The award ceremony for the European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (#EUSEW2024)!

The award ceremony for the European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (#EUSEW2024) took place in Chișinău at Europe Café, gathering the most active signatory municipalities of the Covenant of Mayors for Energy and Climate.

During the ceremony, 18 mayors from the municipalities of Bălți, Ialoveni, Trușeni, Dișcova, Puțintei, Giurgiulești, Ceadîr-Lunga, Strășeni, Budești, Cantemir, Costuleni, Vișniovca, Volintiri, Talmaza, Sireți, Vorniceni, Hîrbovăț, and Anenii Noi received diplomas for their involvement in promoting sustainable energy, and three of them were also awarded monetary certificates of 500, 400, and 300 euros, provided with the support of the CoM-East III project funded by EU funds.

The Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, who attended the event, emphasized the crucial importance of the green transition across all sectors of the economy. He highlighted that sustainable energy and energy efficiency are essential not only for the environment but also for the economic well-being of citizens. #EUSEW2024 results: 8,500 citizens were involved in activities dedicated to energy and climate “The green transition impacts practically every area of people's lives. Without efficient buildings and modern lighting, we waste significant resources. The green agenda is a very practical aspect that brings changes at both local and national levels,” stated the minister.

On a similar note, Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova, pointed out that the energy transition is a global effort that requires the involvement of all local authorities. A notable success story was the Sireți City Hall in the Strășeni district – Mayor Leonid Boaghi received First Place and an Excellence Diploma for efforts to implement sustainable solutions.

Boaghi stated that this award represents recognition of the collective work of the community and an encouragement to continue projects for sustainable energy. Throughout the European Sustainable Energy Week, over 8,500 citizens from the participating municipalities were engaged in educational activities, workshops, and sports events, all aimed at promoting energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental protection. Initiatives included drawing exhibitions, performances, bike marathons, and tree planting, all under the sign of a greener and more ecologically responsible future.

“The European Union is proud of its cooperation with cities in the Republic of Moldova and the Eastern Partnership region through the Covenant of Mayors. Local authorities are at the forefront of this transition and play a fundamental role in combating climate change,” Grodzicki emphasized.