Seven localities in the Republic of Moldova - Călărași, Zubrești (Strășeni), Gangura (Ialoveni), Sărata Veche (Fălești), Strășeni, Cruzești (Chișinău), and Sireți (Strășeni) - have taken the first step in the co-creation of their Local Open Government Action Plans. These strategic documents outline specific commitments and actions to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in local governance.

Inspired by the experience of Leova town, who developed the first ever local policy on open government in the Republic of Moldova, 28 representatives of local public authorities and civil society from the aforementioned localities gathered at a two-day training workshop to better understand the application of open government principles at the local level. During the event, a working methodology adapted to each municipality was defined, focusing on public consultation, involvement of relevant stakeholders, and transforming community priorities into concrete, measurable commitments.

“The training workshop equipped us with the necessary tools to go through all the stages of the co-creation process of local open government action plan, and we believe our strengthened capacities will be useful in the process of designing open government initiatives and implementing them in a participatory, transparent, and results-oriented manner”, said Maria Galit, mayor of Sarata Veche.

"By developing the Local Open Government Action Plans, communities take an essential step towards greater transparency, accountability, civic engagement, and a modern public administration. Local Open Government Action Plans help create a local government that is more open, ethical, and responsive to the needs of its people", said Adrian Ermurachi, a Congress consultant.

As a continuation to this event, during June-August, the participating localities will receive direct support from the Congress consultants through online and offline mentorship sessions, organisation of co-creation workshops, formulation of commitments, and the development of Local Open Government Action Plans, all through an inclusive and participatory process.

This initiative represents an important step in improving public services, strengthening the dialogue between public authorities and citizens, and increasing the efficiency of local administration in the Republic of Moldova.

The initiative is supported by the project “Promoting Multilevel Dialogue, Open Government and Human Rights at Local Level in the Republic of Moldova” (2025–2028), implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025–2028).