CRDC at the Launch of Phase II of the Project “Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries”

On 11 August 2026, A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară participated in the launch event of Phase II of the regional project “Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries”, implemented by GIZ with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The event brought together representatives of civil society organisations, partners and other stakeholders involved in the development of the civil society sector, marking the beginning of a new stage focused on strengthening organisational capacities, cooperation, exchange of experience and support for civil society initiatives across the region.

For A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară, this launch had a special significance. During the first phase of the programme, our organisation benefited from support, mentoring and opportunities for institutional development, which directly contributed to strengthening our internal processes and enhancing the organisation’s capacity to respond more effectively to the needs of the communities we work with.

During the event, Irina Bejan, Administrator of A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară, spoke about this experience and the transformations that the civil society sector has undergone in recent years:

“If we look back at the beginning of the first phase of the programme and compare it with where we are today, the difference is very visible. At that time, many discussions focused on emerging organisations, the need to develop policies and establish basic internal mechanisms. Today, we are talking about a much more mature, professional and resilient civil society sector that is capable of making a substantial contribution to community development and European integration processes.”

She also highlighted the importance of consistent investment in organisational development:

“Organisations do not become strong overnight. Behind an organisation capable of managing complex projects, building partnerships and creating real change are years of learning, mentoring, investment and extensive internal work. Institutional development programmes play an essential role precisely because they invest not only in a specific activity or project, but in organisations’ ability to remain relevant and effective in the long term.”

The experience of the first phase also gave us the opportunity to observe the broader evolution of the sector. In recent years, civil society in the Republic of Moldova has made important progress towards greater professionalisation, resilience and more active participation in democratic development and European integration processes.

For CRDC, the new stage represents both an opportunity to continue the learning process and an opportunity to contribute based on the experience accumulated so far.

“We enter this new phase with gratitude for what we have received, but also with a desire to share the experience we have gained. We believe that a strong sector is built when organisations do not only grow individually, but also learn from one another, cooperate and strengthen their voice and capacity for action together,” said Irina Bejan.

We thank GIZ Moldova, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the programme partners for their support to civil society and their continued investment in organisational development.

We look forward with confidence to the next stage and to the new opportunities for learning, cooperation and institutional development that it will bring.