The European Union has awarded seven civil society organisations from the Republic of Moldova at the ninth edition of the Civil Society Gala, held on 10 June 2026 in Chisinau. The awards recognise projects that bring real change to communities, contribute to better public policies, and support democracy, social inclusion and sustainable development, according to a press release by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
For the first time, two organisations were awarded in the 'Stronger Governance' category: the National Assistance and Information Centre for NGOs in Moldova 'CONTACT Centre' and the Public Association 'Clubul Femeilor Golubka' from Basarabeasca. Other winners include the Public Association 'VICON' from Căușeni ('Stronger Society'), the Public Association 'Inima Nordului' from Ocnița ('Stronger Economy'), the Public Association 'Academia de Creație și Inovații Mediatice (Zona de Securitate)' ('Resilience to Disinformation'), the Public Association 'Hai Moldova' ('Sustainable Development and Green Energy'), and the Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims 'Memoria' ('Promotion of Gender Equality').
'Behind every community that is reborn, every person who receives support at the right time, and every voice that begins to be heard, there is often a civil society organisation,' said Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, at the ceremony. 'These people work with patience, empathy and courage where support matters most. They build trust, bring solutions and give concrete meaning to our values: dignity, solidarity, inclusion and responsibility.'
The Gala, first organised by the EU Delegation in 2018, highlights the sector's essential role in Moldova's European integration path. The EU has supported Moldovan civil society for over 20 years, with bilateral support amounting to EUR 28 million for 2021–2024 through the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility, the Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organisations, and the Thematic Programme for Human Rights and Democracy. For 2025–2027, the EU has allocated approximately EUR 40.5 million, focusing on strengthening resilience, protecting human rights defenders, social policies, capacity building, multi-level governance, and support for media and investigative journalism.
The event brought together representatives of civil society, public authorities, development partners and the media. Of the approximately 13,000 registered civil society organisations in Moldova, about 5,000 are active, making a significant contribution to democratic, economic and social development and promoting European values.
← Atlas › News › Foreign affairs