Bringing European experience closer to Moldovan communities: mayors’ visit to the Czech Republic

A team of mayors from Moldova’s ethnic communities, coordinated by the Civic Initiatives Center for National Minorities, carried out a working visit to the Czech Republic. The program included meetings at the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Union of Towns and Municipalities, as well as study visits to several rural communities.

The main goal of the visit was to learn from European experience in local development and to exchange best practices. In Prague, the delegation held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, government officials, and local associations on regional development and community-level cooperation.

During the trip, the mayors visited Středokluky, Lounovice, and Libeznice, where they saw concrete examples of modernization supported by European funds — from new schools and public services to improved infrastructure and environmental projects. These cases highlighted how even small villages can grow dynamically when supported by clear strategies and external assistance.

The visit concluded at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Prague, where the mayors met Ambassador Gabriela Moraru and representatives of the Moldovan diaspora. The discussions focused on the outcomes of the visit and opportunities for future partnerships and community twinning.