The MĂ IMPLIC Project presented its results at the fourth meeting of the Coordinating Council

Chișinău, June 16, 2025 – The fourth meeting of the Coordinating Council of the project “MĂ IMPLIC – Civic Engagement in Local Governance”, Phase II (2023–2027), was held at the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The event brought together representatives of the State Chancellery, line ministries, the Swiss Cooperation Office, and the project implementation team.

The meeting aimed to assess the project’s progress between November 2024 – May 2025, and to discuss priorities for the next semester.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Andrei Strah, Deputy Secretary General of the Government and Chair of the Coordinating Council, reiterated the institutional support for the reforms promoted by the project:

“MĂ IMPLIC is a strategic partner in the local public administration reform process, providing real support for inter-municipal cooperation, improved public service delivery, and the promotion of voluntary amalgamation.”

Mr. Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova and Co-Chair of the Council, emphasized that the project contributes directly to two of the three priorities of the new Swiss Cooperation Programme 2025–2028: good governance and social cohesion through improved local public services.

“The local reforms supported by MĂ IMPLIC reflect the principles of consensual and participatory governance, similar to those successfully applied in Switzerland.”

Results Achieved at Local and National Levels

The implementation team presented the key results:

5 grant agreements signed with LPA groups in: Bădiceni, Risipeni, Călărași, Ciuciuleni, and Dezghingea.
4 more inter-municipal groups (Călinești, Cupcini, Sîngereii Noi, Telenești) are in advanced preparation.
Joint water and sanitation projects are under development in Selemet and Zîrnești.
In total, the project works with 14 intercommunal LPA groups, covering approx. 106,000 residents.

The project applies a participatory methodology, requiring formal approval by all local councils involved for each step — from signing cooperation agreements to approving Service Improvement Plans (SIPs).

Progress in Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency

Under the “Water and Energy Efficiency” component:

Construction of water networks has started in Bădiceni and Satul Nou.
In Copăceni, a new technical design is being developed.
In Dîngeni, 3 out of 4 village sectors are financed through the project and the “European Village” programme.

Interventions to improve energy efficiency have also begun in Călărași, Roșcani, and Telenești, targeting both public buildings (kindergartens) and vulnerable households.

Professional Training and Civic Engagement

Over the past 6 months, the project has conducted training sessions on integrity and ethics, public procurement, inter-municipal cooperation, and public communication. New training modules are planned on budget transparency, local revenue mobilization, and digitalization of public services.

Additionally, a small grants mechanism for local civic initiatives is expected to launch in the second half of the year, encouraging active citizen participation in local decision-making.

Priorities until October 2025

By the end of October 2025, the project aims to:

Sign 5 more grant agreements, reaching the target of 10 LPA groups supported;
Complete infrastructure works in pilot localities;
Ensure active citizen involvement in service contracting and usage;
Finalize 40 households and 2 public buildings under the energy efficiency component;
Launch the civic initiative grants;
Promote results that support the voluntary amalgamation reform.

The project report and action plan were unanimously endorsed by the Coordinating Council members.

Through its activities to date, the MĂ IMPLIC project demonstrates that effective local government reform — supported by modern services, inter-municipal cooperation, and energy efficiency initiatives — creates real opportunities for sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens..

The goal of the MĂ IMPLIC Project is to contribute to strengthening local governance and increasing the population’s access to better public services. Phase II (2023–2027), with a total budget of 6,960,144 CHF, is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting (Switzerland).

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