organisations from the north, centre, south and ATU Gagauzia development regions, will implement projects in total amount of approx. 622,800 EUR.
The Local Grants Programme aims to social, and environmental) and local empower the citizens of the Republic of service delivery in their communities. Moldova to participate in local decision- The full list of projects, geographical making actively and constructively on coverage and other details can be found by sustainable development (economic, accessing the links below:
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 17 Approved project Region / Field Partner organisation proposals North AO „Pro Cooperare Regională” in partnership 4 project proposals Development Region with AO „CASMED” Association for Efficient and Responsible Centre 14 project Governance AGER in partnership with AO Development Region proposals Agency for Regional Development “Habitat” South CRAION CONTACT-Cahull 3 project proposals Development Region ATU Gagauzia European Center “Pro-Europe” in Comrat in 1 project proposal Development Region partnership with CONTACT Center Media and Association of Independent Press API 7 project proposals Communication
On 9 February 2021, in Străşeni and projects in the field of water supply and Călăraşi, EU Ambassador Peter Michalko sewerage, waste management, energy had the opportunity to meet the civil efficiency, and increasing the level of society organisations and hand over the information and awareness of related grants’ certificates to the new selected environmental issues and climate change. grants beneficiaries from these districts. The Local Grants Programme is launched Like those from the first call, the winning on the basis of the Single Support organisations will benefit from training and exchange of experience and good Framework of the European Union (EU), practices, organised by GIZ and its to the Republic of Moldova (2017-2020) partners. under the European Neighbourhood Instrument, through the project “Citizens’ Thus, following the two calls within the LPG, 105 local and media projects are empowerment in the Republic of Moldova” financed, in a total amount of 2.6 million (2019-2021), funded by the EU and EUR. The projects aim to involve citizens implemented by the German Development and civil society organisations in decision- Cooperation through GIZ (GIZ Moldova) in making processes, monitoring investment partnership with API.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 18 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 Y-PEER MOLDOVA KEEPS ITS DOORS OPEN THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
With over 100 social theatre performances in 15 locations across the Republic of Moldova, the Youth Network of Peer Educators `Peer to Peer` (Y-PEER Moldova) has continued working closely with young people even during the challenging 2020.
Y-PEER Moldova is one of the largest youth the post pandemic environment by making networks in the country, being present in 33 their office safe and compliant with new schools in both rural and urban areas. Their health regulations. 300 peer educators, 60 teacher trainers On 23-29 November Y-Peer Moldova and 100 young trainers promote a healthy organised the Final National Festival of Social lifestyle, youth leadership and participation Theatre 2020 which tackled topics on young in decision-making at school and community people’s minds such as lack of information level. They are a strong organisation but even about sexual and reproductive health, and they struggled at the beginning of March lack of extracurricular activities, which can 2020. lead to substance abuse among youth. As Fortunately, the regional project “COVID 19: part of the festival awards were given to 15 Civil Society Resilience and Sustainability” teams of young people for the most powerful funded by the European Union and message and the best performance. The implemented by ERIM (formerly IREX participants shared the challenges they Europe), enabled Y-PEER Moldova to keep encountered and how they overcame them, their office running and adapt their work to what lessons they learned.
“This is my first participation that offered me both a unique experience and an education in online communication. With the help and suggestions offered by the Y-PEER Moldova team, we improved our qualities as actors. The most important thing is that we enjoyed this process of identifying an idea, presenting the problem through a play that would be understood by everyone. I was also amazed by the fact that in this Festival, all age groups participated, both young children, teenagers and adults. … we realized that we are all so different, but at the same time so creative and original. The pandemic did not stop us from reaching our goals,” said Alina Ciobanu, Alina Ciobanu (holding the diploma) and Festival participant from Floreşti. her team at the Y-PEER Moldova office.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 19 YOUTH AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES UNITED FOR A COMMUNITY WITHOUT VIOLENCE AND GENDER STEREOTYPES
Over 30 young people have participated in a discussion on gender stereotypes, girl’s and boy’s rights, free choice, and equal opportunities. The event was organised by EVA Project „Promoting gender equality in Cahul and Ungheni districts”, financed by European Union, and implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNICEF.
In Zîrneşti village, Cahul district, the first In the near future, Media Centre for Youth public discussion „Gender equality – equal will also organise public discussions chances”, took place within the „Youth and on gender equality in other areas in the local authorities united for a community Republic of Moldova. These activities are without violence and gender stereotypes” a part of the „Youth and local authorities project, implemented by Media Centre for united for a community without violence Youth. and gender stereotypes”, a project which
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 20 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 will be implemented by Media Centre for to the „Media Gender Camp” summer Youth, between 2021-2022. school. Adult people will be trained and In 2021, the Media Centre for Youth team will involved in writing of local initiatives for reach to 14 localities in Cahul and Ungheni their communities. districts, where two public discussions on These activities are being conducted within gender equality will be organised. One - for EVA Project „Promoting gender equality in youth, and the other one – for adult people. Cahul and Ungheni districts”, financed by In 2022, the most actively involved young European Union, and implemented by UN people from those 14 villages will be invited Women in partnership with UNICEF.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 21 EU SUPPORTS LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN CAHUL AND UNGHENI DISTRICTS
The Regional Assistance and Information Centre of Non-Governmental Organisations in Moldova „CONTACT-Cahul” in partnership with „Institutum Virtutes Civilis” have organised the launching event „Local partnership for women’s empowerment in Cahul and Ungheni districts”, implemented within the EVA Project „Promoting gender equality in Cahul and Ungheni districts”, financed by European Union, and implemented by UN Women Moldova in partnership with UNICEF Moldova.
The partnerships will strengthen the capacities learned about the peculiarities and key activities of non-commercial organisations and other local of the project but also about the implementation partners from Cahul and Ungheni districts in the process plans. field of women’s rights for an active promotion of gender equality principles in local development For a good cooperation within the project, the strategies, both in decision-making, and implementing organisations, Contact-Cahul budgetary planning processes. and IVC, signed trilateral agreements with The partnerships launching event took place partner LPAs and beneficiaries of EVA Project. online, on 19 February 2021, containing many They provide for authorities’ commitments to greetings messages from initiators and partners, participate in the project promoting gender as well as a presentation of project goals and equality in Cahul (Slobozia Mare, Văleni, activities. Andruşsul de Jos, Larga Nouă, comuna Zărneşti During the event, the representatives of LPAs villages, and Cahul municipality), and Ungheni from 12 partner localities in Cahul and Ungheni (Manoileşti, Zagarancea, Pârliţa and Măcăreşti districts, local partners within NGOs, local communes, Rădenii Vechi village, and Ungheni initiatives teams, and women leaders have municipality).
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 2222 TOTHE THE REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OFMOLDOVA MOLDOVA | JANUARY | IANUARY – FEBRUARY, – FEBRUARY, 2021 2021 PROMOTION OF EUROPEAN GENDER EQUALITY PRACTICES IN 24 LOCALITIES IN CAHUL AND UNGHENI DISTRICTS
Altogether, 12 more localities in Ungheni and Cahul have become partners of the EVA Project „Promoting gender equality in Cahul and Ungheni districts”, funded by the European Union.
During 2021-2022, UN Women Moldova February 2021, 12 more localities became and UNICEF Moldova, with financial members of partnership team within EVA support from European Union, will assist 24 Project. Thus, 24 mayor’s offices in Cahul and localities in Cahul and Ungheni districts in Ungheni districts will apply best European applying European experience in promoting practices in promoting gender equality and gender equality, in women’s empowerment efficient fighting against domestic violence. by gender mainstreaming in local public Local public authorities, along with practices but also in efficient combating multidisciplinary teams, schools, of domestic violence against girls, women, businesses from the Cornesti town, Cornesti and boys. village, Costuleni, Manoilesti, Macaresti,
Domestic violence and gender-based violence Pirlita, Radenii Vechi, Sculeni, Tescureni, is insufficiently approached, and members of Valea Mare, Zagarancea, Andrusul de multidisciplinary teams encounter a number Jos, Alexanderfeld, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, of limitations which reduce an efficient and Baurci-Moldoveni, Cucoara, Larga Noua, coordinated response to cases of violence. Pelinei, Slobozia Mare, Vadul lui Isac, Valeni These factors, along with gender stereotypes and Zirnesti will elaborate activities to in the community, and reduced trust in public transform Cahul and Ungheni districts into services, often discourage women and children true champions of gender equality. to report cases of violence. The priority of the Also, within the EVA Project „Promoting EVAW Project „Promoting gender equality gender equality in Cahul and Ungheni districts, in Cahul and Ungheni Districts” is to offer a specialised service aimed at supporting equal opportunities to women and men, and victims of sexual violence will be established. to ensure respect for women’s and children’s In parallel, gender-based violence in schools’ integrity. prevention programs, as well as awareness The first 12 localities were selected in raising, and zero tolerance activities towards December 2020 after a public call, and in violence in communities will be conducted.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 23 STUDENTS DORMITORY OF THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF SVETLII RENOVATED ACCORDING TO EUROPEAN STANDARDS
Quality vocational training in horticulture – an objective increasingly addressed by sectoral policy and the EU. The first part of investments for upgrading the Agricultural Technical College of Svetlii facilitated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through the Fruit Garden of Moldova Project was successfully implemented.
110,319 EUR out of a total Investment Project of 1.2 million EUR have been invested into the College’s dormitory as part of the overall goal of a high-quality education tailored to the needs of the labour market. The dormitory, with the possibility of accommodating 100 students and teachers of the institution, has been equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life. We are talking about beds, cabinets, An AgroTV reportage confirms: The EIB financed dormitory rooms have everything needed to shelves, tables, chairs, refrigerators, stoves study well (Picture: Dan Codreanu, 2020) as well as technical spaces with washing Foto: machines and tumble dryers. ThisUn reportaj initial al AgroTV investment confirmă: căminele is the finanțate first de stageBEI asigură of tot a necesarul This investment is in fact a promotion for pentruwhole ca elevii seriessă studieze of bine investments (Imagine: Dan Codreanu, that 2020) will follow: the more than 500 students in the different The establishment of a demonstration agricultural specialties, thus making the orchard of 3 ha, the planting of a shelter institution more attractive for both students belt, the creation of a mini-facility for and young specialists, who work as sorting and storing horticultural products, teachers or technical staff. A good example the construction of a workshop for the is the English teacher, Maria Evoglu, who repair and maintenance of horticultural previously had to commute 15 km a day or machinery, the purchase of and a weather Constantin Zîrnescu, a teacher of technical station and the construction of a hangar to subjects and a former graduate of this keep machinery safe and in good condition. college. The young couple Radion Caraseni, All these investments were drawn up a College teacher, and his wife Ecaterina according to the felt needs of the institution. can now live together, and Radion must The Technical Assistance to the Fruit no longer travel every day or think about Garden of Moldova project, implemented by changing the job. AFC Agriculture and Finance Consultants The improved living conditions are greatly contributed to facilitating the highly appreciated by students. They are process of developing the concepts for immediately noticeable and represent, in the different investments by providing addition to quality studies, a business card assistance in various forms, such as study for the institution. visits, advisory and technical expertise.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 24 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 INSTITUTIONS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
35TH ADVISORY BOARD-EUROPEAN UNION BORDER ASSISTANCE MISSION TO MOLDOVA AND UKRAINE
On 28 January 2021, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine held its 35th Advisory Board Meeting. Representatives of the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme joined the meeting virtually.
Head of EUBAM, Mr Slawomir Pichor, chaired the meeting where the participants briefed the participants on the activities gave valuable insights on how the Mission accomplished by the Mission together with could further contribute to an inclusive its Partner Services under the influence of dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, the evolving coronavirus pandemic, since supporting the expansion of joint control September 2020 when the Board previously along Moldova-Ukraine state border, and met, as well as on the activities planned till 30 preventing, detecting and investigating cross- November 2021. border crimes. The European Union Ambassador to the The next meeting of the Advisory Board will Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko, be held in June 2021.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 25 RECOMMENDATIONS ON STRENGTHENING THE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
On 20 January 2021 representatives of the national partners, international organisations and NGOs actively engaged in promoting the protection of vulnerable categories of people and their rights met in an online event to discuss the expert Report on strengthening the access to justice for vulnerable groups in in the Republic of Moldova. The event was oganised by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) Project, financed by the European Union.
The meeting provided the opportunity to recommendations in this respect. The reiterate what are the international and discussions highlighted the main issues regional standards and to present the to which vulnerable groups are confronted current situation at national level, as well as regarding the access to justice and possible the expert recommendations with regard to institutional and legislative improvements improving the access to justice, specifically to be implemented in view of ensuring equal the access to courts, for vulnerable groups access to judicial services for all citizens. – victims of discrimination, persons This activity is designed to facilitate with disabilities, women, children, etc. A access to courts to all categories of people particular attention has been payed to without discrimination through increasing the challenges faced in the context of the the knowledge and understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis and the specific judiciary of this very sensitive topic.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 26 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU AMBASSADOR PETER MICHALKO AND THE TEAM OF EU HIGH LEVEL ADVISERS HAD A WORKING MEETING WITH PRESIDENT MAIA SANDU AND HER ADVISERS
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko and the team of EU High Level Advisers (HLA) held a first working meeting with President Maia Sandu and her cabinet on 6 February. The main topic on the agenda was the state of play in the sectors of EU HLAs’ intervention and the priorities for cooperation in this respect.
President Sandu stated that ‘the European Union via this project supports our institutions building their capacities and contributing to the implementation of reforms. At the same time, we have agreed to maintain an active dialogue for a consolidated approach of sector issues,’ concluded Maia Sandu.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 27 In their turn, the EU High Level Advisers currently operational in the Republic of Moldova – in the sectors of Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery, Anticorruption, Confidence Building Measures, Education and Research, Energy, Financial Services, Justice and Prosecution, Local Public Administration Reform – listed the key aspects to be taken into consideration in their respective areas, as well as suggestions for necessary actions to accelerate reforms. The meeting took place in the context of the current elaboration of the EU Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 for the Republic of Moldova, representing the main programming document outlining sector development priorities for the following seven years. The EU MIP formulation mission took place earlier this week, following the official visit of President Sandu to Brussels where she met with the highest EU representatives.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 28 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EUBAM CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ITS MOLDOVAN AND UKRAINIAN PARTNER SERVICES IN FIGHTING ILLICIT FIREARMS TRAFFICKING
On 24 February, EUBAM and representatives of law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, together with Europol, Frontex, OSCE and UNODC held, in a video- conference format, the third operational meeting of the Arms Working Group (AWG).
The participating agencies discussed and operational meetings, threat assessments, approved the AWG Action Plan for 2021, joint operations, international workshops which includes activities such as regular and and trainings.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 29 Furthermore, the final version of the In their turn, the representatives of the Guidebook on Controlled Delivery, prepared Moldovan and Ukrainian law enforcement by EUBAM, in cooperation with the members agencies gave an overview of the situation of the AWG from the Republic of Moldova on the ground at their common border. and Ukraine, was introduced and approved EUBAM briefed the participants on the during the meeting. The document aims results of the joint operation „ORION II” at improving law enforcement and judicial that aimed at preventing and counteracting cooperation between authorities involved illicit firearms trafficking in the Republic in each of the countries, as well as of Moldova and Ukraine, including the knowledge of the national legislation and EU external borders with the two partner practices, thereby facilitating controlled countries. Although affected by the deliveries as part of the joint efforts in fighting illicit firearms trafficking coronavirus pandemic, the operation resulted into a significant number of The European agencies, Europol and detentions of small arms (194 pcs.), light Frontex, briefed the participants on the weapons (282 pcs.), ammunition (6,389 strategic picture of illicit trafficking in pcs.) and explosives (19 pcs./4,65 kg). weapons, ammunition and explosives in Europe with a special focus on south- In the end, the members of the Arms eastern Europe, providing operational Working Group expressed their content examples. Additionally, Europol offered with the output of the meeting and affirmed to conduct a theoretical training on risk their faith that the future activities planned analysis for the members of the AWG. within the Group would significantly increase the international cooperation OSCE representatives from Ukraine and enhance their operational capacity in provided the AWG members with a counteracting this phenomenon. comprehensive overview of OSCE projects in the region, giving an analytical picture Note: Arms Working Group was established of the proliferation of weapons in the area. in December 2019, at EUBAM and its Partner OSCE will actively support the activities of Services’ initiative, and with the support of the AWG by providing specific theoretical Europol, Frontex and OSCE, for enhancing the and practical training sessions for the law efforts of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine enforcement officers working in the field. in combating illicit firearms trafficking.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 30 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU-FUNDED TWINNING PROJECT PROVIDES EXPERTISE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOLDOVAN NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE
Being in its 2nd quarter of implementation, the Twinning project ”Improving spatial data services in the Republic of Moldova according to EU standards”, financed by the European Union, continues the series of commenced activities, completing them with new ones and involving more public institutions in the complex world named National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
Together with the Project Leaders from of data which might be useful within the Republic of Moldova (beneficiary insti- NSDI, but some of them continue to rema- tution – Agency for Land Relations and in on paper, without being geo-referenced Cadastre - ALRC), Croatia (State Geodetic or developed according to modern tech- Administration and Central Finance and nical specifications. Consequently, two Contracting Authority), Poland (Head Of- activities of the Twinning project focus fice for Geodesy and Cartography) and on developing the methodology for analo- the Netherlands (Netherlands Enterprise gue-to-digital conversion of data and the Agency), and the Project Manager from methodology for geo-referencing. In order the EU Delegation to Republic of Moldo- to obtain a clear overview of the analogue va, the second Steering Committee mee- data at the country level, ALRC together with the Twinning project experts per- ting took place on the 19 January 2021, formed an inventory of existing spatial serving as a platform for discussing the data by means of online interviews with accomplishments and challenges, as well the representatives of public entities res- as tasks planned for the future. ponsible for NSDI, managing to identify It is well-known that public institutions the data in analogue format and include in the Republic of Moldova hold plenty them into a Catalogue of analogue data
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 31 (e.g. topographic and geological maps, out – development of the Guidelines for forestry maps). Further on, the Twinning geo-referencing scanned spatial data. Li- project experts developed the Guidelines kewise, the document will be introduced on analogue-to-digital conversion, and its and discussed with the concerned public content was presented to public entities entities. Both Guidelines will be officially that are holders of analogue data. Cur- approved as national standard working rently, the second stage is being carried procedures.
In addition to that, the Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre together with the Twinning project experts launched the process of drafting the State Programme and the Action Plan in the field of National Spatial Data Infrastructure. The concerned documents will include major contributions to the NSDI field consolidation, starting with: • Update of the legislative and normative framework, • Development of a new NSDI Geoportal, based on modern technical specifications and software solutions, • Development of spatial data and services. All planned tasks aim to ensure the process of sharing spatial data among public entities, which leads by default to avoiding the duplication of costs and efforts, and contributes to the improvement of the state-level decision-taking processes.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 32 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 TRAINING COURSE ON MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATION FOR MOLDOVAN PROSECUTORS AND INVESTIGATORS
The first group of 44 prosecutors and investigators involved in investigating money laundering gathered for a two-day intensive online training course on 24-25 February 2021.
The training course was organised within knowledge and understanding, enhance the EU Twinning project “Enhancing the investigative capacities, and learn new skills. System of Prevention and Combating Money This course, as part of Component 5 - Laundering and Terrorism Financing in the Development of law enforcement agencies’ Republic of Moldova”, which is implemented capacities to investigate money-laundering by a consortium of relevant state institutions cases, was elaborated by German experts of Lithuania, Poland and Germany and by from the University for Public Administration the Moldovan Office for prevention and in Bremen. combating of money laundering, aims to The lectures covered topics related to the further develop the anti-money laundering/ investigation process, such as applying countering terrorism financing system in special investigative actions, choosing the Moldova (2018-2021). tactics, collecting and assessing the evidence, The training was focused on helping Moldovan data protection, international cooperation, representatives develop professional and EU instruments in the field of criminal law.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 33 EU ASSISTANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLISHING JUDICIAL DATA
At the initiative of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) Project and under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice the Working Group on implementing the judicial database comparable to CEPEJ-STAT has been created.
The Working Group consists of the will be developed. Its work is facilitated by representatives of the Agency for Court the team of the CoE/EU Project “Support Administration, Superior Council of Magistracy, to further strengthening the efficiency and courts of all levels and national consultants quality of judicial system in the Republic of specialised in court management and court Moldova” and national consultants. Regular statistics. At the centre of the discussions weekly meetings of the Working Group will of the Working Group members is the draft follow in the upcoming period. concept of the national tool JUSTAT developed This activity is implemented under the by the Project team. The concept envisages framework of the project “Support to further publication of the relevant statistical data and strengthening the efficiency and quality of the performance indicators of the judicial system judicial system in the Republic of Moldova”, in the Republic of Moldova. The concept as part of the CoE / EU Partnership for Good is based on the example of CEPEJ-STAT, a Governance 2019-2021 (PGGII). It is funded by platform compiling various data on judicial the European Union and the Council of Europe systems in European countries, collected by and implemented by the Council of Europe. the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ). Another important part of the Working Group mission is to determine and define the key performance indicators currently published in the judiciary, their methodology, calculation, description and graphical representation in order to be published on the new platform JUSTAT. The ultimate goal of the Working Group is to further to improve the court management and distribution of resources through improved collection and use of the judicial statistics as well as to ease the understanding of judicial statistics not only by the legal professionals and analysts but also by the public. In its turn this should increase the transparency of the judiciary and the trust in Moldovan justice. The Working Group on implementing the judicial database held four meetings in January and February 2021 and is going to finalise its work by end of March after which the terms of reference for the new statistics platform
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 34 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 IMPROVEMENT OF THE JUDICIAL COMMUNICATION WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) Project carries out a series of activities related to improvement of communication of the Moldovan judiciary. The activity started with an analysis of the Communication Strategy of the Superior Council of Magistracy and the Guide on relations of the courts with media and public also developed by the Superior Council of Magistracy.
The aim of this exercise was to deliver re- on, the importance of internal communication commendations to improve these policy do- within the judiciary, and about crisis commu- cuments and was carried out by a team of nication. The participants exchanged views national and international consultants in the on how to improve court communication with light of various European standards related an investigative journalist from “Ziarul de Gar- to judges’ profession especially the Guide of da”. The results of this training will be used for the European Commission for the Efficiency the purpose of updating the training on judici- of Justice (CEPEJ) on communication with al communication at the National Institute of the media and the public for courts and pro- Justice. secution authorities as well as good commu- The events outlined the need to further stren- nication practices in the public sector. The gthen the institutional capacities of the nati- assessment Report has been presented and onal courts to develop better communication discussed during a workshop on 20 January practices, both internally and in relations with 2021 with the involvement of the national mass-media and the large public. In all the im- partners and the justice sector stakeholders plementation of these activities are designed in Moldova. to boost the dialogue between the courts and Later on, a training seminar was organised for the public as well as increase transparency of decision-makers in the Ministry of Justice, Su- the Moldovan judiciary and public confidence. perior Council of Magistrates, National Institu- A follow-up to these activities will be amen- te of Justice and the courts. The participants dments introduced to the national policy do- to the training had the opportunity to find out cuments in the light of the CEPEJ guide and more about the CEPEJ Guide on communica- other European standards as well as trainings tion and to expand their knowledge in regard for judges and secretarial staff of the courts to the methods and means of communicati- on communication.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 35 EU TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
During the period of January-February 2021, the EU funded project “Technical Assistance to Support the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova” continued the implementation of project activities combining teleworking with several offline meetings, training activities and one mission to the Republic of Moldova of the project team leader.
The National Bureau of Statistics of the data on business demography as well as Republic of Moldova (NBS) is assisted by ensuring its comparability with the figures project experts to develop a better set of produced by the EU and neighbouring variables explaining the characteristics and countries. demography of the business population, On 29 January, the Twinning project since there is a large demand for information together with NBS organised a meeting on on business units in the country from legal matters related to official statistics. relevant state institutions. In this context, a Although the NBS can rely on a good dedicated activity on business demography National Statistical Law inspired by the best was initiated on 21 January. The activity international practices, its implementation aims at providing theoretical and practical still needs improvement and some pieces guidance in the production of improved of secondary law need to be prepared.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 36 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 To support NBS, ParStat has delegated national statistical institution to overhaul or a national and an international expert, to to create own indices, and to compare their assure coherence and efficiency. methodology and data sources with those On 2 February, a meeting on the currently used in other countries. Construction Cost Index was organised to Among the thematic project’s activities, the analyse the relevance of this indicator that English Courses provided for the employees was highlighted both in macroeconomic of the National Bureau of Statistics play statistics and for the purpose of calculating an essential role for the professional the market value of real estate, as foreseen development thereof. The classes started by the Government Decision. Since the on 8 and 9 February for the participants construction is a fast-growing sector and within four level groups. The continuous one of the key determinants of the level of improvement of English language skills short-term economic activity in the Republic allows NBS statisticians to have direct of Moldova, it requires reliable construction access to the EU Acquis Communautaire and price indices, a demand arising from the to the European Statistical System, as well need to assess real changes in the output to develop direct personal contacts with from the activities in this sector, which the representatives of statistical authorities cannot be derived solely through reference from EU Member States, thus fostering the to regular building and construction international cooperation between NBS and statistics. However, as the current corresponding EU statistical authorities. methodology and all the statistical tools related to the production of the indicator The progresses and the challenges of are outdated, the entire process must be the project activity were discussed on 16 redesigned, and a revised methodology is February during the 3rd Steering Committee required. Such information will enable the Meeting. The implemented activities of the
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 37 projects were reported and the future steps as to the methods and software used were set up. in statistical disclosure for tabular data In addition to this, a training on statistical and microdata protection. Moreover, this disclosure control (SDC) was organised in training was a good occasion to develop partnership with Statistics Netherlands, additional international cooperation with and conducted during 16-19 February, relevant EU statistics bodies. targeting the staff dealing with statistical On 24-25 February an ESSPROS core system confidentiality from the NBS and introduced workshop was delivered for the NBS staff. concepts of statistical disclosure control, privacy and data sensitivity. The topics The participants became familiar with included theoretical principles of SDC the EU social protection methodological concerning tabular data and microdata specifications (e.g., key concepts, protection and output checking. Practical definitions, conventions, etc.) and the case studies from the member states were practicalities of providing a complete set presented alongside with the opportunity of data for the ESSPROS Core System and for the NBS staff to use the software modules on a regular basis. on the SDC tabular data and microdata protection. The issues discussed during A good understanding and the knowledge the training proved to be important to the needed to deliver ESSPROS data in line NBS as an agency trying to move towards with the EU methodological guidelines more advanced and online modes of and regulations, will allow the NBS data dissemination. This course was a representatives to properly record the good opportunity for the specialised staff receipts and the expenditure of the members to increase their theoretical organisations or schemes involved in social knowledge, and to acquire competences protection interventions.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 38 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 ECONOMY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
EU4MOLDOVA: FOCAL REGIONS PROGRAMME LAUNCHES 47 DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES FROM CAHUL AND UNGHENI REGIONS
Support to local business, creation of new jobs, modern sustainable tourism services and SMART equipment – ozobots in kindergartens – are just some of the projects to be carried out this year in the focal regions
Rural communities from Cahul and EUR from the European Union, invested Ungheni regions are developing thanks in community development projects and to the European Union assistance. The new jobs’ generation in villages from initiatives for promoting sustainable Cahul and Ungheni regions. Every Local rural tourism, endowing kindergartens Action Group, which has benefited from a with smart equipment, renovating grant of 50,000 EUR, launched a local call parks and public bus stations for smart for project proposals. local mobility as well as supporting existing businesses by installing modern Overall, 47 development micro-projects equipment in bakeries, poultry farms or will be implemented in rural communities mini dairy farms, will be launched this year from Cahul and Ungheni regions. The new in 26 rural communities. All these villages projects will generate at least 30 new jobs – beneficiaries of European financing – in those 4 LAGs. The implementation of are members of four Local Action Groups, micro-projects will also contribute to the which won the Grants’ Programme, sustainable development of communities 2020 edition, implemented under the by using green technologies such as EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme. LED to expand public lighting in several The Local Action Groups “Lunca Prutului localities, equipping local companies with de Jos”, “Movila Măgura”, “Cişmeaua modern and energy efficient technology Sudului” and “Valea Halmagei” benefited as well as promoting cycling by installing from grants of total value of 200,000 public bike racks.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 39 “10 development initiatives will contribute to harnessing the natural potential and attracting tourists in the first Biosphere Reserve of the Republic of Moldova – ‘Lower Prut’. I am so glad that thanks to the grant, the kindergarten from Văleni village gets modernised and will be endowed with ozobots and other SMART equipment. As well, a winery, bakery, jams’ and sauces’ production unit according to traditional recipes will be renovated and provided with equipment,” mentions Silvia Ştirbeţ, President of “Lunca Prutului de Jos” LAG.
“We are glad that most of the member villages of Cişmeaua Sudului LAG will benefit from financing provided by the European Union. 12 initiatives were selected out of 34 submitted ones. This year, Alexanderfeld village will renovate a part of its central park, Cişmichioi village will modernize its public bus stations, and Pelinei village will install an irrigation system for its vineyards and lavender plantations,” notes Dmitri Ianul, Manager of “Cişmeaua Sudului” LAG.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 40 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 “Movila Măgură LAG has been active for three years. We are glad that this year the member villages would receive a new impetus for development. 12 local economic development initiatives, generating at least 10 new jobs, will benefit from European financing provided under the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme. We will develop in parallel several initiatives in Negurenii Vechi: harvesting apples according to a modern technology, modernizing the shop in the locality, promoting the locality through virtual exhibitions,” says Maria Galiţ, President of “Movila Măgură” LAG. Photo: LAG Valea Halmagiei
Established relatively recently, LAGsPhoto: attract LAG Valea HalmagieiThis is the first call for grants for LAGs important investments at the community from Cahul and Ungheni regions, organized level using the European approach - LEADER, under the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions which is rather participative and innovative Programme. The next call for grants will be and hence contribution to decreasing announced in 2022. economic and social imbalances and urban- Currently, 32 Local Action Groups are rural disparities. registered in the Republic of Moldova, covering 35% of rural areas. EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme At least 12 new jobs will be created (2019-2024) supports smart, green, inclusive thanks to the EU grant provided to “Valea and sustainable development in Cahul and Halmagei” LAG. “Mobile vulcanization Ungheni, to ensure better life quality for services, ecological technologies in citizens. The Programme has a total budget wine-growing area, multifunctional park of 23 million EUR and is financed by the establishment, public street lighting European Union and implemented by the extension are just several of the total 13 United Nations Development Programme selected initiatives to be implemented (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund this year in communities which are (UNICEF). members of Valea Halmagei LAG,” More details about the activities of the mentions Elena Enachi, President of Programme in Cahul and Ungheni regions “Valea Halmagei” LAG. may be found on www.eu4cahul.md and www.eu4ungheni.md
List of winning projects may found here: Video Local Action Groups: GAL Lunca Prutului de Jos Video Lunca Prutului de Jos GAL Movila Măgura Video Movila Măgura GAL Cişmeaua Sudului Video Cişmeaua Sudului GAL Valea Halmagei Video Valea Halmagei
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 41 EU–LEADER INNOVATORS – LAGS AS ROLE MODELS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
The pilot-process “EU–LEADER Innovators”, launched on 26 January 2021, as part of the EU-funded project “LEADER Approach for Rural Prosperity in Moldova”, will strengthen Local Action Groups (LAGs) as role models for the areas they will specialise in.
In Italy, the “Far Maremma” LAG — a region well-known for its wines — has brought together small local wine-makers in an association that organizes vineyard site visits and works on diversifying their product range. The “Wendland-Elbetal” LAG from Germany played a key-role in turning the eponymous region into a model for sustainable development, by making the energy used here 100% renewable. Through this pilot-process, the selected LAGs will identify the activity sectors with The LAGs selected for this pilot-process the biggest development potential within will work as a development “umbrella”, their micro regions, for which tailored under which various local actors will action plans will be created. Thus, the join forces within their chosen activity LAGs will specialise, among others, as sector. This process will engage the LAG promo agencies for local products, cultural management teams and local partners— centers, promoters of local cuisine—any particularly small entrepreneurs—in sector that can become a visiting card for order to create palpable solutions that their micro region. The launch event for can inspire and be replicated by other “EU– LEADER Innovators” brought together LAGs. The “EU–LEADER Innovators, over 60 participants from the LAGs across LAGs as Role Models” pilot-process is the country. part of the “LEADER Approach for Rural Prosperity in Moldova” project, financed Even though this model is the first for by the European Union and Polish Aid, the Republic of Moldova, it has already implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in generated many success stories in EU Moldova in partnership with the National countries. One such example is the LEADER Network in the Republic of “Völgyvidék” LAG from Hungary, which Moldova. Strategic partner—the Ministry organises local culinary tours focused on of Agriculture, Regional Development cheese production (“The Cheese Route”). and Environment of Moldova.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 42 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU-FUNDED TWINNING AGRIFOOD PROJECT SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2030
During January – February 2021, 12 (teleworking) expert missions took place with the participation of altogether 28 international experts from Austria, Poland and Lithuania.
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The expertȘedința missions dintre ANSA were și MADRM organised privind withinplanul de the lucru jor strategic decision has been made by MARDE EU-funded Twinning AgriFood Project „Further to switch from a “scattered and sector policy support to Agriculture, Rural Development and making approach” to an “integrated approach” Food Safety in the Republic of Moldova”, which and to prepare the future NARDS 2030 as an in- aims to strengthen the institutional capacities tegrated document, based on the elaboration of of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Develop- the EU’s CAP strategic plans. ment and Environment (MARDE), Agriculture In- tervention and Payment Agency (AIPA) and Na- Taking into consideration that this current year tional Food Safety Agency (ANSA) in the design financial support for the animal sector is plan- and implementation of sustainable agriculture, ned to be implemented in the Republic of Mol- rural development and food safety policy in line dova, the respective regulation was reviewed with EU legislation and best practices. and a potential business process for the imple- mentation was elaborated together with AIPA’s The main focus of the expert missions was to experts. support and guide the development of the Na- tional Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Deve- The Twinning experts also worked on “scenarios lopment (NARDS 2030). NARDS 2030 is a major on area based direct payments”. Basic data and strategic document for agriculture and rural de- different definitions have been prepared, presen- velopment of the Republic of Moldova. On the ted and discussed with MARDE’s experts. The recommendation of the Twinning experts, a ma- results of this activities will be incorporated in
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 43 the NARDS 2030, were area based environmen- ted to official control of animals (bovine). Best tal payments may play a role. practice on the selection of holdings for official The Twinning experts in cooperation with MAR- controls based on risk criteria was shared. DE and ANSA reviewed the national legislation The official control procedures of composite related to animals (bovine) identification and products (including ice cream) and the certifica- registration and their compliance with EU requi- tion system for products of animal origin were rements. The options for reviewing and upda- reviewed. It was recommended to start imple- ting national legislation have been agreed upon. menting the new requirements of Regulation Recommendations for MARDE and ANSA were 2020/692 for export of composite products from also provided. the Republic of Moldova into EU. In general, the The control system related to animal (bovine) specific procedure certification of products of identification and registration and their compli- animal origin intended for export complies with ance with EU requirements was also reviewed. the EU requirements. Some shortcomings were Also, the business process of farm registration identified. as well as the animal identification and regis- The compliance with EU requirements of the tration from birth to slaughter incl. Information official control procedures and checklists for Technology and Cybersecurity were discussed holdings of broilers and laying hens related to between ANSA, MARDE and the Twinning ex- animal health were also reviewed. The recom- perts. The experts reviewed the checklist rela- mendations were provided.
The EU funded Twinning AgriFood Project “Further support to Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Safety in the Republic of Moldova” with a total budget of EUR 2 million has officially started on 1 September 2020.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 44 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 REGIONAL FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE NATIONAL LEADER NETWORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova was created about two years ago. Today the organisation representing the interests of the LAGs – it flourishes and, through its activity, contributes to the essential implementation of the LEADER approach in the country.
Thus, between 17 February and 3 March, the National Network LEADER in Moldova, presented during five Regional Forums, the retrospective of the previous year, the successes, challenges, and lessons learned reflected in the Activity Report for the year 2020. These events brought together members of the Network to discuss and reflect on their activities and future prospects. We are sure that this year will be an ambitious one for the Network and all its members, and will bring positive changes for the rural development process.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 45 INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE MOLDOVAN AGRI-FOOD SECTOR IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EU PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
On the 19 February 2021, the Centre of Excellence in Horticulture and Agricultural Technologies (CEHTA) from Ţaul, Donduşeni, inaugurated the vocational education and training (VET) section.
The new training room will offer vocational education, which aims at expanded modern and innovative training growing a competitive workforce for the educational approaches for youth and labour market. adults, providing training opportunities and retraining programmes to employees Among the VET students, 3 “Soybean and farm owners. CEHTA will offer 2 Ambassadors”, winners of the DevRAM new courses: „Quality standards in the contest in 2020, were nominated, awarded agri-food” and „Growing vegetables in and encouraged to further promote protected land”. This will contribute to their ideas on soybean cultivation and ensuring a certain quality of the technical production.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 46 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 ENHANCING THE QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The two-year EU-funded Twinning project Enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the Vocational Education and Training system in the Republic of Moldova started on 1 March 2019 and received a donation of high-performance equipment, as well. in May 2021. During January-February altogether seven training weeks were successfully conducted online using the Zoom-platform.
Within the Project’s component - Pedagogical education purposes and assessing training to VET teachers of Centres of digital competences with Check-in Self Excellence is delivered in order to become Reflection Tool multipliers and in particular, the objective was to enhance competences in digital • Website https://iptdigital.ceiti.md: assessment, digital materials, e-learning Centres of Excellence in VET and Alexei platform and e-learning website. Mateevici college have created digital The most important aspects underlined are learning materials for Moldova’s VET as follows: sector with a guidance of Twining STE’s. The website is a material and information • DigCompEdu, or the digital competences of attending educators have improved repository and is publicly open platform remarkably. The website and blog to visit and use. The significance and development are going strong effectivity for digitalizing and supporting including the use of open sources for Moldovan VET sector is remarkable. Source: School Education Gateway Gateway School Education Source:
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 47 EU4YOUTH PROJECT SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
More than 50 representatives of civil society and the social enterprise sectors in the Republic of Moldova participated in three consultation sessions organised by the EU4Youth project “Unlocking the potential of young social entrepreneurs in Moldova and Ukraine” on 1-3 February, to discuss the recommendations for amending the legal framework in the field of social entrepreneurship in Moldova.
Social entrepreneurship in the Republic of One of the proposals, which was put forward Moldova is in the early stage of development. by the experts and chosen by the majority In the last ten years, about 48 social of the participants, was the elaboration of a entrepreneurship initiatives have been special law, which would prioritise the topic launched, of which only four have obtained of social entrepreneurship and allow it to be the official status of social enterprise addressed through general legislation. The and insertion. Although the regulatory legislative framework should identify and framework for social entrepreneurship in develop supporting mechanisms for social the country is sufficiently explicit, it does economy entities, and create an enabling not fully reflect the needs and aspirations environment to address the specific needs of the field. of the social economy. Among these Aiming to enhance the legal framework, the supporting mechanisms, participants EU4Youth project organised three online particularly welcomed the proposal for the public hearings to consult the public’s establishment of separate tax treatment opinions on the proposed amendments to for social enterprises/social insertion the law on social entrepreneurship. enterprises.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 48 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 Other legal recommendations include their innovative solutions to the promotion encouraging at state level the procurement of social inclusion and environmental of goods, works and services from social sustainability across both countries. enterprises and social insertion businesses The EUnlocking project is implemented by through reserved contracts and developing the Gustav Stresemann Institute e.V. (GSI) incentives for companies that purchase (Germany), Egalite International (Ukraine), goods, works and services from social/ AXA Management Consulting organisation insertion enterprises. (Moldova), ECO-RAZENI Association The meetings were organised by the (Moldova), the National Assistance and EU4Youth project ‘Unlocking the potential Information Centre for NGOs in Moldova of young social entrepreneurs in Moldova „CONTACT” (Moldova), and „Pro NGO! e.V” and Ukraine’ (EUnlocking project), which (Germany). is funded by the European Union and For more details, please access here, helps to foster the social entrepreneurial live discussions can be followed here: potential of young people in Moldova https://www.facebook.com/Contact.md/ and Ukraine by establishing a favourable videos/1060598174451223 ecosystem for social enterprises, as well as by inspiring and supporting more young https://www.facebook.com/Contact.md/ social entrepreneurs to develop and sustain videos/231960811846800
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 49 EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK, EU’S BANK, SUPPORTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
EIB credit line investments supporting the development of organic horticulture businesses in Moldova
With AMG Kernel, Zam Zam Activ, Maestro Fruits and Ygrick Group, the EIB credit line supporting horticulture has already financed four companies that adhere to the European organic standard. While AMG Kernel and Zam Zam Activ were financed for investments around post-harvest handling of organic walnuts, Maestro Fruits developed the apple processing line and Ygrick Group received financing for a facility that produces culinary speciality oils. Zam Zam Activ even combined organic production with the maximum use of renewable energies.
The EIB Fruit Garden of Moldova credit line contributed 80,000 EUR of investment finance for a photovoltaic installation providing electrical energy for Zam Zam’s modern walnut kernel processing plant. Much of the company’s nut processing operations in Ialoveni District is automated, and this requires a lot of energy. “We were confronted with the problem of frequent power cuts”, says Irina Onceanu, the manager of the processing plant. “I think that about 2 times a week we did not have electricity and then we kept looking for solutions. At the same time, the energy consumption is high and bills may reach up to 40-50 thousand lei per month. Initially, we bought a Irina Onceanu’s decision to invest generator, but then we thought of a into solar panels was inspired by an article photovoltaic system, which would on the Agrobiznes portal and driven by the provide us with electricity which is company’s need for a reliable source of energy clean and lasting.” (Picture: Agrobiznes.md, 2020)
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 50 Foto:THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021
Decizia Irinei Onceanu de a investi în panouri fotovoltaice a fost inspirată de un articol a portalului Agrobiznes și motivată de nevoia companiei de a avea o sursă de energie fiabilă (Imagine: Agrobiznes.md, 2020)
Irina says that she follows the Agrobiznes portal where she read about the EIB credit line supporting investments such as for solar panels. Being active in the production and processing of walnuts, the company qualified for a loan at preferential conditions. “It was not easy to work with the bank disbursing the loan, which required a lot of documents.” However, the business consultancy company Agri-Smart, which partners with the Fruit Garden of Moldova credit line, helped Zam Zam to take every hurdle and the loan was disbursed just in time so that the 2020 harvest could already be processed with solar energy. Zam Zam’s business model is to produce according to international quality standards (organic, ISO, FSSC) for the export market to the Middle East and the EU mainly. The company now has 140 hectares of walnuts which were leased and then converted to certified organic production. Instead of using investment capital to plant orchards, the company leases them from farmers, so that enough money can be invested into state-of-the-art processing.
Zam Zam Activ is one of the companies that made Moldova known for its organic walnuts (Picture: Agrobiznes.md, 2020)
Foto:
Zam Zam Activ este una dintre companiile care au făcut cunoscută Moldova pentru nucile sale ecologice (Imagine: Agrobiznes.md, 2020) NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 51 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
CITIZENS IN THE NORTH WILL BENEFIT FROM ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS AND IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY SERVICES – ALL FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
On 4 February 2021 construction works for European Union (EU) funded projects were launched in the North Region: the water supply (WS) project in Drochia town and the energy efficiency (EE) project at the ‚Iurie Boghiu’ Gymnasium from Flamânzeni village, Sângerei rayon. The goal of these projects is to provide the inhabitants of Drochia town with quality water supply services and to ensure better educational conditions for students and teachers at the ‚Iurie Boghiu’ Gymnasium from Flamânzeni village, Sângerei rayon.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 52 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 The projects ‘Improving Water Supply services in the Drochia town’ and ‘Increasing the energy efficiency of the ‘Iurie Boghiu’ Gymnasium in Flamânzeni village, Sângerei rayon’ are funded by the European Union. They are implemented in cooperation with the project “Modernisation of Local Public Services in the Republic of Moldova’ managed by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ (Moldova), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (AMRDE), and financially supported by the German Government (BMZ).
The construction works will be completed 300 students, teachers and auxiliary staff by the end of 2021 and will include a series of the Gymnasium. of modernisation measures. Thus, energy At the same time, the construction of the efficiency will include the repairing the roof, water supply system in the Drochia town insulation of building’s walls, replacement will include 19.5 km to which over 1,200 of windows, rehabilitation of the heating individual households will be connected, system, provision of hot and cold water modernisation of two drinking water in school, and renovation of the sanitary pumping stations and rehabilitation of facilities. The total value of the ‚Increasing 5 artesian wells. The total investments the energy efficiency of the ‚Iurie Boghiu’ regarding water supply in Drochia town are Gymnasium in Flamânzeni village’ project of 4.3 million EUR, of which 3.9 million EUR is 877,000 EUR, of which 866,000 EUR are are provided by the EU and 311,000 EUR – provided by the EU and 11,000 EUR are local contribution. Approximately 20,000 covered from local contribution. The total of Drochia inhabitants will benefit from number of beneficiaries amounts to over drinking water supply services.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 53 STRENGTHENING THE WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN CANTEMIR WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The project which focuses on strengthening the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Cantemir (part II of the EU-funded project Development of Rural Areas in the Republic of Moldova) continues working on the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the sewer network, in order to be completed in summer 2021.
A monitoring field visit for inspection of the project managers of the construction com- works progress took place on 18 February pany and the site supervision engineer. The 2021 by the representatives of the Austrian visit aimed to control the progress of the ac- Development Agency, Mr. Gunther ZIMMER, tual works and the commissioning plan of Head of ADA Moldova Office, the Mayor of the project facilities which is envisaged for Cantemir, Mr. Roman CIUBACIUC, and the summer 2021.
In the last months, the project continued with the construction works and the households were preliminary connected to the sewer network. The main results achieved up to 31 January 2021: • Completion of all main civil works of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and start of the mechanical and electrical installation, which achieved a progress of 71%. • More than 51% sewer network was constructed. Thereof: pipe laying length 12,905 m (73% of total), 511 manholes installed (71% of total), 157 house connections were preliminary completed (38% of total). • Several activities were implemented to steer and enhance the internal and external communication of the project. The officials and local community beneficiaries are fully involved in the project via increased awareness raising in the field of sustainable water supply and safe wastewater disposal.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 54 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 On the same day of 19 February 2021, a similar inauguration took place in Râşcani. The mechanical workshop within the department „Machines and appliances in the food industry” opens its doors at the Agroindustrial College in Râşcani.
The new practical training facilities, environment and conditions. Thanks to the recently re-equipped, will allow several enhancements produced with the support generations of students, future mechanical of the European Union project “DevRAM”, technicians, to acquire the necessary skills Part I, the initial and continuing training in line with up-to-date requirements that process in agri-food technical vocational will help them obtain jobs. education will be much closer to the labour The level of training required in the market for thousands of students and labour market is constantly advancing. It specialists in the field. depends on the performance of teachers, The project has successfully worked training programs and tools, the learning with RIFC “Selectia”, through Donau Soja
On 26 February 2021, the Research Institute of Field Crops “Selecţia” and other 4 entities were donated high-performance equipment.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 55 Association, on the transfer of knowledge to farmers through jointly organised demonstration platforms and field days that allowed farmers learn about the best available technologies in soya cultivation and identify the most productive soya varieties and inputs available on the market. The equipment transferred will include a modern seeding machine ”D 62 – SE”, and a set of rapid GMO and mycotoxins scanning equipment, that will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the research sector and local producers and ensure the good quality seeding process leading to better results on the demonstration platforms, empowering the local scientists and researchers to improve the quality of research and know-how transfer to soya producers.
The Centre for Excellence in Services and Food Processing from Bălţi received a donation of high-performance equipment, as well.
A monitoring visit to the newly equipped “Laboratory of the modern specialist” was organised by the Centre for Excellence in Services and Food Processing in Bălţi. The Laboratory received an electric convection and steam oven, a water filter, a leavener, a planetary mixer and an electronic scale. In addition, the laboratory will be the space for continuous training courses, which will be attended by teachers from VET institutions and by all those interested in professional growth. The new training facilities will allow 150 students from “Food technology” specialty and 60 students from “Confectioner” specialty to acquire practical skills needed in the labour market, which will facilitate their future professional integration. The above detailed activities were implemented by the EU-funded project Development of Rural Areas of the Republic of Moldova (DevRam), Part I.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 56 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 SOLAR ENERGY - THE INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE. EIB FRUIT GARDEN OF MOLDOVA FINANCED 6 SOLAR SYSTEMS FOR COLD STORES
The latest of the photovoltaic systems financed by the EIB loan facility will cold store table grapes of Mr. Creţu Nicolai who can now save on energy costs and contribute to reducing global warming.
Farmer Nicolai Cretu is advised by business consultancy Alternative AID how to access the EIB investment loan (Picture: Agro TV, 2021) Foto:
By using solar energy, we are reducing An example worth following is the one of pollutionFermierul from burning Nicolai fossil Cre fuelsțu este and sfătuit the de Peasant compania Farm Nicolai de consultanță Creţu, a farmer în contributeafaceri Alternative to holding up AIDglobal cum warming, să acceseze passionate împrumutul about growing investițional table grapes al which today is a tacit threat to humanity. both for local market and export. Launching BEICombatting (Imagine: climate Agro TV,change 2021) requires a horticultural business with only 2 workers tailored solutions from every business. in 1996, Nicolai today owns 1,8 ha of vines
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 57 Photo: These solar panels installed by a Moldovan company will reduce the electricity bill for the next 25 years (Picture: Zaw Energy, 2019) Foto: of the famous red Moldova variety, located remembered a programme broadcasted in the village of Costeşti, Ialoveni. Until by AgroTV about the advantages of Aceste panouri fotovoltaice instalate de o companie moldovenească vor today, the number of workers increased to photovoltaic investments. 4 whoreduce together factura with de family curent members electric take pentru următorii 25 de ani (Imagine: Zaw He then contacted the business consultancy careEnergy, of the 2019)vineyard and all post-harvest activities. Nicolai embarked on a new Alternative AID which facilitates access to family tradition of producing grapes as his investment finance from EIB sources and son is about to take over the business. applied for a loan in the amount of 1.5 million MDL through the EIB Fruit Garden An important step in Nicolai’s business was the construction of a refrigerated of Moldova project. Alternative AID helped warehouse with a total capacity of 1000 him to understand the different steps to tones. His grapes are kept here, and in take until the loan is disbursed onto his addition, he offers storage services for account. other producers. The complex consists of Nicolai applied on 22 July 2020 and already two main buildings with 11 cold rooms and on 07 October 2020, the loan was disbursed a capacity of 90-100 tons each. Adjacent so that he could pay the contractor he buildings with an area of 500 m² for operations are located on the territory, too. had chosen for the installation of 100 This makes an efficient farm which has all kW photovoltaic system for which 806 facilities. m² panels were placed on the roof of the cold store. A new chapter began in The challenges generated by the Covid-19 Nicolai’s business. The system is already pandemic in 2020 due to difficult logistics in the export trade, made Nicolai carefully operational reducing costs and making analyse how he could reduce costs to the business stronger. Alternative AID will be less vulnerable to price fluctuations. continue to support the farm for further As electricity costs for the operation of investments making use of the investment the cold store play a major role, Nicolai finance available through EIB.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 58 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 CITIZENS IN THE CENTRE WILL BENEFIT FROM ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS AND IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY SERVICES – ALL FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
On 9 February 2021 construction works for European Union (EU) funded projects were launched in the Centre Region: the water supply and sanitation (WSS) project in Calăraşi town and the energy efficiency (EE) project at the ‘Ion Vatamanu’ Lyceum from Străşeni municipality. The goal of the implemented projects is to provide the inhabitants of Călăraşi town with quality water supply and sanitation services and to ensure better educational conditions for students and teachers at the ‚Ion Vatamanu’ Lyceum from Străşeni.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 59 The construction works will be completed At the same time, 16 km of water by the end of 2021 and will include a supply system in Călăraşi town will be series of modernisation measures. Thus, rehabilitated and extended to which over energy efficiency will include the repairing 875 households will be connected. Also, of the roof, insulation of building’s walls, as part of the project, the chlorination replacement of windows, rehabilitation of station for drinking water in Călăraşi will the heating system, provision of hot and be reconstructed. In addition, 5 km of cold water in the school, and renovation sewage system will be rehabilitated to of the sanitary facilities. The total value of which 234 households will get connected. the project “Increasing Energy Efficiency The total investment of the water supply of the ‚Ion Vatamanu’ Lyceum in Străşeni” and sanitation project in Călăraşi town is is 1.2 million EUR of which 1.1 million of 1.72 million EUR, of which 1.37 million EUR provided by the EU and 102,000 EUR EUR is provided by the EU and 353,000 covered from local contribution. The total EUR – local contribution. Approximately number of beneficiaries amounts to over 1,500 of Călăraşi inhabitants will benefit 650 students, teachers and auxiliary staff from drinking water supply services and of the Lyceum. 5700 from sewage services.
The projects “Increasing Energy Efficiency of the ‘Ion Vatamanu’ Lyceum from Străşeni Municipality” and “Improving Water Supply and Sanitation services in the Călăraşi town” are funded by the European Union. They are implemented in cooperation with the project “Modernisation of Local Public Services in the Republic of Moldova’ managed by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ (Moldova), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (AMRDE), and financially supported by the German Government (BMZ).
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 60 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 17 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS, EU GRANTS BENEFICIARIES, SHARED THE EXPERIENCE OF ENGAGING IN THE FIELD OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
On 12 February, in Chisinau, 17 organisations benefiting from the EU Local Grants Programme met to discuss good practices and lessons learned from the engagement and implementation of waste management projects in partnership with public authorities. The event was organised by the Association for Efficient and Responsible Governance AGER and PA “HABITAT”, partners of the action “Citizens’ empowerment in the Republic of Moldova” funded by the European Union.
The event was attended by 38 people, on the effects of non-compliance to existing representing the Ministry of Agriculture, waste management rules. Regional Development and Environment, The event is the first in a total cycle of six the Inspectorate for Environmental thematic events organized by AGER and PA Protection and the Environment Agency, „HABITAT”. Similar events will be organized mayors, experts in the field of solid by other partners of the project „Citizens’ waste management and 17 civil society empowerment in the Republic of Moldova” in organizations (CSOs). the North, South and ATU Gagauzia regions. The experience discussed has shown that The Local Grants Programme is launched on there are good partnerships between CSOs, the basis of the Single Support Framework local action groups and local authorities to of the European Union (EU), to the Republic create and improve these local services. of Moldova (2017-2020) under the European At the end of the event, Tamara Guvir, national Neighbourhood Instrument, through the environmental expert, came up with some action „Citizens’ empowerment in the recommendations for CSOs and authorities, Republic of Moldova” (2019-2021), funded including joint identification of vulnerable by the EU and implemented by the German groups and setting preferential tariffs for Development Cooperation through GIZ (GIZ them, organizing awareness campaigns on Moldova). the consequences of waste incineration and
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 61 THERMAL MODERNISATION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF CANTEMIR, FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION, CONTINUES
Individual Heating Points (IHP) have been installed in four educational buildings in Cantemir (“D. Cantemir” High School, “M. Eminescu” Gymnasium, Kindergarten no. 1 and no. 2) within the CanTREB project in order to improve the work of the heating systems in these buildings.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 62 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 IHP is a complex of pumps, heat exchangers, The works are financed by the European sensors that are installed in the basement Union, within the project „Thermal of a building and that work automatically. Rehabilitation of Educational Buildings in The principle of operation consists in the Cantemir - CanTREB” and contribution from fact that it regulates the parameters of the local sources. thermal agent (temperature), depending The CanTREB project is implemented by on the outdoor temperature and ensures Cantemir City Hall, in partnership with the the preparation of hot water. In addition, Alliance for Energy Efficiency and Renewables it is equipped with a separate heat meter (AEER), with the financial support of the and water meter, which make possible to European Union, within the Program „Covenant track and monitor the costs of heating the of Mayors - Demonstration Projects”. building. The project includes the thermal rehabilitation Individual Heating Points in combination of 4 public educational buildings in Cantemir, with the thermal insulation of buildings, using a set of energy efficiency measures, which has already been done within the such as thermal insulation of buildings, CanTREB project, aim to increase the installation of individual heating points, percentage of energy savings in these replacement of internal LED lighting system, educational buildings. According to experts, installation of a biomass thermal power thanks to these measures, this will help to plant, installation of photovoltaic systems, decrease heat energy bill by 40-50%. solar collectors etc.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 63 EU-FUNDED THERMAL REHABILITATION OF THE GYMNASIUM „M. EMINESCU” FROM CANTEMIR IS NEARING COMPLETION
The thermal rehabilitation works carried out in the EU CanTREB project shall soon finalise in „M. Eminescu” Gymnasium from the Cantemir town.
Currently, about 80% of the works have Thanks to this cheap but efficient solution, been completed. The exterior walls and the corridor, a classroom and the gym basement are completely insulated, and the no longer need lighting during the day. pediments (ends of the attic) of the central Previously, there was always a light on in block are insulated. these spaces. Thus, both an aesthetic and an economic problem were solved - a simple During the insulation work on the flat roof, way to save energy, using daylight. the EU CanTREB project team noticed that there were windows on the roof of At the same time the school administration the Gymnasium, which had been unused is contributing with improvement of for many years, clogged with debris and internal premises and arrangement of the covered with slate sheets. Thus, they associated territory. were cleaned and restored, using modern The contract is expected to be finished materials - polycarbonate, resistant to UV by the end of May 2021. Meanwhile, the action. Two layers of polycarbonate at the works include the installation of awnings top and bottom of the window create a at the entrances, the repair of the escape thermal air cushion between them, which staircase, painting of the foundation part acts perfectly as a thermal insulator with a and the restoration of the pavement around thickness of about 1 m. the building.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 64 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 CANTEMIR HAS ITS OWN SHREDDER FOR VEGETABLE WASTE, PURCHASED WITH EU SUPPORT
A shredder for chopping plant residues resulting from cleaning of vines and orchards was purchased by AO AEER for the city of Cantemir, with the support of the European Union. The acquisition was possible within the project “Strengthening local capacities for the implementation of the strategy for sustainable energy in the town Cantemir (CCLISED)”, within the Local Grants Programme of the European Union.
The shredder for agricultural waste was who have agreed to provide vine residues for specially chosen to meet the needs of the biomass production. And in mid-February, project. Thus, it has a rotor with special the shredder was taken out into the field steel teeth for capturing and pulling plant and put into operation. debris inside it, where there is another AO Alliance for Energy Efficiency and rotor with steel teeth fixed on it (patented Renewables is the beneficiary of the principle), which produces uniform chips. European Union’s Local Grants Program With this patented cutting methodology, the and implements the project in partnership production and collection of small fraction with the Centre for Training and Educational biomass is guaranteed, which allows the Development. product to dry in a natural way and the possibility of using chopping in automated The Local Grant Programme is launched biomass boilers. based on the Single EU Support Framework, granted to the Republic of Moldova (2017- Thus, the obtained biomass will be used 2020) under the European Neighbourhood directly as biofuel for the future thermal Instrument, through the project complex in the town Cantemir, also built “Empowering the citizens of the Republic of with EU support. According to experts, Moldova” (2019-2021), funded by European this ensures not only a source of energy - Union and implemented by the German biofuel, but also environmental protection, Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). by avoiding the illegal practices of burning The project partner for the Southern Region vegetation wastes. is the Regional Centre for Assistance The project team has already signed the and Information of Non-Governmental first agreements with farmers in the region, Organizations “CONTACT-Cahul”.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 65 ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY FROM CĂLĂRAŞI WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Călăraşi became brighter after the building of the Museum of History and Ethnography in the town was architecturally illuminated, with the support provided by the European Union. Thus, the inhabitants of Călăraşi, but also its visitors will be able to admire the museum building in all its splendour, both during the day and at night. The architectural lighting of the building of the Museum of History and Ethnography in the city of Călăraşi was officially put into operation on 9 February, during a festive event.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 66 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 The purpose of the installation is to highlight of the objectives of the energy efficiency the architecture of the Museum building project in Călăraşi, implemented with the during the night, the artistic and cultural value support of the European Union. The project of the building, which will increase the tourist involves the installation of a 21-kilometer attractiveness of Călăraşi. The works took lighting network and the architectural place within the project implemented with lighting of the History Museum in the city of the financial support of the European Union Călăraşi. As a result, the project will ensure „Efficient public lighting in Călăraşi-Firefly a real saving of 6,500 EUR/year, will reduce in the heart of forests”, by the City Hall of CO2 emissions and maintenance and Călăraşi, in partnership with IDIS „Viitorul”. operating costs. The works included the lighting of the The project „Efficient public lighting in constructive and ornamental elements of Călăraşi-Firefly in the heart of forests” is the building of the Museum of History and implemented by the Călăraşi Town Hall in Ethnography from Călăraşi with 24 LED- partnership with IDIS „Viitorul”. The project based projectors for the architectural lighting. is funded by the European Union through the The museum courtyard is also lit by several European programme “Covenant of Mayors – modern lanterns. This will encourage the Demonstration Projects (CoM-DeP)”, part of organization of cultural and artistic activities the EU4Energy initiative. during the evening and night on the territory of The EU4Energy Initiative covers all EU the museum and will be an additional element support to improve energy supply, security of motivation for the museum administration to enrich the calendar of events. The and connectivity, as well as to promote architectural lighting of the Museum of History energy efficiency and the use of renewables and Ethnography in Călăraşi is particularly in the Eastern Partner countries Armenia, important because since 2017 the city of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Călăraşi is part of a national tourist route. Moldova and Ukraine. It does this by financing projects and programmes that help to reform The architectural lighting of the Museum of energy markets and to reduce national energy History and Ethnography in Călăraşi cost 145 dependence and consumption. Over the thousand lei, and the electricity consumption longer term, this makes energy supply more was reduced by 30% compared to January reliable, transparent and affordable, thus 2020. reducing energy poverty and energy bills for The architectural lighting of the Museum of both citizens and the private sector. More History and Ethnography in Călăraşi is one information: www.EU4Energy.eu
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 67 EU SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH PILOTING DEMONSTRATIVE NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGIES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN FEŞTELIŢA COMMUNITY
In the winter of 2021, regardless of the weather outside, the inhabitants of Feşteliţa village felt safe, both at work and at leisure. All due to the results obtained by the locality within the Energy Efficiency Project, financially supported by the European Union and which, at the moment, is in the final stage of implementation.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 68 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 The most obvious result with a major social system, managed remotely and equipped impact on all categories of citizens of the with 566 LED luminaries of 40W each, village is intelligent street lighting, the first mounted on about 20 km of the streets. typology in the field of energy efficiency In addition to the economic, environmental successfully implemented in the locality. and security benefits registered by the Opting for equity, in order to provide the whole locality, the psychosocial ones can also be community with public lighting, the project enumerated: longer spending free time in implementation team used a new strategy the air, lasting interpersonal relationships to attract additional funds, combining financial sources from the grant allocated with both family and friends, detachment by the European Union, the contribution of of children from school and giving up the Local Public Administration, the Energy gadgets in favour of sports games, good Efficiency Agency, with a loan from the Nordic mood, increasing optimism and the level of Environmental Finance Corporation. Thus, confidence of the population in the Local and the innovative co-financing formula EU Grant Central Public Authorities. As an example, + LPA Contribution Feşteliţa, Government sledding this winter was practiced by the of Moldova + Credit NEFCO represents people of Feşteliţa until late at night, only ensuring the donors’ synergy in the field of thanks to the public lighting in the village. energy efficiency and is a premiere for the Another tangible result of the project is the Republic of Moldova, an example worthy of installation of 4 biomass-burning boiler taking over by other communities. plants and a system of solar collectors at the From this year, approximately 3,000 kindergarten, gymnasium, culture house and inhabitants of Feşteliţa village, or 100% of city hall. Rational investment for the good the direct beneficiaries of the project, benefit of the citizen, thus ensuring the local public from the new intelligent public lighting institutions, for a long period of time, with an
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 69 accessible environmentally friendly thermal Delegation to Moldova, follow to be directed agent, produced from local renewable to implementation of other additional works in resources. The biomass necessary for the field of energy efficiency, namely: thermal the proper functioning of the boiler plants insulation of the Feşteliţa city hall building is grown on the own 5ha energy poplar and installation of on-grid photovoltaic plantation. The beneficiary of this typology panels with a cumulative capacity of 38 of subproject is the whole community: the kW on 3 public institutions (kindergarten, employees and the beneficiaries of the public gymnasium, city hall). Thus, these buildings institutions, the students and the children of will be able to claim the labelling „nearly preschool age. Importantly, the level of public Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEBs), with minimal service delivery also increases, making them CO2 emissions. more accessible in any period of time. The project „Creation of the Centre of Another innovative achievement of the Excellence through piloting demonstrative project is the creation and endowment with new energy efficiency technologies and IT equipment of the ECO Training Educational renewable energy sources in FEŞTELIŢA Centre within the “Voinicel” kindergarten. The community”, is financially supported by the purpose of the centre’s activities is not only to European Union through the EU program promote energy efficiency technologies and „Convention of Mayors - Demonstration demonstration sources of renewable energy Projects” (CoM-DeP) and implemented by PA to the young generation of Feşteliţa village, AO ”Fondul de Inovaţii Sociale din Moldova” but also to facilitate the online activities of NGO. The project promotion campaign educators and children during the COVID-19 is carried out through the page of the pandemic. To mention, the IT equipment was Association of Natives of Feşteliţa village, purchased at the expense of the contribution which currently has over 1000 followers collected on-line by the natives, within the (https://www.facebook.com/ABFestelita). Energy Efficiency project, but also with the financial support of Feşteliţa city hall. The “ECOFeşteliţa” Creation and Recycling Centre within the “Vasile Moga” gymnasium, created in 2020 by the project implementation team in response to the European Union’s initiative of active involvement in preventing the spread of COVID-19, continues its activities at a fast pace. Due to the contribution of the natives accumulated on-line, it was equipped with sewing / embroidery machines, fabrics and other equipment specific to the field of tailoring and reconditioning. Over 1000 protective masks of Feşteliţa brand were sewn and distributed through the local public institutions thanks to the creative efforts of the school community, but also of the volunteers from the village. It should be mentioned that the implementation team managed to save some money in the project budget, which, after co-ordination with the CoM-DeP support team and approval of the European Union
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 70 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU4ENERGY: ROUND TABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CĂLĂRAŞI ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS
How are energy efficiency measures implemented in the context of the Association Agreement? What are greenhouse gases? Which sector produces the most emissions, how can we reduce CO2 emissions, but also what role do young people play in energy efficiency? These are some of the topics of the round table “The role of young people on energy efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions”, held online on 17 February. The event was organised by IDIS „Viitorul” within the project „Efficient public lighting in Călăraşi-Firefly in the heart of forests”. The project is implemented by the local public authority in Călăraşi, in collaboration with IDIS „Viitorul”, with the financial support of the European Union (EU).
The roundtable discussions addressed the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030, measures to reduce energy consumption in public institutions and the private sector, but also the role of young people in promoting energy efficiency. The online event brought together young people from Călăraşi district, specialists in public administration, representatives of public institutions from Călăraşi district and civil society. The energy efficiency sectors are considered a priority by the European Energy Community (EEC), and the EEC Member States have made a number of commitments to be reached by 2020. This is a 20% reduction in annual energy consumption. of renewable energy of 17% of total energy consumption
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 71 and 10% of electricity. A 25% reduction in will reduce CO2 emissions and maintenance CO2 and other emissions is also expected. and operating costs. The Republic of Moldova undertakes to The project „Efficient public lighting in unconditionally reduce, by 2030, greenhouse Călăraşi-Firefly in the heart of forests” is gas emissions by 70% compared to 1990. implemented by the Călăraşi Town Hall in Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to partnership with IDIS „Viitorul”. The project the global phenomenon of climate change. is funded by the European Union through the Who are the biggest broadcasters? Which European programme “Covenant of Mayors sector produces the most emissions? What – Demonstration Projects (CoM-DeP)”, part is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the EU4Energy initiative. per year in the EU? These are just some The EU4Energy Initiative covers all EU of the questions that the project manager, support to improve energy supply, security Liubomir Chiriac, tried to answer. and connectivity, as well as to promote In the opinion of the participants, through energy efficiency and the use of renewables the contribution and example of each one in the Eastern Partner countries Armenia, of using energy efficiently, it will be possible Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic to reduce CO2 emissions for a cleaner and of Moldova and Ukraine. It does this healthier environment. by financing projects and programmes The round table took place within the energy that help to reform energy markets and efficiency project in Călăraşi, implemented to reduce national energy dependence with the support of the European Union. and consumption. Over the longer term, The project involves the installation of this makes energy supply more reliable, a 21-kilometer lighting network and the transparent and affordable, thus reducing architectural lighting of the History Museum energy poverty and energy bills for both in the city of Călăraşi. As a result, the project citizens and the private sector. will ensure a real saving of 6,500 EUR/year, More information: www.EU4Energy.eu
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 72 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 6TH HIGH LEVEL NATIONAL ROUND TABLE “GREEN ECONOMY – MADE IN MOLDOVA: FROM GREEN ECONOMY TO THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL”
The 6th edition of the National High-level Round Table “Green Economy – Made in Moldova” took place on 29 January 2021 within EU4Environment, in order to promote the Green Economy Concept at the highest political level in Moldova and EaP countries, in all social-development sectors of the country, attracting the private sector, development partners, NGOs, media and the general public.
The High-Level National Round Table Environment and the Ministry of Economy “GREEN ECONOMY - Made in Moldova” and Infrastructure of the Republic of was organized within the EU-funded Moldova. An important component of EU4Environment programme, as follow- EU4Environment is supporting Green up to the EU-funded “Greening Economies Economy ownership, policy coherence and in the Eastern Neighbourhood” (EaP cross-sectorial coordination in Moldova GREEN) programme that ended in 2017. and region. EU4Environment is jointly implemented by The High-level National Round Table for the EC, OECD, UNECE, UNEP, UNIDO and the promotion of Green Economy is coordinated World Bank and coordinated by the Ministry by the Inter-ministerial Working Group of Agriculture, Regional Development and on Sustainable Development and Green
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 73 Economy (also acting as the EU4Environment consecutive meetings took place yearly, National Implementation Committee), and the fifth event took place on 31 January co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture, 2020 at Moldexpo. Regional Development and Environment Invited participants to the Round Table and Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure include representatives from governmental of the Republic of Moldova. The event is agencies (MEI, MARDE, ODIMM), EC (DG organized in partnership with the Chamber NEAR, DG Env), EUD, EU4Environment of Commerce and Industry of the Republic IPs, NACs and beneficiaries, international of Moldova and the Public Association organizations, embassies, businesses and EcoContact, with support from UNEP. enterprises / private sector, academic sector, The first Round Table was organised in 2016 environmental NGOs and experts, mass- with support of the EaP GREEN programme, media from Moldova and EaP countries.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 74 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 EU4ENVIRONMENT: FIRST NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE ECO-INNOVATION METHODOLOGY AND EU CASE STUDIES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
The event was co-organised by the Organisation for Small Medium Enterprises Sector Development (ODIMM) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as part of the EU-funded EU4Environment Programme.
Within EU4Environment businessmen to encourage small and medium-sized from SMEs from the Republic of Moldova, enterprises (hereafter SMEs) to adopt interested in obtaining sustainable and more environmentally friendly business green products and consumption models, practices. While SMEs generate about were acquainted with the European 64% of industrial pollution in the European methods of promoting eco-innovations in Union, only 16% of them are engaged the entrepreneurial field. in environmental actions (OECD Green Recent studies and the evolution of Growth Studies, 2018: Environmental public policies in the Republic of Moldova Policy Toolkit for SME Greening in EU highlight the need to take further action Eastern Partnership Countries). There is
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 75 thus still significant potential to promote chains, production processes and overall tools and good practices to encourage the lifecycle of the products/services they „greening” of SMEs in the country. Many offer. of these tools are already implemented by Greening SMEs will provide the Republic Member States of the European Union and of Moldova with a range of opportunities can be adapted to the needs of SMEs in the to take advantage of its Deep and Republic of Moldova, thereby encouraging Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) sustainable development and international Agreement with the EU, as well as to economic competitiveness of businesses achieve goals under the 2030 Agenda and the country’s economy at large. for Sustainable Development. Elements The United Nations Environment of greening SMEs can also be found in Programme (hereafter UNEP) is one of five Moldova’s Environmental Strategy for partner agencies implementing the EU- 2014-2023; the Strategy for Low Emission funded EU4Environment programme from Development of the Republic of Moldova 2019 to 2023 (hereafter “EU4Environment”). until 2030; the National Energy Efficiency This regional programme supports six Programme for 2011-2020; the Energy countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until Georgia, Republic of Moldova and 2030; the Strategy for waste management Ukraine) in making policy planning and in the Republic of Moldova for 2013-2027 investment greener, stimulating the uptake and; the country’s Strategy for water of innovative products and technologies, supply and sanitation (2014-2028). This and raising awareness about the benefits underlines also a favourable political of environmental action. As part of the landscape for stimulating eco-innovation EU4Environment programme, UNEP among enterprise in Moldova. is leading a component on promoting During the event UNEP’s (and EU’s) eco- ecological value-chains and product innovation approach and methodology innovation (hereafter eco-innovation) was presented, also the experience of EU among SMEs in Moldova and other Eastern and other countries’ enterprises on eco- Partnership (hereafter EaP) countries. innovation was shared; and discussed what This includes capacity development SME sectors in Moldova show the greatest and provision of technical assistance to potential for uptake and implementation of enhance the sustainability of SMEs value eco-innovation strategies and practices.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 76 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 LAUNCH OF AN E-LEARNING COURSE “INTRODUCTION TO THE GREEN ECONOMY” IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
The Republic of Moldova is continuing its green transformation. At the annual high-level event “Green Economy – Made in Moldova” on 29 January 2021, UNEP, one of the implementing agencies of the EU-funded EU4Environment programme, together with its partner UNITAR, launched an e-learning course “Introduction to the Green Economy”.
This 10-hour course is hosted on the UN CC: • Identify enabling conditions for greening Learning platform and can be completed at national economies; your own pace. It is free of charge and upon • Outline principal opportunities and completion, learners gain a certificate. challenges to greening key sectors of It includes basic concepts, policy the economy; instruments and international frameworks that promote inclusive green economies • Provide examples of enabling national at all levels. The course consists of five and sectoral strategies and planning; modules with interactive exercises that • Distinguish international frameworks reinforce the readers learning. and initiatives in support of an inclusive After completing the course, learners will be green economy. able to: This course is open to policy-makers, • Describe the rationale and core concepts businesses, and the general public. for moving away from business-as-usual practices and towards an inclusive green For more information about the course, economy; please visit https://cutt.ly/PzWJ6xl
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 77 EU4ENVIRONMENT IS FACILITATING GREEN PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN MOLDOVA BY IMPLEMENTING THE DESIGNED CLEAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT (CPT) PROGRAMME.
The workshop on “Implementing the Designed Clean Public Transport (CPT) Programme in Moldova” took place on 5 February 2021.
The meeting objectives were: • to present the project on Facilitating green public investments in Moldova: Implementing the designed Clean Public Transport (CPT) Programme. • to present the main finding of the draft report on potential funding sources. • to identify next steps in CPT programme implementation, in particular, how programme implementation unit (PIU) should be set up.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 78 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 The Clean Public Transport (CPT) suburban vehicles in the two pilot cities Programme was developed within the (62 trolleybuses, 393 buses and 280 “Low-carbon public spending at the minibuses), requiring an investment of national level in Moldova” Project and is USD 150.2 million. Assuming the more focused on supporting the shift to modern ambitious scaling-up phase (Scenario buses using cleaner fossil fuels (such as 2) is implemented, Moldova will have 2 CNG – compressed natural gas and LPG 510 new urban, suburban and inter-city – liquefied petroleum gas) or electricity vehicles (62 trolleybuses, 1 456 buses and generated by these or renewable resources 992 minibuses with CNG, LPG and modern (wind, solar or hydro power) in case of diesel engines) at an investment cost of trolleybuses. USD 498.6 million. The CPT Programme includes two phases: The activity is financially supported by the first (pilot) phase for two selected and implemented within the framework cities and an extension (scaling-up) phase of EU for Environment (EU4Environment). for a larger area and a larger number of Under the overall direction of the European beneficiaries. The pilot phase foresees Commission, the implementing partners replacing 77 old vehicles (62 trolleybuses – OECD, UN Environment, UNECE, UNIDO, and 15 minibuses) in Chisinau and Balti, and the World Bank – build on important involving a total investment of USD achievements of past cooperation 19.1 million over one year (after a one- programmes, such as Greening year preparatory phase). Together, the Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood pilot and the scaling-up phase (Scenario (EaP GREEN), a regional programme 1) will provide 735 new urban and implemented in 2013-17.
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 79 MEETING OF THE INTER-MINISTERIAL WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GREEN ECONOMY
Greening SMEs, promotion of eco-innovations and eco-labelling, strengthening of the operations of the National Ecological Fund, continuous development of environmental assessment procedures, integration of circular economy provision into waste management and application of ecosystem services approaches - this are the priority domains of the activity within EU4Environment in Moldova for 2021 - examined and approved at the annual meeting of the Inter-ministerial working group on the promotion of sustainable development and green economy/National Implementation Committee for EU4Environment in the Republic of Moldova.
The meeting of the Inter-ministerial Working Group on the promotion of Sustainable Development and Green Economy took place on 12 February 2021. The meeting objectives were: • to present the status of the implementation of EU4Environment in Moldova in 2020, including adjustments that have had to be made due to the global pandemic and other political developments; implementation of the EU4Environment • to present the detailed work plans for programme in Moldova (and at the the first 6 months of 2021 and general regional level, as appropriate); activity plans till the end of 2021 The meeting gathered participants from (with contribution/presentation from State secretaries (NFPs/Co-chairs from MEI Implementing Partners), including planned and MARDE), Members of the NIC/WG on SD EU4Environment regional events; and GE/NIC of EU4Environment in Moldova, • to present the preparations for the EU representatives of governmental agencies, Green Week in June 2021, as well as other MEI, MARDE, ODIMM, APP, AEE, academic related environmental events in 2021 sector, environmental NGOs, DG NEAR, DG (both at national and regional levels); Environment, Delegation of the EU in RM, representatives of Implementing Partners • to ensure synergies with other (OECD, UNEP, UNECE and UNIDO, WB). international projects/programmes under For more information: https://www. implementation in Moldova and region; eu4environment.org/events/meeting-of- • to inform the EU4Environment the-inter-ministerial-working-group-on-the- implementing partners about the promotion-of-sustainable-development-and- possibilities and needs regarding the green-economy/
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO 80 THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 RESILIENT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS DELIVERING REAL BENEFITS: EU4DIGITAL CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON E-HEALTH
How is eHealth changing the roll out of health care in the Eastern partner countries and what is the European Union doing to help? EU4Digital has carried out a campaign highlighting the project’s support for eHealth solutions in the partner countries, highlighting the vital importance of eHealth in the current pandemic and what we can expect in the years to come.
The campaign, which was promoted in the support of the European Union and its local press and through social media, was EU4Digital initiative. built around a series of stories developed in cooperation with local media partners. For more information please access: https:// These stories highlighted eHealth solutions eufordigital.eu/digital-solutions-delivering- implemented in the Eastern partner real-benefits-eu4digital-campaign-focuses- countries, the challenges they face, and on-ehealth/
NEWSLETTER OF THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2021 81 SAVE THE DATE – PLANNED EVENTS
DATA: 25-26/03/2021 – E-TRADECON
The Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the USAID Moldova Structural Reform Program and the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova, in partnership with the European Business Association, invite the public to the inaugural national conference dedicated to trade facilitation e-TRADECON. The event will take place on 25 and 26 March in an online format.
The main objective of the e-TRADECON event cover the importance of digital and physical is to reaffirm the strategic role of the quality infrastructure, along with their impact on of customs regulations on the flow of goods, the efficiency of customs corridors. to question their status quo, as well as to The second day of the Conference will meditate on the vectors of modernization be dedicated to ascertaining the state of of the customs framework, in the context of affairs of customs regulations on the size the EU – Moldova Association Agreement. of customs value and the origin of goods, e-TRADECON will provide an interactive in the context of regional practice; ensuring platform for strategic dialogue for local customs compliance. The next panel will and international customs specialists, be focused to identifying tools to stimulate regardless of their field of activity, in both cross-border e-commerce, from a public the public and private sectors. and corporate perspective. The last panel is The first day of the Conference is dedicated designed to tackle the customs regulations to discussions on the draft of the new compliance aspects.
CustomsNEWSLETTER Code, OF and THE DELEGATION specifically OF THE EUROPEANthe benefits UNION TO For more information, please access the 82and regulatoryTHE REPUBLIC OF costs. MOLDOVA | ThisJANUARY day– FEBRUARY, will 2021 also following link: https://cutt.ly/mzm685X This newsletter is produced in the framework of the project “Visibility of EU and EU assistance in 2021 in the Republic of Moldova”. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Particip GmbH.
Contact data:
The European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova: [email protected]
Editorial team: Svetlana Japalau, Team Leader, Particip GmbH, [email protected] Natalia Ionel, Key Expert, Particip GmbH, [email protected]
The content of this publication is the exclusive responsibility of Particip GmbH and the editorial team, and does not in any way represent the opinion of the European Union.