Mayors Urge Stronger Dialogue with Central Authorities on Decentralisation and EU Integration Reforms

Local mayors in the Republic of Moldova are calling on the government to intensify consultations with local administrations regarding the administrative-territorial reform and the reforms linked to Moldova’s preparation for EU accession. The appeal was voiced following the conference “Enlargement Report 2025: Achievements and Future Priorities of the Republic of Moldova”, held on 11 November in Chișinău, Logos Press reports.

According to Violeta Crudu, Mayor of Cruzești commune (Chișinău municipality) and Vice-President of CALM, despite the fact that most EU-related reforms will be implemented at the local level, communities remain largely excluded from the decision-making process:

“Moldova is made up of nearly one thousand localities, each living its own life. They are closest to the citizens and can best represent their expectations. Yet our voice has been almost absent from these discussions.”

Crudu highlighted that although the Law on Voluntary Municipal Mergers has been adopted, the government has yet to present a clear implementation plan — even though the consolidation process is expected to be completed by the end of 2026:

“We are told that the plan exists, but we have not seen it. With one year left before the merger deadline, this is unacceptable. We look forward to consultations with the new Government Secretary General.”

EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos emphasised that sustainable development begins with empowering local communities. According to her, the effectiveness of local public administration is crucial for strengthening governance and advancing Moldova’s EU integration:

“No one knows better than mayors and local administrations what happens on the ground. Decentralisation is a key element of a well-functioning state and of accountable governance.”

She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova in institutional consolidation, digitalisation of services, and strengthening the financial autonomy of local authorities.

The Moldovan Government recently announced a reform to modernise local public administration, which includes:

-         a clearer distribution of competences between central and local levels,

-         transparent resource management,

-         digitalisation of public processes,

-         strengthening the financial autonomy of municipalities.

Mayors warn that without structured dialogue, these reforms risk remaining formal and disconnected from the real needs of the nearly 1,000 communities across the country.

 Analytical Perspective — Institute of Danube Research:

A capable and decentralised local governance system in Moldova is essential for cross-border cooperation with Ukraine, especially within the Lower Danube Euroregion and EU macro-regional programmes (EUSDR, Interreg NEXT, TEN-T).

Ukraine’s decentralisation experience serves as a reference model. Harmonising approaches strengthens joint governance of border areas, logistics corridors, and shared agglomerations.

IDR Recommendations:

1)      Establish a permanent Moldova–Ukraine Local Governance Dialogue Platform.

2)      Strengthen cooperation between Danube and Lower Danube communities (Odesa–Izmail–Reni–Galați–Giurgiulești).

3)      Implement early consultation mechanisms for municipal mergers.

4)      Expand capacity-building programmes for mayors and local leaders.