A new initiative funded by France and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support cooperation among local communities to improve the planning and delivery of essential, inclusive public services adapted to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Intermunicipal cooperation is becoming increasingly important for development planning and the delivery of quality public services. Intermunicipal Development Associations (IDAs) enable local communities to unite their efforts and resources when addressing common needs.

Thus, the initiative aims to strengthen the framework for intermunicipal cooperation. Practical planning and digitalization tools successfully used in France will be explored and adapted. With a budget of approximately US$110,000, the project will be implemented nationwide in 2026-2027, with pilot interventions within the Cahul and Ungheni IDAs. Both associations were established and strengthened with support from UNDP, the European Union and France. Support was also provided to modernize the Apă-Canal Ungheni and AVE Ungheni operators, as well as the municipal utility operator Gospodăria Comunal-Locativă Cahul and SERVCOM SUD, facilitating the extension of water supply, sanitation and waste management services to several communities. 

“Cooperation between local communities is above all about improving people’s daily lives. By pooling their resources and expertise, municipalities can provide better and more accessible essential services, including water supply, sanitation and waste management. France is pleased to continue sharing its experience in intermunicipal cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and to support local authorities in developing practical solutions that respond to the needs of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Dominique Waag, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova. 

A standardized strategic planning methodology will be tested within the Cahul and Ungheni IDAs, helping member communities identify common needs and priorities and better coordinate their development actions. A digital platform will also be developed to facilitate coordination and data exchange among communities. 

“France has extensive experience in intermunicipal cooperation, and in recent years we have had the opportunity to share this expertise with local authorities in the Republic of Moldova. This new project builds on that partnership by strengthening cooperation between municipalities in both countries and supporting Moldovan communities in planning and delivering more efficient, inclusive public services. It will also help them prepare for and fully benefit from the opportunities offered by European integration,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova. 

The project will facilitate the exchange of experience between local public authorities and IDAs in the Republic of Moldova and their French partners. The project will also analyse and adapt to the local context French good practices in public service delivery, public-private partnerships and access to development funding.

The initiative builds on previous cooperation between UNDP and France aimed at strengthening the capacities of local public administration in the Republic of Moldova.

In 2022, France invested more than US$100,000 in improving local public services in communities hosting refugees from Ukraine. The support covered services such as water supply, sanitation and waste management, as well as the introduction of small-scale energy solutions.

At the same time, French partner institutions provided local public authorities and service operators with expertise in areas such as intermunicipal cooperation and the use of green energy in public services delivery.

In 2024, thematic training courses were supported to strengthen the capacities of newly elected local officials in the Republic of Moldova. The courses covered the roles and responsibilities of local public administration, ethics and integrity, citizen engagement in decision-making, the use of technology and innovation, as well as resource mobilization.