The Mayor of Vorona commune, Botoșani County (RO), Sergiu DASCĂLU, in the context of the launch of the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center: “Cross-border cooperation begins with culture and continues through concrete projects for communities”
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 the development and implementation of 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 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, the counties of Botoșani, Suceava, and Iași, as well as from the eligibility area for cross-border cooperation in Ukraine.
Thematic Framework and Objectives of the Meeting
The agenda of the meeting focused on the topic “The Role of Public Administration in the Development and Implementation of Strategies”, within 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 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. Discussions addressed aspects related to 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 base of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University 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.
Mayor of Vorona Commune, Sergiu Dascălu: “Cross-border cooperation begins with culture and continues through concrete projects for communities”
In the context of the Romania – Republic of Moldova – Ukraine Working Meeting and the launch of the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center, the mayor of Vorona Commune, Botoșani County, Sergiu Dascălu, emphasized the importance of relationships already established between local communities on both sides of the Prut River, highlighting the concrete experience of his administration in the field of cross-border cooperation.
The mayor welcomed the presence of delegations from the Republic of Moldova and pointed out that authentic partnerships are built over time, through constant relationships and mutual involvement:
“We welcome the presence in our group, especially of our guests from across the Prut River,” declared the mayor of Vorona Commune.
Active Twinnings and Continuous Cultural Exchanges
Mayor Sergiu Dascălu mentioned that Vorona already has solid experience collaborating with administrative-territorial units in the Republic of Moldova, noting twinnings with Căpriana and Cubolta, Sîngerei District. These relationships have not remained formal but have materialized through reciprocal participation in cultural events and community activities.
“All this collaboration involves participation in cultural activities both from us in Vorona and from these localities,” emphasized the mayor, showing that cross-border dialogue becomes relevant when supported by direct community contacts.
From Cultural Exchanges to Projects with Real Impact
An important point of the mayor’s intervention focused on expanding cooperation towards concrete projects with direct benefits for communities. Sergiu Dascălu shared Vorona’s recent experience in identifying a funding opportunity through collaboration with the mayor of Vadul lui Vodă, located near Chișinău.
“Last year, we found this opportunity to apply for a project, knowing the mayor of Vadul lui Vodă, a very interesting area, very close to Chișinău,” explained the mayor, highlighting the high tourism potential of the partner locality.
The mayor highlighted the well-developed tourist infrastructure in Vadul lui Vodă — equipped beaches, boat rides, accommodation facilities, and sports amenities — emphasizing the similarities with Vorona, which also has tourist potential, bordering Suceava County.
Identifying Common Needs, the Key to Effective Partnerships
In the spirit of practical cooperation, discussions between the two administrations focused on identifying real solutions to local problems. In this context, Mayor Sergiu Dascălu explained that partners from the Republic of Moldova reported the need to acquire specialized equipment for maintaining large trees, a common issue for many communities.
“It is an area with trees of 30, 40, even 50 meters, and these communities need, like all communities, specific equipment,” the mayor noted, emphasizing that cooperation projects must start from on-the-ground realities.
An Example of Applied Cross-Border Cooperation
The intervention of the mayor of Vorona Commune concretely illustrated the philosophy promoted by the CAPDR – Ștefănești Cross-Border Cooperation Center: moving from dialogue to action, through functional partnerships, well-founded projects, and solutions tailored to local needs.
The presented experience confirms that local administrations can become key actors in developing cross-border cooperation when institutional relationships are complemented by initiative, vision, and openness to real collaboration.
