On March 26, Mayor General Ion Ceban participated in the Social Summit of Cities, organized by the Eurocities network at the European Parliament in Brussels.
According to the Mayor, the event marked six years since the launch of the “Inclusive Cities for All” campaign, an initiative through which 61 cities from 23 European countries transform the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights into concrete local policies, directly impacting the lives of over 100 million citizens.
“During the session ‘The Challenge of Building an Inclusive, Safe, and Competitive Europe,’ I emphasized that investments in education, healthcare, housing, and social services are essential for prosperity, innovation, and stability. Cities must be supported with resources and autonomy to effectively address today’s challenges,” said Ion Ceban.
Since 2024, Chișinău has been a full member of Eurocities, actively participating in the largest urban network in Europe. Joining this platform provides access to best practices, strategic partnerships, and European visibility, at a time when the municipality is reinforcing its European trajectory through modern and inclusive local policies.
Additionally, during the forum, the Mayor presented Chișinău’s model, which offers the most extensive social package in the Republic of Moldova, designed based on community needs and fully funded by the local budget.
“Around 100 municipal social services, including approximately 50 unique services and programs that do not exist elsewhere,” the Mayor emphasized.
Social services for children, youth, families, and vulnerable groups:
– Assisted social housing;
– Daycare centers for children with disabilities, autism, or rare diseases;
– Respite care services;
– Financial support for childbirth, education, or hardship situations;
– Shelters for homeless individuals and assistance for people living with HIV.
Innovative educational programs, unique both nationally and internationally:
– Full subsidy for extended school programs (approximately 30,000 children annually – unprecedented in the country);
– Summer camps, clubs, grants for youth and startups;
– Digital education projects (Online Education, eSchool, eKindergarten);
– Support for talented youth, athletes, and specialists.
Medical and social initiatives tailored to real needs:
– Support for assisted human reproduction;
– Free dental services;
– Oral health programs for children;
– Medical devices for the visually impaired;
– Prevention programs for HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases.
By participating in this international summit, Ion Ceban reaffirmed Chișinău’s commitment to building a modern, European, and inclusive city, where social equity and quality of life are real and constant priorities.
Additionally, throughout the day, the Mayor held several meetings and discussions with European officials at the European Parliament, addressing the situation in Chișinău and the country as a whole, reaffirming the importance of international support and collaboration.