European Union supports refugee and migrant integration in Moldova through new project “Cities and Regions for All”

Wednesday, 11 June, saw the official launch of the “Cities and Regions for All (CR4A): Full Integration of Refugees and Migrants in Urban and Rural Areas” project. The launch took place simultaneously in Chișinău and Prague, bringing together local public authorities, civil society organisations, and experts from Moldova, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany. The project, implemented in the Czech Republic and Moldova will run until 2027 with a total budget of €1.5 million; it is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Municipality of Prague 5 together with People in Need.

The project includes several concrete actions:

• Training for public officials on refugee and migrant integration;

• Creation of 5 Community Committees to identify and address local needs;

• Small grants to 14 civil society organisations across Moldova;

• Promotion of European best practices and study visits to EU member states;

• Improved communication between institutions and citizens through hotlines and community feedback mechanisms.

“This project aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of migration and support protection mechanisms for migrants, with a particular focus on improving policy and access to services in Moldova. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will generate,”

said Vera Cerbara, representative of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

The launch marks the beginning of a joint effort to support refugee and migrant integration in Moldova by strengthening public services, encouraging local cooperation, and shaping policy inspired by European good practices.

“We are deeply grateful to the European Union for its support and to the Municipality of Prague 5, whose vision made this project possible. This is a shared investment in Moldova’s future, in fairness, and in the opportunity for everyone to call this country ‘home’,”

—Nino Karanadze, Head of Programmes at People in Need Moldova.

The project, financed by the European Union, will build the capacity of local public services and promote inclusive integration policies inspired by European experience.

“We are pleased to contribute to the capacity development of local authorities in Moldova and to facilitate peer learning between municipalities. Successful migrant integration is a clear sign of a mature administration and community solidarity,”

emphasised Petr Lachnit, Councillor, Municipality of Prague 5.

Representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova and the General Inspectorate for Migration were also at the launch, stressing the importance of robust integration systems and stronger cooperation between authorities and civil society.

“All people come to Moldova with a dream. Our country is welcoming, but it needs external support to strengthen its integration capacities. The launch of this project complements our national efforts and is aligned with the National Integration Plan, which promotes inclusion in social, educational, healthcare and employment systems. We are open to collaboration, close to local public authorities, and we count on support from central structures,”

said Vera Valuța, Head of the Foreign Integration Division, General Inspectorate for Migration.

“Cities and Regions for All (CR4A)” is implemented by the Municipality of Prague 5 and People in Need. It is co-funded by the European Union through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).