Almost 60 representatives of first- and second-level local public administrations in the Republic of Moldova participated, on November 12 and 14, 2025, in two workshops on transparency and participation in the decision-making process at the local level. The workshops were organized by IDIS "Viitorul" within the "Open Governance for Engaged Citizens" project, implemented by IDIS "Viitorul" with the support of the European Open Government Partnership (OGP EU) through the "EU for Integrity" Programme under the Eastern Partnership initiative, financed by the European Union (EU).
"The theme of these workshops is essential for good governance: access to information of public interest, proactive transparency, and civic participation. In a context of European integration, these principles are becoming increasingly important for strengthening trust between authorities and citizens," said Carolina Ungureanu, deputy director of IDIS "Viitorul".
IDIS "Viitorul" experts Diana Enachi and Mihai Țurcanu addressed, during the workshops, topics such as access to information of public interest, proactive transparency, consultation and civic participation at all stages of the decision-making process by promoting open governance at the local level, good governance and active community involvement in decision-making processes, budget transparency and the participatory budgeting tool, as well as examples of good practices.
"The workshops are an excellent framework for discussing the role of the citizen as a partner of the administration, not just as a beneficiary of decisions. The voice of citizens matters in decision-making. This type of dialogue contributes significantly to changing mindsets," said Diana Enachi.
"Transparency in the decision-making process is not only a legal obligation but also an essential condition for strengthening trust between local public administration and citizens," mentioned Mihai Țurcanu.
The participants affirmed that the workshops were a conducive environment for discussions, learning, and the exchange of experiences, oriented towards gaining knowledge and developing skills.
"I will try to apply the effective tools I have learned in the city hall to improve citizens' access to public information," said Nicolae Moroz, mayor of the village of Șipoteni, Hâncești.
"We learned how we can better collaborate with citizens to participate actively in decision-making processes. I believe that such training can strengthen trust between citizens and the administration," said Inga Botea, secretary of the Porumbrei Local Council, Cimișlia.
"The discussions about transparency and participation made me realize that decisions made must be explained and communicated correctly to the community. The workshop provided me with practical tools to be closer to citizens," said Maria Manoli, mayor of Zubrești village, Strășeni.
"For me, this workshop was a valuable experience. I understood that each of us can contribute to local decision-making if we are informed and have access to information," said Dorin Zghibarța, mayor of Morozeni, Orhei.
This press release has been produced within the "Open Governance for Engaged Citizens" project, implemented by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives "Viitorul" (IDIS), with the support of the Open Government Partnership Europe (OGP EU) through the "EU for Integrity Programme for the Eastern Partnership", funded by the European Union. The contents of this press release are the sole responsibility of IDIS "Viitorul" and do not necessarily reflect the views of OGP EU or the EU.
