Administrative-territorial reform – Ma-implic

The MĂ IMPLIC Project supports strengthening the communication capacities of State Chancellery representatives in the context of the local public administration reform

Veronica Tomescu — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:12:03 +0000

MĂ IMPLIC Project supports strengthening the communication capacities of State Chancellery representatives in the context of the local public administration reform

In the context of the local public administration reform and the need for clearer and more efficient communication between the central and local levels, MĂ IMPLIC Project provided support to the State Chancellery for organizing the training program “Public, Written and Digital Communication”, dedicated to representatives of the Local Public Administration Directorate and the coordinators of the territorial offices of the State Chancellery.

The program was implemented between March and May 2026 and aimed to develop practical communication skills necessary for the daily work of public officials involved in coordination, dialogue, and communication processes with local public authorities.

The trainings had a practical and interactive character, based on real institutional communication examples, case studies, practical exercises, simulations, and feedback activities. Participants worked on concrete communication scenarios with LPAs, institutional drafting, management of difficult questions, and the development of clear and accessible public messages.

The program included three thematic modules:

verbal communication and public presentation;
written and institutional communication;
digital communication and the use of AI tools in professional activities.

During the sessions, participants practiced message structuring techniques, management of verbal confrontations, drafting informative notes, and adapting content for public and digital communication.

The activity is part of the efforts of the MĂ IMPLIC Project to support institutional capacity development and foster more effective communication in the context of implementing the local public administration reform and strengthening dialogue between central authorities, local authorities, and citizens.

MĂ IMPLIC Project aims to strengthen local governance and improve citizens’ access to quality public services. By encouraging open dialogue and better mutual understanding between the national and local levels of governance, the project contributes to creating favorable conditions for the development of local autonomy in the Republic of Moldova.

📌 The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project contributes to strengthening local governance and increasing citizens’ access to quality public services by supporting local authorities and communities in developing administrative capacities, strategic planning, and improving public service delivery.

In total, 14 groups of local public administrations in the Republic of Moldova benefit from the project’s activities, which will bring direct benefits to approximately 106,000 citizens in partner communities.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland
#MAIMPLIC #LocalDevelopment #PublicServices #EfficientAdministration

Interaction Session and Exchange of Good Practices on Budget Transparency and Local Revenue Management

Veronica Tomescu — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:25:42 +0000

Interaction Session and Exchange of Good Practices on Budget Transparency and Local Revenue Management

Over 60 representatives of local and central public authorities, development partners, organizations active in the field of public participation, as well as experts in the field, participated on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in an interaction session and exchange of good practices on budget transparency and local revenue management.

The event was facilitated by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” (IDIS “Viitorul”), a partner of the project “MĂ IMPLIC – Project on civic engagement in local governance”, implemented with the support of Switzerland and implemented by SKAT.

The session was part of the Training and Mentorship Programme – Transparent Budgeting, carried out between October 2025 and March 2026, and represented a stage of capitalization and consolidation of results, with a focus on social cohesion and local development. The objective of the session was to facilitate a structured exchange of experience and institutional dialogue between local public authorities on budget transparency, participatory approaches, and local revenue management, as well as to formulate practical recommendations applicable at the local level.

Matthias Morgner, Team Leader of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, highlighted the value of experience exchange in local development processes. “We all know that challenges can be quite significant, but at the stage we are now, we also have important opportunities. We cannot benefit from these opportunities if we remain isolated. We need dialogue between central and local authorities, and today this dialogue is taking place. We need the contribution of experts who work daily in this field. But most importantly, we also need the exchange of experience among you, the practitioners.”

Present at the opening panel titled “Dialogue on public participation as a tool for social cohesion”, Mr. Alexei Buzu, Secretary General of the Government, spoke about the role of public administration reform in strengthening territorial and social cohesion, by reducing development disparities between communities, increasing citizens’ trust in institutions, and improving access to quality public services. He also mentioned that many local administrations operate with small teams and limited resources, and their own revenues account for only 11% of local budgets, which limits their capacity to adequately respond to community needs. “We understand that at the local level, when administrative boundaries are disturbed, social cohesion suffers. The reform of local public administration is not about savings, but about consolidation. We need stronger municipalities, capable of managing projects and investments, developing communities, and providing quality public services for people.”

In turn, Carolina Ungureanu, Deputy Director of IDIS “Viitorul”, emphasized that budget transparency and efficient management of local revenues are essential elements for strengthening trust between local public authorities and citizens. “The results of the training programme show that when local public administrations benefit from practical tools and mentorship, they can more effectively apply the principles of budget transparency and citizen participation. Evaluations conducted after the trainings indicate a significant increase in the level of knowledge: over 96% of participants assessed their competencies as good or very good after the training, compared to 45% before the programme.”.

The interaction session included two thematic panels.

The first panel, titled “Budget transparency and public participation. How can budget transparency become a real tool for dialogue and social cohesion”, discussed citizens’ access to budget information; community participation in decision-making; the role of local administrations in creating genuine participatory processes, as well as practical examples provided by mayors from different localities.

The second panel, “Local revenues and economic development. Local financial autonomy as a driver of community development”, addressed the economic dimension of local administrations; the capacity of local authorities to generate own revenues; the management of local taxes and fees; as well as the link between financial autonomy and the quality of public services.

Within both panels, local public administrations – partners of the project “MĂ IMPLIC – Project on civic engagement in local governance” – presented relevant experiences and innovative solutions. Thus, the Mayor of Telița village, Anenii Noi district, announced, as a premiere, the application of an international good practice by signing a contract with a company specialized in debt management.

The interaction session and exchange of good practices on budget transparency and local revenue management provided a useful framework for experience exchange among local public authorities, for the analysis and validation of applied solutions, as well as for institutional dialogue with central authorities and experts. All these contribute to strengthening public trust and aligning local practices with national policies.

Within the project “MĂ IMPLIC – Project on civic engagement in local governance”, implemented with the support of Switzerland and implemented by SKAT, IDIS “Viitorul” experts provided personalized support to partner local public administrations in areas such as budgeting, transparency, participatory processes, and communication of decisions to the community.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland
#MAIMPLIC #LocalDevelopment #PublicServices #EfficientAdministration

Estonian Lessons for Moldovan Mayors: Opportunities for Voluntary Amalgamation

Veronica Tomescu — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:49:22 +0000

Estonian Lessons for Moldovan Mayors: Opportunities for Voluntary Amalgamation

Between September 30 and October 4, 2024, a new group of mayors from 10 rural communities in Moldova had the opportunity to explore the Estonian model of public administration reform. This study visit was organized to provide participants with a detailed understanding of the process and results of voluntary amalgamation in Estonia.

Among the key topics discussed with representatives from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, and four local municipalities were:

The process and outcomes of the reform: Participants examined the reorganization of district administrations (“maakonnad”) and its positive impact on public services.
Cooperation between the state and local authority associations: While already a familiar topic, close collaboration between governance levels and local associations was highlighted as crucial for the success of the reform.
Local finance and investment: Discussions revolved around the need for appropriate funding to support the proposed changes and improve public services.
Human resource reorganization: The group learned how improving administrative efficiency can lead to better adaptability of local structures.
Optimization of public services: Ways in which services can be better adapted to the needs of citizens were analyzed.
Institutional framework: Participants discussed the importance of a solid regulatory framework in support of amalgamation.
Local business development: The impact of reforms on the local business environment was a central topic during discussions.
Asset management: Another key point was the efficient use of resources and assets available in the new administrative structures to maximize the positive impact on communities.

The group participated in three workshops, where they explored in detail the following aspects:

Legal process: The regulatory and procedural framework of voluntary amalgamation, including available financial incentives.
Public consultations: The role and importance of consultations with residents both before and after the amalgamation, as well as the connection between the Estonian and Moldovan models.
Developing a vision: The need to create a development vision for the administrative-territorial units that will amalgamate.

This experience provided mayors with new perspectives and ideas for voluntary amalgamation in Moldova, enhancing their capacity to initiate and lead effective projects in their own communities.

This second study visit reflects the ongoing commitment of the MĂ IMPLIC Project and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to support local public administration reforms, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for citizens and making public services more efficient.

The visit was organized with the support of the Swiss Government, at the request of the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova, and is part of a series of activities aimed at bringing international expertise closer to the reform process in Moldova.

#ProiectulMaimplic #SkatConsulting #Switzerland #VoluntaryAmalgamation #Reform #LocalPublicAdministration #PublicAdministrationReform #Estonia #VoluntaryAmalgamation #LocalDevelopment

We remind you that 14 groups of local public authorities (LPAs) in Moldova will benefit from stronger local governance and increased access to quality public services, thanks to the support of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by Skat Consulting. The primary goal of the MĂ IMPLIC Project is to contribute to strengthening local governance and enhancing citizens’ access to better public services. The project will provide support to local authorities and citizens to improve local administration, strategic planning, and public service delivery. This initiative will benefit approximately 106,000 citizens from these communities.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland
#MAIMPLIC #LocalDevelopment #PublicServices #EfficientGovernance

Voluntary Amalgamation in Practice: Moldova Learning from Estonia’s Experience

Veronica Tomescu — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:04:36 +0000

Voluntary Amalgamation in Practice: Moldova Learning from Estonia's Experience

We are delighted to share the experience of a Study Visit to Estonia. From July 22 to 26, 2024, a group of 16 participants, including mayors from rural communities in the North, Central, and South of Moldova, officials from the State Chancellery, and the team of the Mă Implic Project, explored Estonia’s voluntary amalgamation process and its positive impact on municipal development. We had the opportunity to visit key central public administration institutions, such as the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Association of Cities and Municipalities. We also visited local public administration institutions in rural municipalities: Rakvere, Viru Nigula, Saue, Pärnu, Viljandi, Elva, and Jõgeva.

We covered essential reform topics including:

The process of amalgamation of local institutions;
Optimizing services for citizens and integrating digital solutions;
Improving post-amalgamation quality of life;
Successful economic development initiatives;
Efficient communication of the amalgamation process with citizens and between LPAs.

The goal of this visit was to provide participants with valuable insights into the success of Estonia’s voluntary amalgamation process. Participants had the opportunity to learn directly from local experts and observe the practical application of reforms, discussing the benefits and challenges encountered.

This visit was organized with the support of the Swiss Government, at the request of the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova. The MĂ IMPLIC Project team is making continuous efforts, particularly in support of the voluntary amalgamation initiative launched by the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Organizing these series of study visits is a crucial activity for achieving the objectives of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, which aims for the government to promote and coordinate local public administration reform efficiently, effectively, and transparently.

A second visit is planned for this autumn, with the list of participants to be finalized by the State Chancellery.

We extend our thanks to all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm, as well as to our partners for their hospitality. We appreciate the efforts of our Estonian hosts and the support provided in organizing this study visit.

#MăImplicProject #SkatConsulting #Switzerland #VoluntaryAmalgamation #StudyVisit #Estonia #Reform #LocalPublicAdministration #Networking

We remind you that 14 groups of LPAs from Moldova will benefit from stronger local governance and increased access to quality public services, thanks to the support of the Project MĂ IMPLIC, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Skat Consulting. The project “MĂ IMPLIC” in Phase 2 aims to contribute to strengthening local governance and increasing the population’s access to better public services. The project will provide support to local authorities and citizens to improve local administration, strategic planning, and public service delivery. This initiative will bring benefits to approximately 106,000 citizens in these communities.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland
#MAIMPLIC #LocalDevelopment #PublicServices #EfficientAdministration

Study visit of the representatives of the Government and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova to the Institution of the Prefect of Maramureș County

Veronica Tomescu — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:49:01 +0000

Study visit of the representatives of the Government and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova to the Institution of the Prefect of Maramureș County

A recent study visit, organized by the State Chancellery with the support of the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project, to the Prefecture of Maramureș County, opened new perspectives in terms of collaboration. Taking place from December 16 to 19, 2023, the objective of this visit was to strengthen the capacities of Government representatives, develop practical skills, and establish strong bilateral relations between institutions.

The members of the Moldovan delegation, including Mr. Andrei Strah, Deputy Secretary-General of the Government, Mrs. Larisa Voloh, President of the Parliamentary Commission “Public Administration and Regional Development”, and Mrs. Diana Chiriac, Advisor to the Prime Minister in the field of public administration, together with representatives of the State Chancellery and Territorial Offices, as well as managers from the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project, formed a diverse group and brought together expertise from various administrative fields, thus creating a rich environment for the exchange of knowledge.

The delegation from the Republic of Moldova had the honor of being welcomed by Mr. Rudolf Stauder, Prefect of Maramureș County. The agenda of the visit included training sessions and examples of best practices regarding the functioning of the Prefect’s Institution.

Employees of the Maramureș County Prefecture, a counterpart institution to the Territorial Offices in the Republic of Moldova, presented the advantages and disadvantages of the legislation regarding the functioning and organization of the Prefect’s Institution, offering recommendations for establishing of a clear legislative framework. Separate attention was given to methods for monitoring policy implementation and assessing the impact of cooperation.

Participants also had the opportunity to discuss with the President of the County Council, Mr. Ionel Bogdan, about the opportunities for leveraging pre-accession funds to the European Union and their management, for an efficient local governance.

The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project remains a strategic partner of the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova and supports the institution’s efforts in collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of public administration. The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting, between November 2023 and October 2027.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland

Event for the phase I conclusion of the MĂ IMPLIC project

Veronica Tomescu — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:31:35 +0000

30 groups of rural communities have developed public services with the support of the MĂ IMPLIC project

48 mayors from all over the country, Government representatives, Parliament representatives, and development partners participated on September 26, 2023, in the national event marking the conclusion of phase I of the MA IMPLIC project, which was implemented from 2019 to 2023. During the event, discussions were held on the perspectives of local development and governance for strong communities, as well as the results achieved within the MA IMPLIC project.

And on September 21, during the regional event that brought together local councilors, municipal enterprise directors, members of Community Initiative Teams from partner communities of the MA IMPLIC project, progress and results were discussed, and experiences and best practices regarding citizen engagement and the provision of sustainable services were exchanged.

The civic engagement project in local governance MĂ IMPLIC aims to create conditions for the population in the villages of the Republic of Moldova to have equitable access to quality public and communal services.

30 communities/groups of communities from the northern, central, and southern regions of Moldova have benefited from the support of the MĂ IMPLIC project to implement projects aimed at improving public services in four key areas: waste management, street lighting, sewage/sanitation, and water supply. This has allowed local public authorities to provide public services in a participatory, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable way.

At the national level, the MĂ IMPLIC project has contributed to establishing a favorable policy, legal, and financial framework for the provision of public services and the decentralization reform, significantly impacting the sustainable development of communities in the Republic of Moldova.

Over these four years, over 10,000 citizens have been directly involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development activities. Currently, 83,120 users benefit from improved access and quality of services provided, resulting from investments under the project. Additionally, partner communities of the project have received significant resources under grant agreements, totaling over 42 million Moldovan lei from the MĂ IMPLIC project. The communities’ contribution to project implementation was over 20 million Moldovan lei.

Artur Mija, General Secretary of the Government of the Republic of Moldova: “Since November 2019, the MĂ IMPLIC project has significantly contributed to improving the living conditions of rural communities in the Republic of Moldova, especially in local public administrations, by strengthening their institutional capacities to provide higher-quality services, generate their own income, and develop local autonomy. The MĂ IMPLIC project achieved this through financial contributions and technical assistance to improve the infrastructure of public services in 30 localities, as well as assistance in implementing participatory, inclusive, and transparent decision-making processes. All these activities have already yielded results, and, furthermore, they align perfectly with the strategic objectives in the domain of local governance. The MĂ IMPLIC project is a trusted partner for the State Chancellery, demonstrating its firm commitment to ensuring an efficient policy framework in the field of local governance, decentralization, and the promotion of Local Public Administration reform. The project team has made a significant contribution to the process of conceptualizing, drafting, and consulting on the Public Administration Reform Strategy for the years 2023-2030.”

Larisa Voloh, President of the Public Administration Committee, Parliament of the Republic of Moldova: “The MĂ IMPLIC project is a heartfelt project for us, and our partners continue to believe in Moldova. Similarly, they believe in the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, and they help Local Public Authorities develop communities, meet the expectations of citizens for a better life, create conditions and quality services in our rural areas. MĂ IMPLIC means participation, cohesion, and inclusion; it means democracy and transparency, and, furthermore, it means everyone’s involvement in solving local problems. Not only at the local level, but also at the national level, the MĂ IMPLIC project has achieved results during this period. Together, we continue to advance in the decentralization process and implement important reforms for our European path.”

Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova: “For us, supporting Local Public Administrations and reforms is a very important element in international cooperation worldwide. The MĂ IMPLIC project has been an essential part of our efforts, and we are here to celebrate the results of four years of intensive work. Thanks to the project’s involvement and our partners, we can confidently say that this cooperation between Local Public Authorities and citizens has become more inclusive and reliable. Secondly, approximately 48 municipalities benefit from better public services in waste management, water supply, sanitation, public lighting, etc. Thirdly, I would like to mention that Local Public Authorities have managed to attract significant funding from third parties (state funds, citizens’ contributions, other development partners), and the efforts to attract these funds have been much greater than the planned investment grants.”

Florian Klingel, Executive Director of Skat Consulting Ltd.: “We have been able to work on a series of different projects, and we have always worked closely with Local Public Authorities and national partners. We have always supported them when it came to improving governance and public services. Consequently, when we reach the end of such a large project, after four years, it is a special moment and, at the same time, a moment of reflection and celebration. We are proud of these excellent results achieved by community groups along with our team, which provided technical assistance, managed financial support, facilitated solution development, provided training, and more.

Radu DANII, Local Governance Program Coordinator, Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova: “Switzerland works in the Republic of Moldova on three dimensions: public health, economic development and employment, and local governance. What unites these areas and projects is the emphasis on promoting and stimulating civic participation. From this perspective, the MĂ IMPLIC project is a model because civic participation and citizen engagement are at the core of this project. Another encouraging aspect that has occurred during these years of project implementation is how certain partner localities have managed to associate themselves when it came to creating a service. The project has become a reliable and highly competent partner of the Government in terms of preparing and implementing Local Public Administration reform.”

Anatolie Gnatiuc, the mayor of Fundurii Vechi village, stated, “I admit that when we filled out the project participation form and were selected, we were somewhat vulnerable, and our ideas were simple. We thought that we would procure the equipment and get to work, collect the waste, and take it to the landfill, and that’s it. But at some point, we realized that having equipment is not enough. It is much more important for citizens to understand what they need to do and what this service entails. The MĂ IMPLIC project helped us a lot in finding participatory solutions, as is our theme, where all locals had the opportunity to get involved and express their views on solving local problems. Today, Fundurii Vechi village, in terms of waste collection service, is almost at the end. We recognize that there is still much work to be done, but we have managed to invest all financial resources. We are pleased that we have been able to solve the waste problem in the locality, thanks to the MĂ IMPLIC project. Local residents are very satisfied with the new service created.”

Ala Taran, a facilitator in the northern region, added: “The MĂ IMPLIC project not only develops the infrastructure of communities but also brings citizens together to engage in community life. It helps them understand that the life, well-being, and development of communities depend on the involvement of each citizen. The MĂ IMPLIC project has introduced contemporary approaches to involve all community structures in solving local problems and decision-making.”

Ina Codreanu, a local coordinator, mentioned, “Together with the Local Public Administration, along with the community initiative team, we have created a sanitation service and modernized solid waste management. The Local Public Administration, in collaboration with the Community Initiative Team, came up with a bold idea aimed at changing people’s lifelong habits, as they were used to mixing all waste together. We proposed separate waste collection. How did we manage to convince them? Through an extensive campaign of awareness and consciousness-raising, but to carry out this campaign, we were trained and assisted by the MĂ IMPLIC project team.”

The MĂ IMPLIC project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting (Switzerland). The first phase of the project was carried out over a period of four years, starting in 2019, with a budget of approximately 5,896,658 Swiss Francs (CHF).

Brochure: MĂ IMPLIC Project achievements and impact, phase I (2019-2023) can be downloaded here.

The video record of the national event is available on the link: https://www.facebook.com/ProiectulMaImplic/videos/1743507539403599

Photos from both events are available here: regional 21 September / National 26 September

#skatconsulting #maimplic #swisscooperation

Mă Implic Project visitited DESPRO project to learn about the Ukrainian experience in implementing local government reform

Veronica Tomescu — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:58:24 +0000

Mă Implic project visited DESPRO Project to learn about the Ukrainian experience in implementing local government reform

During the last week, the team of the Mă Implic Project, paid a study visit to Ukraine to learn about the Ukrainian experience in implementing local government reform, as well as the contribution of the DESPRO project to this process. For several days, DESPRO’s partners and experts shared with Mă Implic team their experience and knowledge, in the following areas:

🗹 Integrated support for decentralization,

🗹 Communal public services

🗹 Capacity building of the community staff (Local Government School, Community of Sustainable Development Practice, Network of Women Leaders in Local Administration)

🗹 Communication on supporting the reform

As the activities of the DESPRO project target not only the national level, during regional community visits, DESPRO experts introduced guests from several communities, where the Mă Implic team learned about:

🗹 Particularities and results of the development of the water supply system in Snitkov (Murovanokurilovetska community)

🗹 Organization of solid waste management in Tulchin, Vinnytsia region,

🗹 The results of reform and implementation of the development strategy in the Novoborivska united community (Zhytomyr region).

Both projects, DESPRO and MĂ IMPLIC are funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat.

The Ukrainian experience in the field of decentralization will certainly be very useful in planning the future activities of the Mă Implic project.

We thank our colleagues from DESPRO for the thorough preparation of the agenda, open and constructive communication. We hope that this visit will be the beginning of a lasting friendly collaboration.