Two Local Action Groups from Ungheni and Cahul regions will benefit from grants of a total value of €100,000, provided by the European Union (EU). The Local Action Groups (LAG) were selected during the second call for proposals launched in February 2022 by the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" Programme, financed by EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
"The tangible results achieved so far within the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme have contributed to the transformation of Ungheni and Cahul into more attractive regions for locals and tourists alike. With the contribution of this innovative programme, funded by the European Union, the infrastructure of the municipalities has been modernised, the public services have been improved, the business environment has been enhanced and new jobs have been created - benefitting the inhabitants of Ungheni and Cahul regions. I am confident that the grants awarded today to the Local Action Groups will develop the potential of local authorities, enterprises and civil society to contribute to the prosperity of both regions and to help them become regional growth poles," stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, during the grant certificates' award ceremony, organized in "Micul Cluj" park of Ungheni city.
The Local Action Groups "Răzeșii Pyretusului" from Ungheni region and "Lunca Prutului de Jos" from Cahul region were selected to benefit from funding.
"Pursuant with its goal to support Cahul and Ungheni regions to become regional growth poles - the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme supports their socio-economic development, by ensuring that rural areas are part of and benefit in equal manner from the regions' overall development process," mentioned Andrea Cuzyova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova
Every LAG will benefit from non-reimbursable funds of €50.000. The LAGs also contribute with at least 20% of the value of the awarded grant The financial assistance will be invested in community development projects and creation of jobs in the villages of Ungheni and Cahul regions.
The two LAGs benefitting from EU assistance are covering 27 rural communities, with a population of over 46,400 people. The LAGs will launch local competitions for project proposals covering the member communities.
During first call for proposals for LAGs conducted in 2020, the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" Programme provided €200,000 for four Local Action Groups. The implemented micro-projects resulted in 27 new jobs.
Recently established, the LAGs succeeded to attract investments and implement programs with tangible impact at the community level thanks to the European approach LEADER, which is innovative and participatory, contributing to reducing social-economic disparities between urban and rural areas.
The "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" Programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive and sustainable social-economic development in Cahul and Ungheni regions, to ensure better quality of living for citizens. The Programme has a total budget of €23 million, is financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Download the press-release in Russian.
