Sweden to Support Local Public Authorities in Moldova on Their Path to European Integration
Local public authorities across the Republic of Moldova will benefit from the support of the Moldovan-Swedish project PACE Local: Local Public Administration, Citizen Engagement, launched today in Chișinău.
The project aims to strengthen local public authorities capacities for active involvement in the European integration process and to ensure they take full advantage of the opportunities it brings.
Implemented by SALAR International and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the project builds on strong partnerships. To ensure effective cooperation, SALAR has signed collaboration agreements with the State Chancellery and the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), key partners in advancing the PACE Local project.
Focus Areas: Development, Digitalization, and Infrastructure
Running from 2025 to 2029, PACE Local will promote inclusive local economic development, stimulate investment in rural communities, digitalize public services, and improve the quality of essential infrastructure such as waste management, energy efficiency, water supply, and sanitation. Small-scale investments will be made to attract larger ones, while local administrations will be supported to become more efficient, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
Launch of the PACE Local Project
At the launch event, Ryan Knox, Managing Director of SALAR International, reaffirmed the commitment to supporting Moldova:
"Local Governments play a key role in EU accession and integration. Together with our donor and partner, the Government of Sweden, we are committed to supporting Moldova´s local public authorities on their journey."
Andrei Strah, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, highlighted Sweden’s contribution to strengthening democracy in Moldova:
“This project is fully aligned with the National Public Administration Reform Strategy, with the key objective of improving services for citizens. Its components are vital, and Moldova is now well placed to advance the idea of European integration at the local level."
Andrei Strah, Deputy Secretary General of the Government
In a message to participants, Anders Henriksson, President of SALAR, remarked:
“Moldova has something special: strong communities and people who want to be heard. That’s why Sweden and SALAR is here - to support local administrations and help citizens shape their future together. Today we launch the PACE Local project. Our goal is simple: strengthen local governments, encourage citizen participation, and build more transparent communities. Sweden is proud to support Moldova on its path toward a stronger democracy and closer ties with the European Union.”
Anders Henriksson, President of SALAR
Viorel Furdui, Executive Director of CALM, stressed the importance of the initiative:
“The project comes at a crucial moment for local public administration in Moldova. European integration is a matter of great interest to mayors, opening new perspectives for communities and creating opportunities for growth.”
Commitment from Local Authorities
The launch was attended by numerous mayors from Moldovan towns and villages, who welcomed the Moldovan-Swedish initiative. They emphasized their intention to draw on the experience of Swedish local authorities, EU members with strong traditions of local democracy, and expressed their commitment to actively engage in Moldova’s EU accession process while harnessing the opportunities it brings for their communities.