Approximately 40 mayors, accountants, and public procurement specialists from the districts of Călărași, Ialoveni, Cahul, Fălești, Dubăsari, Strășeni, Briceni, Căușeni, Chișinău, as well as representatives from central authorities, were provided with intensive training on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, concerning the end-to-end public procurement process—from strategic planning to contract implementation. This capacity-building activity was organized within the scope of the “Open Governance for Engaged Citizens” project, implemented by IDIS “Viitorul” with the support of the European Open Government Partnership (OGP EU) through the “EU for Integrity” Program under the Eastern Partnership initiative, financed by the European Union.
“The public procurement process is inherently complex and critically important for the efficient operation of public institutions. Every phase—from needs assessment and planning to contract execution—must be conducted with utmost transparency, accuracy, and in strict compliance with applicable legislation. Well-managed procurement procedures directly contribute to sustainable community development,” emphasized Carolina Ungureanu, Deputy Director of IDIS “Viitorul.”
On August 12, IDIS “Viitorul” organized a comparable training session attended by approximately 40 officials, including mayors, accountants, and procurement specialists from districts such as Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Bălți, Cahul, Căușeni, Criuleni, Ialoveni, and Strășeni. These trainings are aimed at bolstering institutional capacity and enhancing the competencies of procurement officials and working group members to ensure that procurement processes are transparent, efficient, and fully compliant with legal standards. The curriculum covered fundamental procurement principles, legal requirements at each procedural stage, error and irregularity mitigation, as well as strategies for optimizing resource utilization and raising procurement quality standards.
Trainer Diana Enachi, a seasoned procurement expert at IDIS “Viitorul,” delineated critical aspects including the legal framework governing public procurement, procedural stages, thresholds, applicable modalities, preparation of tender documentation, electronic publication and execution of procurement procedures, contract award mechanisms, dispute resolution, and other pertinent elements. “Rigorous planning requires accurate identification of needs, confirmation of financial viability, and proper estimation of procurement value. The procurement process must guarantee transparency, foster fair competition, and maximize the efficient use of public funds. Effective contract monitoring further ensures that deliverables—goods, services, or works—align with initial expectations. From strategic planning through to contract completion, procurement must be meticulously managed to deliver the intended community outcomes,” explained Enachi.
Participants expressed a desire to deepen their understanding of procurement planning, emphasizing that both local and central authorities face increasing accountability to transparently justify public expenditures.
“It was an extremely beneficial seminar, as we addressed numerous procedural intricacies that previously lacked clarity. Engaging in knowledge exchange fosters the development of practical solutions and enhances our collective capacity to resolve challenges,” stated Irina Braga, Public Procurement Specialist at Tohatin City Hall, Chișinău.
“I am a novice in accounting, and this seminar was highly valuable for me. Public procurement procedures appear complex; however, I am confident that the knowledge gained will be instrumental in my practical work. We currently have several ongoing procurement procedures at our municipality, and I am optimistic that they will proceed smoothly with these new insights,” said Natalia Zgherea, Chief Accountant at Văleni City Hall, Cahul.
“I have reinforced my understanding of the public procurement framework. While I possessed some knowledge previously, I lacked confidence in my understanding of certain processes. Now, I am assured that I am performing correctly, and the procurement activities I oversee will be more effective,” noted Ana Căpățână, a procurement specialist at Hârbovăț City Hall, Anenii Noi district.
“Participation in such seminars motivates us to operate with greater transparency, fostering more efficient use of public resources and enabling significant budgetary savings. Last year, the Călărași District Council saved over 5 million lei through exemplary procurement practices; this year, an additional 2 million lei was conserved via diligent resource management,” affirmed Ion Revenco, Vice President of Călărași District.
The “Open Governance for Engaged Citizens” initiative is scheduled for implementation from April 2025 to January 2026. It aims to address essential governance challenges by promoting transparency and participatory decision-making at the local level. The project also endeavors to advance open data transparency concerning public procurement activities. Key activities include capacity development workshops for procurement officials, practical training sessions on open governance, and mentorship programs for local authorities.
Moreover, the project will feature public outreach initiatives such as informational sessions with students, dissemination of infographics, and informative materials designed to facilitate citizen access to public information and bolster active civic participation. Ultimately, the initiative supports the European integration path of the Republic of Moldova and strengthens sustainable reforms in open government matter.
This press release has been produced within the "Open governance for engaged citizens" project, implemented by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives "Viitorul" (IDIS), with the support of the Open Government Partnership Europe (OGP EU) through the ”EU for Integrity Programme for the Eastern Partnership, funded by the European Union. The contents of this press release are the sole responsibility of IDIS "Viitorul" and do not necessarily reflect the views of OGP EU or the EU.”
