Support to Public Administration Reform and EU alignment in Moldova
The project, Public Administration, Citizen Engagement (PACE Local) is funded by Sida and supports the central government in implementing the Public Administration Reform Strategy 2023-30 and assists the country’s strategic orientation towards EU accession.
In 2023 a dialogue between the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau, Moldova and SALAR International was initiated regarding potential Swedish support to the decentralisation process and the subnational government system in the country.
Moldova and other Eastern Partnership countries are now highly prioritised due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and the country is undergoing severe challenges related to the energy crisis and an influx of refugees from the war in Ukraine, putting a strain on the political and socio-economic context. Although efforts to reform the Moldovan public administration have been ongoing over the last several years, these recent events have resulted in a more urgent reform process in light of its candidate status to the EU granted in 2022 within the framework of the EU Association Agreement.
The country has passed notable laws for the reform process including the National Decentralisation Strategy and Action Plan for 2012-2016. The new Public Administration Reform (PAR) strategy from 2023 is a significant priority area for the Government of Moldova, including improving the quality of policy making, professionalising the civil service, increasing accessibility of public services and promoting greater accountability and transparency of the public institutions.
Four-year initiative to strengthen local governance in Moldova
The PACE Local Project: Local Public Administration and Citizen Engagement is a four-year initiative designed to strengthen local governance in Moldova. The project aims to promote democracy, increase accountability and transparency, and support the alignment of local governance practices with European Union laws and standards. It also contributes to inclusive local economic development, improved climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. This includes better local services and infrastructure such as waste management, energy efficiency, access to clean water, and sanitation.
Project components
Support to the central government
This includes targeted support to the central government to implement the Public Administration Reform strategy, together with the efforts from other development partners, while retaining longer-term validity for reforms to strengthen decentralisation. This includes support to the State Chancellary and key ministries to improve coordination of local reforms and clarify the division of functions between central and local levels of government. In addition, the project supports the e-Governance Agency in developing e-APL platform designed for public service delivery.
Support to clusters of local public authorities
This is the largest component of the project, focused on supporting clusters of Local Public Authorities to work together on improving public service delivery based on priorities agreed with citizens. Support may include small-scale investments, tools needed to catalyse larger investments, establishment of Unified Public Service Centers (CUPS) etc. It will also provide trainings and mentoring to help local authorities apply for funding from national and international funds.
Support for local engagement in the EU accession process
The project will support local engagement in Moldolva´s Eu accession process by fostering dialogue between local authorities, the State Chancellary, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, and citizens. It will help Local Public Authorities prepare for EU membership, raise public awareness about the benefits and obligations of accession, and build the capacity of local authorities to access EU funding- The Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) will play an important role in knowledge-sharing and advocating for local interests.
Citizen engagement is a cross-cutting theme across all three components. It is essential for citizens to actively participate in setting priorities for public service delivery and in the decision-making process. At the same time, engaging the population in the Republic of Moldova’s EU accession process is a priority, as informed and active citizens contribute to community development, strengthen trust in public institutions, and increase support for European integration.
More information
Contact
Lucia Acosta
Project Manager
lucia.acosta@skr.se
Halyna Lindh
Deputy Project Manager
halyna.lindh@skr.se