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The European Partnership Fair for Civil Society Organizations in Moldova took placefor the first time in Chisinau, on June 15-16 2010. . The event was organized by European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), East Europe Foundation (EEF) and „Promo-LEX” Association.

The main goal of the event was to help strengthening the Moldovan Civil Society (including the one from Transnistria) by sharing experience, establishing partnership relations with NGOs from European Union and CIS countries, as well as trying to provide some funding for joint initiatives launched by the Fair participants.

According to Victor Bodiu, Minister of State, the Government of Moldova has contributed to the involvement of the Civil Society in the process of policy building and policy implementation and monitoring ensuring in such a way transparency in the decision making process. Mr. Bodiu also stressed that the involvement of the Civil Society and especially its cooperation with the government is essential for the proper development of Moldova. Eugen Caras, Deputy Head of the European Integration Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, mentioned that the Partnership Fair is part of Moldova’s European aspirations. Mr. Caras stated that in a future project – which could be called the EU-Moldova Forum, the Civil Society could be involved in terms of discussions with businessmen from Moldova regarding the prospects for establishing a zone for free exchange with EU, as well as in other dimensions that would promote Moldova in Europe.

Executive Director of European Partnership for Democracy, Carlos Hernandez Ferreiro gave a positive assessment of the progress of civil society in Moldova, by emphasizing the need of developing the Transnistrian NGO sector.
In the same context, President of “Promo-LEX” Association, Mr. Ion Manole, mentioned that the interest, attention and international support given to Transnistria has increased substantially in recent years, especially with the perspective of European integration of Moldova.
Mr. Sorin Mereacre, President of East Europe Foundation, specified that the Fair is designed to initiate a dialogue between NGOs from Moldova and the organizations from EU member countries in order to promote the interests of the country within the European institutions, which will contribute to a faster accession of Moldova to the EU.

The event was attended by approximately 150 NGOs and donor representatives from Moldova (88 organizations, including 30 from the Transnistrian region) Europe and the CIS countries. During the event, participants had the opportunity to discuss within 3 thematic workshops: Challenges in Promoting Human Rights, Media and fundamental freedoms; Social Action, Mobilized Youth and cleaner Environment for a better Europe; European Integration through Eastern Partnership: opportunities for NGO cooperation.
At the end of the Fair a Basket Fund aiming to support partnership projects between different organizations was launched. The participants of the Fair also agreed on a Resolution concerning the situation of Ilie Cazac and Ernest Vardanean.

The conclusions of the European Partnership Fair and details regarding the Basket Fund can be found on the website: www.partnershipfair.eu