With support from Norway, East Europe Foundation launched a new project to strengthen civil society organizations in Moldova
Chișinău, December 19th , 2025 – East Europe Foundation and the CONTACT Center have launched the projects "Civic Engagement for Democratic Governance and Social Cohesion" and "Civil Society for a European Moldova," implemented with financial support from Norway.
Both projects have the goal to strengthen civil society in the Republic of Moldova to ensure more active democratic participation, promote social cohesion, and support the European integration process. These initiatives focus on building the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to contribute to the development, monitoring, and promotion of inclusive public policies, with an emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
"This program reflects Norway's priority to support the democratic development of Moldova and its path toward EU accession. Furthermore, this support from Norway signifies a recognition of the role civil society organizations play in democratic governance and social cohesion. As Moldova advances in the EU accession process, reforms must be rooted in society. They must be understood and embraced by the citizens. Civil society is indispensable in facilitating this process," stated Thea Hilding, Deputy Head of Mission at the Office of Embassy the Kingdom of Norway in the Republic of Moldova.
During the launch event, representatives of the organizations managing the two projects presented their goals, objectives, and planned activities.
Sorin Mereacre, President of the East Europe Foundation, noted: "We are very grateful to Norway for the generous support offered to East Europe Foundation and, by extension, to our partners and beneficiaries. The project we are honored to implement over the next three years, aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations to respond to the challenges related to the EU accession process. From the financial resources provided by Norway, the foundation will award at least 34 grants with a total value of over 1.6 million euros. These projects will support the initiatives of our colleagues in civil society at national, regional, and local levels to encourage civic participation, fortify dialogue with authorities, include vulnerable persons, and foster social cohesion."
The event was attended by representatives of the Office of the Norwegian Embassy in Chișinău, East Europe Foundation, CONTACT Center, and members of civil society. Participants discussed the opportunities offered by the announced projects and the importance of building an active and resilient civil society for the country's democratic development.
The Director of the CONTACT Center, Serghei Neicovcen, specified: "Through the project 'Civil Society for a European Moldova,' CONTACT Center will support the activities of civil society organizations across the country through a complex grant mechanism and support for regional platforms. Grants will be offered to local organizations implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening participatory democracy and social cohesion, as well as support for organizations actively involved in public policy, advocacy, and monitoring. Through this project, we aim to strengthen civil society's capacity to contribute to the democratic development of the Republic of Moldova and the consolidation of social cohesion at the local and regional levels."
Norway is supporting the projects of East Europe Foundation and CONTACT Center with funding exceeding three million euros, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening democracy, human rights, and social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova.
For more information, please contact:
- East Europe Foundation: Mihaela Cîrnov, Communications Specialist – 060736669
- CONTACT Center: Elena Nofit, Communication and PR Manager – 069749924