The amount of funding depends on the specifics of the project. Up to 100 thousand euros are granted for economic and social projects. For projects on training and improvement of public services through innovative solutions and digitalization – up to 20 thousand euros. The conditions for project approval are still under discussion, says Vyacheslav Bulat, the program manager. As well as the budget, which depends on the number of initiatives approved for implementation.
M4EG is supported by the EU and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It has been operating in the Eastern Partnership countries since 2017 and is administered by the regional office in Istanbul.
The first phase of the program (2017-2021) covered more than 45 localities in Moldova. The establishment of several information centers and business incubators serving about three thousand beneficiaries was financed.
During the second phase (2021-2025), funds were provided to mayoralties for projects adapted to local realities. They were mainly directed towards improving infrastructure of a socio-economic nature – kindergartens, cultural centers and business incubators. A center for the reception and employment of Ukrainian refugees was created in Drochia, a center for urban mobility in Cimislia, etc.
At the moment, the Mayors for Economic Growth initiative has 67 members. Local administrations can join it by signing a membership application form and develop a community development plan.
“In Moldovan villages, without a proper fiscal base, the support of socio-economic infrastructure is problematic today,” says Nicolae Tudoreanu, mayor of the village of Feştelita in Stefan Voda district. – Therefore, together with economic entities, we are working out a development plan to participate in this program. Several families have returned to the village from abroad and have created their own businesses. We hope to support them administratively and provide them with training opportunities.
There are also specific projects that the village plans to implement. In particular, to prepare premises for entrepreneurs who provide social services to the community laundry, hairdressing salon, and tailoring atelier, which is expanding and needs additional space. Something like a household house.
“We will definitely envisage road repair projects as well,” says Nicolae Tudoreanu. – A peasant farm is successfully operating in the village, growing vegetables in greenhouses on an area of 6 hectares. The road to it is broken. Therefore, its restoration will be a priority.
