Emilian IVASUC, Project Manager at CAPDR (RO), in the context of the launch of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
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 from 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 eligibility area for cross-border cooperation in Ukraine.
Thematic Framework and Objectives of the Meeting
The meeting agenda focused on “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 in partnership with 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 presented, through the introduction of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești. Topics addressed included the establishment of the center, its member structure, current activities, projects developed by its members, as well as its role in national and international representation within this cooperation framework.
Following the working session, the agenda continued with a visit to the future headquarters of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești, along with 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 outlining cooperation prospects within thematic working groups.
Emilian Ivasuc (CAPDR): “Public administration can no longer operate in isolation. From dialogue, we move to concrete action”
During the Romania – Republic of Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting, held on January 30, 2026, at the Ștefănești Town Hall, the launch of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești was accompanied by the presentation of the operational vision of the Interreg NEXT Romania – Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Project, implemented by CAPDR in partnership with ADR Chișinău.
In this context, Emilian Ivasuc, CAPDR project manager, emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in public administration, highlighting the role of institutional cooperation and practical working tools.
“Specifically, public administration can no longer operate in isolation, and our role, which we assume through this project and promote, is to bring all actors to the table,” said Emilian Ivasuc, highlighting the integrative nature of CAPDR’s initiative.
He pointed out that the project proposes not only a theoretical framework for dialogue but also a practical tool, capable of connecting all relevant sectors: “We offer a concrete instrument – a platform that will bring together all sectors and all key actors in society.”
Thematic Meetings as a Practical Working Mechanism
The CAPDR project manager specified that the Ștefănești meeting represents the first in a series of thematic meetings, each dedicated to key areas of regional development. The inaugural theme focused on the role of local public administration, considered essential in the process of developing and implementing development strategies.
“This is the first meeting, focused on the role of local public administration in regional development,” explained Emilian Ivasuc, emphasizing that the project’s approach is phased and structured.
Another strategic area targeted is education, for which a separate meeting is scheduled: “Another very important area is education. The meeting will take place on March 5, in Chișinău, at the State University,” announced the CAPDR manager, while calling for active participation from institutional stakeholders.
Good Practice Models and Economic Development
The series of meetings will continue in Romania, with a clear focus on concrete examples of local development. “We will continue with meetings in Miloslava – Iași, on February 26,” specified Emilian Ivasuc, highlighting the importance of exchanging good practices.
Referring to this stage, he emphasized the practical value of the proposed model: “I invite you to Miloslava, because it is a model of economic development that should be presented.”
From Dialogue to Action
Through the launch of the CAPDR Cross-Border Cooperation Center – Ștefănești and the announced calendar of thematic meetings, the project aims to transform institutional dialogue into a functional cooperation mechanism, with tangible results for public administrations and communities in the RO–MD–UA area.
The message conveyed by Emilian Ivasuc clearly outlines the direction of the project: connection, collaboration, and applied action, within a common institutional framework, adapted to the current realities of regional development.
