The Mayor of Glodeni City (Republic of Moldova), Stela ONUȚU, in the context of the launch of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești: “We have expectations for the benefit of both banks of the Prut River, for our communities.”
Mesaje publice
On January 30, 2026, at the Ștefănești Town Hall, Botoșani County, the Romania – Republic of Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting took place, an event dedicated to strengthening cross-border cooperation and the role of public administration in developing and implementing regional development strategies. In this context, the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești was also launched.
The meeting was organized by the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), in partnership with ADR Chișinău, and hosted by the Ștefănești Town Hall.
The event brought together approximately 60 representatives of local public administrations and institutions from the suburbs of Chișinău, the Northern Region of the Republic of Moldova, Botoșani, Suceava, and Iași counties, as well as from the cross-border cooperation eligibility area in Ukraine.
Thematic Framework and Objectives of the Meeting
The agenda of the meeting focused on the theme “The Role of Public Administration in Developing and Implementing Development Strategies”, in the context of the Interreg NEXT Romania – Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Project, implemented by CAPDR and ADR Chișinău.
The project component aimed to create an institutional framework for dialogue and practical cooperation between public authorities, associative organizations, and experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, with a focus on regional development and cross-border cooperation.
During the meeting, the concept “From Dialogue to Action” was also presented, through the introduction of the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center. Topics addressed included the establishment of the center, its membership structure, ongoing activities, projects developed by its members, as well as its national and international representation role.
After the working session, the agenda continued with a visit to the future headquarters of the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center, followed by an institutional networking session hosted at the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University base in Ștefănești. This stage was dedicated to strengthening the RO–MD–UA network, identifying joint projects, exchanging contacts, and shaping cooperation perspectives within thematic working groups.
Mayor of Glodeni, Stela Onuțu: “We have expectations for the benefit of both banks of the Prut for our communities”
Mayor of Glodeni, Stela Onuțu, delivered a clear message about the openness of the local administration to cross-border cooperation and the benefits it can bring to communities on both sides of the Prut River.
“Hopes are high, hopes are beautiful. We have expectations for the benefit of both banks of the Prut for our communities, and I hope that the collaborative relationships and, not least, the human-focused discussions that took place today at this event will add value to our activities, so that, as mayors of our localities, we can bring as many projects as possible for the development of our communities,” the mayor declared.
The mayor explained that Glodeni officially joins the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center, mentioning that the procedure will initially be carried out by sending the stamp in an electronic format:
“We are joining the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center. At the moment we do not have the physical stamp; we will send it in an electronic format and will already see how we adapt to the conditions that will be set.”
Furthermore, Mayor Stela Onuțu provided a clear perspective on Glodeni’s experience in cross-border projects, highlighting both potential and challenges:
“So far, we have not implemented any cross-border projects through the Level I Administrative Unit – Glodeni town; in the Glodeni district, cross-border projects are implemented through the District Council. We have seen the impact, we know they are welcome, and we know we also have the possibility and capacity to absorb these funds to benefit all residents, on both sides of the Prut, as well as in Ukraine.”
This statement emphasizes the commitment of the Glodeni local administration to leverage opportunities offered by cross-border cooperation, to actively participate in the CAPDR – Ștefănești Center, and to contribute to projects that foster sustainable development for local communities. By engaging in such initiatives, the Glodeni Town Hall reaffirms its role as a catalyst for projects aimed at improving residents’ welfare and strengthening relations between Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.
