All – Ma-implic

Slovak Models of Local Cooperation Explored by Representatives of MĂ IMPLIC Partner Communities

From 15 to 19 June 2026, 12 representatives of local public authorities and civil society organisations from MĂ IMPLIC partner communities took part in a study visit to Slovakia. The visit gave participants an opportunity to explore effective approaches to waste management, intermunicipal cooperation, social service provision and citizen engagement in community development.

The study visit was organised by the “Casa Speranțelor” Social Assistance Centre, with the support of the MĂ IMPLIC Project and ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy. Of the 12 representatives from MĂ IMPLIC partner communities who took part in the visit, four received financial support from the MĂ IMPLIC Project, while the participation of the other eight was funded by ALDA.

From Waste Management to Joint Social Services

During the visit, the Moldovan delegation met with representatives of local and regional authorities, public service providers and community organisations from several Slovak municipalities.

Modern waste management was one of the main topics explored. In Zvolen, participants visited Marius Pedersen, a company specialising in waste collection, transportation, sorting and recycling, as well as in the provision of municipal services to cities and municipalities. Discussions focused on service organisation, cooperation between operators and local authorities, and the operation of separate waste collection centres.

In Svätý Anton, the delegation visited the Community Centre and the Centre for Integrated Social and Healthcare Services. These facilities provide social services, counselling and assistance to residents of Svätý Anton and neighbouring municipalities, offering a relevant example of intermunicipal cooperation in the provision of social and healthcare services in rural areas.

Participants also visited a separate waste collection centre serving both the residents of Svätý Anton and those of neighbouring municipalities.

Cooperation Between Regional and Local Authorities

In Banská Bystrica, participants learned about the work of the regional administration and how it supports local development in areas such as transport, education, social services, healthcare and regional development.

The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation between regional and local authorities, as well as the role of support mechanisms tailored to the needs of individual communities.

The visit continued in the town of Jelšava, a municipality facing a range of social, economic and demographic challenges. Representatives of the local administration presented the town’s development priorities, the organisation of public services and its experience of working with civil society organisations.

Another example was provided by YMCA Revúca, a community organisation working with children and young people and promoting volunteering, social counselling and community engagement. Its experience demonstrated how partnerships between local authorities and civil society can contribute to solutions that better reflect people’s needs.

Encouraging Citizens to Sort Waste Responsibly

The final visit of the programme took place in the municipality of Košeca, which is well known in Slovakia for its achievements in waste management and for the methods it uses to encourage residents to sort waste responsibly.

Participants explored the local waste collection and sorting system, incentives for residents, the setting of local fees, communication with the public and the use of innovative waste management solutions.

The example of Košeca showed that infrastructure is only one component of an effective public service. Results also depend on clear rules, consistent communication and the active involvement of residents.

From Slovak Examples to Solutions for Moldovan Communities

The programme also included a working seminar during which participants reflected on the practices they had observed and discussed how these could be adapted to the Moldovan context.

Through group activities, participants developed practical proposals and measures for the communities they represent. The focus was not simply on replicating existing models, but also on understanding the conditions required for their successful application: cooperation between municipalities, effective planning, communication with citizens, civil society engagement and shared responsibility.

The visit also created a space for dialogue among representatives of MĂ IMPLIC partner communities. Participants were able to compare the challenges they face, exchange experiences and identify ideas that could be further developed at the local level.

Such exchanges contribute to strengthening the capacities of local authorities and organisations and to identifying practical solutions for more efficient public services, more active communities and stronger cooperation between citizens and local administrations.

The participation of four representatives in the study visit was financially supported by Switzerland through the MĂ IMPLIC Project, implemented by SKAT. The participation of the other eight members of the delegation was funded by ALDA.

Călărași, Tuzara and Nișcani Launch a Modern Intercommunal Public Transport Service for More Than 11,000 Residents

Călărași, 12 June 2026

Residents of the town of Călărași and the localities of Tuzara and Nișcani now benefit from a modernized intercommunal public transport service, officially launched on 12 June 2026 to facilitate daily travel to schools, workplaces, public institutions, healthcare facilities and other important destinations in the region.

The service is the result of an extensive planning and consultation process carried out by the partner local public authorities, with the support of Switzerland through the MĂ IMPLIC Project, implemented by SKAT. The objective of this process was to develop a service that responds to the real needs of residents and provides a safe, accessible and reliable transport alternative for everyday travel.

“Switzerland supports local governments because strong communities and quality public services directly contribute to improving people’s lives. This new transport service demonstrates what can be achieved when municipalities cooperate, pool their resources and put citizens’ needs first. It is a concrete example of how cooperation between communities can generate better services and more opportunities for people.”

— Patrick Etienne, Head of Governance and Social Cohesion Domain, Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova

The new service serves more than 11,000 residents and includes:

• 4 new minibuses operating according to a regular schedule;
• 1 minibus adapted for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility;
• 14 newly created bus stops and upgraded infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of approximately 2.3 km of road and sidewalk;
• extended routes connecting partner communities more efficiently;
• a fixed and predictable timetable available online and at information points;
• modern payment options, including cash, QR code and SMS.

Through the new service, pupils, students, elderly people, employees and other users will benefit from improved mobility and easier access to opportunities and services available in Călărași and neighbouring communities.

“Residents of Călărași, Tuzara and Nișcani have been waiting for a modern, safe and reliable transport service for a long time. Today, we are offering our communities more than just new minibuses – we are providing people with easier access to work, school, healthcare and other important daily activities. Through regular services, extended routes, improved travel conditions and modern payment options, this service responds to a real need of our citizens and contributes to improving quality of life throughout the region.” — Victor Ambroci, Mayor of Călărași

The launch of the service is the result of cooperation between the Municipality of Călărași, Tuzara Commune and Nișcani Village, which joined efforts to organize a public service essential for residents of the region. This intercommunal partnership made it possible not only to procure the necessary infrastructure but also to create a management model capable of ensuring the service’s long-term sustainability.

“This service was not built overnight. Behind it are years of planning, dialogue and cooperation between three local governments that had the courage to try something new. We are pleased and a little proud to have accompanied the municipalities of Călărași, Tuzara and Nișcani on this journey, and we hope their experience will inspire other communities across Moldova to collaborate in delivering better public services.”
— Matthias Morgner, Team Leader, MĂ IMPLIC Project

During the launch event, the four minibuses serving the established routes were presented, accessibility features for persons with disabilities were demonstrated, and participants took part in a demonstration ride along one of the service routes. The event brought together representatives of local and central public authorities, development partners, community members and residents from the three beneficiary localities.

To develop the service, the three local public authorities benefited from a grant of approximately CHF 250,000 provided by Switzerland through the MĂ IMPLIC Project, implemented by SKAT. The investment enabled the procurement of four minibuses, the construction of 14 waiting stations, the modernization of related infrastructure and the establishment of a modern, accessible and sustainable public transport service for the region’s residents.

The Călărași–Tuzara–Nișcani Intercommunal Public Transport Service is an example of intermunicipal cooperation demonstrating that, through collaboration and long-term planning, local communities can develop modern public services tailored to citizens’ needs and capable of improving quality of life.

This activity was carried out with the support of Switzerland within the MĂ IMPLIC Project, implemented by SKAT.