The Establishment of a CAPDR Office in Soroca Discussed at the Romania – Moldova – Ukraine Meeting in Ștefănești | From Dialogue to Concrete Projects

On January 30, 2026, at the Ștefănești City Hall, Botoșani County, the Romania – Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting took place, an event dedicated to strengthening cross-border cooperation and the role of public administration in drafting and implementing regional development strategies. In this context, the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center was also launched.

The meeting was organized by the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR), in partnership with ADR Chișinău, and hosted by Ștefănești City 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, the counties of Botoșani, Suceava, and Iași, 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 Drafting and Implementing Development Strategies”, within the framework 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 an emphasis 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 center’s establishment, member 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 outlining cooperation perspectives within thematic working groups.

Cross-Border Cooperation: From Willingness to Implementation

The interventions during the Romania – Moldova – Ukraine working meeting highlighted a clear picture of the maturation of cross-border cooperation and the shift from intent to tangible results.

Messages conveyed by local administration representatives and cooperation structures emphasized institutional openness, the existence of joint projects, and prospects for expanding partnerships.

Lilia Pilipețchi, Mayor of Soroca, opened the series of statements with a message emphasizing the symbolic and practical value of the Ștefănești meeting, highlighting the already consolidated relationship between Soroca and its Romanian partners.

“It is a great joy for Soroca to be here today in Ștefănești.”

The mayor continued by highlighting that the relationship between Soroca and Botoșani is not merely declarative but has already entered an advanced implementation stage. According to her, the joint cross-border project is underway, confirming the functionality of the partnership.

“We are currently in the implementation phase of the Botoșani – Soroca, Soroca – Botoșani cross-border project.”

Referring to how this partnership was concretely built, Lilia Pilipețchi spoke about the determination of the local administrations involved and the importance of direct dialogue in strategic decision-making.

“I went to Botoșani three times and did not leave the mayor’s office until the friendship and twinning act was signed. Things moved very well.”

In his intervention, Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR), emphasized the need to institutionalize cross-border cooperation by developing functional structures that support joint projects.

“I would like to propose opening a branch of this Center in Soroca, for the North.”

The proposal was well received, and the reaction of Soroca’s mayor confirmed that discussions and preparations are already underway.

“We are already prepared. We talked a little earlier.”

The CAPDR president insisted on the importance of quickly moving from the intent phase to operational action, highlighting that there are real premises for expanding cooperation at the regional level.

“I would really like us to move to the next phase.”

In complement to his message, Ion Ștefanovici spoke about the high potential for collaboration between local authorities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the openness to joint initiatives that leverage each party’s resources and expertise.

“There are many things we can do together.”

Likewise, Bogdan Buhăianu, Deputy Mayor of Botoșani, confirmed the existence of concrete initiatives already at an advanced analysis stage, emphasizing the applied nature of institutional cooperation.

“We also have two joint projects currently under evaluation.”

Concluding her intervention, Lilia Pilipețchi highlighted the general tone of collaboration, characterized by balance, trust, and mutual understanding, expressing confidence in the success of the joint projects.

“Things are settling well, with common sense and understanding. God bless and success to all colleagues.”

The statements made during the meeting reflect cross-border cooperation at a mature stage, where institutional willingness is supported by concrete projects and real administrative determination. The openness expressed for expanding the Cross-Border Cooperation Center, the existence of joint initiatives under implementation or evaluation, and the constant dialogue between local authorities confirm the shift from mere intentions to functional partnerships.

The messages conveyed by local administration representatives and CAPDR outline a clear direction: cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, with prospects for regional expansion, is built on trust, continuity, and coordinated action. In this context, institutional relations become an essential tool for regional development, and joint initiatives gain consistency and sustainability.