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The Center is part of a joint program between the Eurasia Foundation Moldova Representative Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. The Center will be operated by two Cahul-based NGOs: Dialog and Contact-Cahul. Its objectives include informing and engaging the public on issues related to European integration such as travel to the EU and work and education in EU countries, and holding workshops and debates on specific areas of the EU-Moldova Action Plan.

Visiting the Pro-Europa Center, President Voronin said: “It is a special pleasure for me to participate in the inauguration of the first European Information Center, which will consolidate the actions undertaken by Moldovan authorities toward the objective of European integration. In its activity this Center, and the other centers that will follow, will raise public awareness of the costs and benefits of joining the European Union. I wish its team much success in reaching the objectives we have set together, which are of utmost importance.”  

Sorin Mereacre, Eurasia Foundation Moldova Country Director, announced that a second center will be opened in Balti in March of this year. “These centers should be easily accessible by ordinary citizens, serving as informational resources and platforms for cooperation between central and local public authorities, non-governmental organizations and media. It is important for Moldovans to together learn what it means to be a European: By embracing democratic values we will be able to gain the respect and support of the EU states and their people.”  

The opening was followed by a regional conference entitled “Cooperation between local public authorities and civil society in the European integration process.” At the conference, German Ambassador Wolfgang Lerke, representing the EU Presidency, said “We will continue helping Moldova in solving all the difficulties encountered in the European integration process. Moldova has a European perspective and this is crystal clear. The future will show how this will develop. In order to qualify for EU membership, Moldovan authorities should respect two fundamental European values: democracy and the rule of law.”  

The opening of the centers and their work are made possible by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida/Asdi), the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United States Agency for International Development. 

For more information about the Eurasia Foundation’s European Integration and Economic Development program in Moldova, please contact Liliana Viţu, Program/Communications Officer, at (+373 22) 235343, 69149217 or lvitu@eurasia.md.