14 local CSOs supported by the EU will promote civic engagement and cooperation with authorities

With the support of the European Union, People in Need has awarded grants to 14 civil society organisations (CSOs) from the Republic of Moldova. The selected projects will receive financial and technical assistance, contributing to the strengthening of local democracy, community development, and building trust between citizens and public institutions.

“This project has reached its second phase because we have seen how important it is to support civil society organisations that encourage citizen participation at the local level — where real change begins. The European Union remains a development partner, not just a donor, and will continue to support civic engagement, democratic education, and capacity building. As the civic space continues to shrink globally, it is essential for CSOs to be prepared to meet these challenges. We look forward to visiting the communities where you will work and seeing the direct impact of your efforts,”

said Irina Beșliu, Programme Officer for Civil Society, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

The INSPIRED Moldova project, implemented between 2024 and 2027, supports an enabling environment for civil society as part of Moldova’s European integration journey. The initiative promotes the involvement of CSOs in national, local, and digital decision-making processes, as well as collaboration with authorities to foster democracy and good governance.

“In times like these, when societies are increasingly divided and polarized on a global scale, it is crucial for civil society to remain strong – like a lighthouse in a stormy sea: independent, steady, and faithful to its mission,”

added Rafal Chibowski, Country Director of People in Need Moldova.

The 14 selected organisations will carry out initiatives across the country, addressing topics such as citizen participation in decision-making, transparency, youth involvement, and inclusion of vulnerable groups. The grants range from €10,000 to €30,000, depending on the scale and focus of the interventions.

Through its thematic and geographic diversity, the program contributes to a culture of civic participation and constructive dialogue between citizens and public administration, in the spirit of democratic values and participatory governance.

The INSPIRED Moldova project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), the CONTACT Center, the Center for Policies and Reforms (CPR Moldova), Democracy Reporting International (DRI), and People in Need (PIN).