Innovative Actions for Enhanced Public Administration and Cross-border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS
This project is co-financed by European Union funds Joint Operational Program Romania – Republic of Moldova 2021-2027 Project code: ROMD00279
About Programme
The Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Program is funded by the European Union and co-funded by the participating countries
Interreg NEXT Romania - Republica Moldova
This program strengthens cross-border cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, responding to urgent regional needs, including in the context of the war's impact on the region. Key areas include climate change adaptation, disaster risk resilience, health, education, culture, and border crossing management, while ensuring the safety and security of citizens in both countries.
The program promotes equal partnership between the two countries, supporting joint projects that address common challenges and improve governance for better cooperation. By promoting transparent and efficient governance, the program ensures that both countries can collaborate more effectively to address common challenges and achieve common goals.
About project
Specific Objective
The aim of the project is to enhance the capacity of local authorities through a 'bottom-up' approach, with a specific emphasis on efficiently absorbing European Funds and fostering enhanced collaboration with non-state actors in the Galati-Cahul cross-border region.
Project Timeline
Track the progress of the NOVA-CROSS project from launch to completion. Implementation period: 12 March 2025 - 11 September 2026
Activities
Project Activities
- Creation of Cross-border resource centres in Cahul and Tulucesti
- Expertise Exchange Workshop
- Empowering Cross-Border Communities: A Joint Action Plan for Strengthening Public Administration and Cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova
- Capacity-Building trainings for local public authorities and LAG members
- Study Visits and Exchange Programs in Romania and Moldova
- EU Funding Application Support Workshops
- Mentorship Program for transferring Romanian expertise as an EU member state for the creation of a future FLAG in the Lower Prut area in Moldova
- Networking Event: Cross-Border Empowerment and Engagement Forum
Expected Results
Project Results
- Creation of 2 Cross-border resource centres in Cahul and Tulucesti
- Development of an online platform to facilitate the relationship between citizens abroad and the local public administration
- 1 Joint Action Plan for Strengthening Public Administration and Cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova
- 4 Capacity-Building trainings for local public authorities and LAG members
- 2 Study Visits and Exchange Programs in Romania and Moldova
- 12 Drafting project ideas aimed at addressing the most urgent issues in target communities
- 8 Networking and communication events organized
Partners
Association for Sustainable Development "Prut-Danube" Galați
Galați, Romania
Cross-border Cooperation and European Integration Agency
Cahul, Moldova
Tulucești Town Hall
Tulucești, Galați, Romania
Cross-border Cooperation and European Integration Agency
AO ACTIE is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2004 in the city of Cahul, Republic of Moldova. The main objective of the Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration is to contribute to regional development by supporting cross-border cooperation between organizations and institutions in the Republic of Moldova and external partners.
At the same time, ACTIE aims to contribute to economic development in the cross-border region within the “Lower Danube” Euroregion. This is achieved through the organization’s specific objectives:
creating strong cross-border partnerships to address common challenges;
developing human resources through training and awareness-raising;
increasing access to the labor market, including for socially vulnerable groups;
modernizing local infrastructure;
developing tourism in southern Moldova;
actions that contribute to better environmental protection.
DetaliiProject Events
1. Launch Conference
On May 9, 2025, the Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration participated in the launch of the project “Innovative Actions for the Development of Public Administration and the Enhancement of Cross-Border Cooperation –– NOVA CROSS, ROMD00279,” a project funded through the INTERREG NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Program.
The event took place in Galați, Romania, and was organized by the “Prut-Danube” Association for Sustainable Development in Galați.
All project partners participated in the event:
- “Prut-Danube” Association for Sustainable Development, Galați – Lead Partner
- Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration – Cahul, Republic of Moldova
- Tulucești Commune, Romania
- Local NGOs
- Local institutions, etc.
2. Information sessions as part of the project “Innovative Actions for the Development of Public Administration and the Enhancement of Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS Cahul”
Information sessions as part of the project “Innovative Actions for an Effective Public Administration and Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS” were held on April 15, 2025, and April 30, 2025, and brought together participants from various fields. The events aimed to present the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results, as well as to inform the community about the opportunities it offers.
During the sessions, details were presented about the NOVA-CROSS project, the partners involved, and the Interreg programs, with an emphasis on accessing European funds. The concluding discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of local authorities through a “bottom-up” approach and of developing active collaboration with non-state actors in the Galați–Cahul cross-border area.
3. Establishment of cross-border resource centers in Cahul and Tulucești
Within the framework of the project, two Resource Centres were established, one in Cahul and one in Tulucești, aimed at supporting the capacity development of local public administrations and facilitating access to relevant information, tools, and best practices. The Resource Centres serve as spaces dedicated to learning, information sharing, and exchange of experience, providing stakeholders with access to useful resources for improving administrative activities and developing local initiatives. The centres provide information materials, educational resources, and examples of best practices. The establishment of the Resource Centres contributes to strengthening cooperation between institutions and communities in the Republic of Moldova and Romania, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience and encouraging the identification of innovative solutions to local challenges.
4. Expertise Exchange Workshop
On 10 July 2025, an Expertise Exchange Workshop was held in Galați, Romania, within the framework of the NOVA-CROSS project. The event brought together representatives and project partners, providing a platform for the exchange of best practices, experiences, and ideas related to the development and implementation of cross-border initiatives.
Participants had the opportunity to discuss their experiences, challenges encountered, and solutions applied, thereby strengthening cooperation and dialogue between partners from the Republic of Moldova and Romania.
The workshop contributed to strengthening collaborative relationships and identifying new opportunities for joint initiatives and experience exchange within the NOVA-CROSS project.
5. Joint Action Plan to Strengthen Public Administration and Cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova
On October 16, 2025, at the headquarters of the Lunca Prutului de Jos LAG in Văleni, AO ACTIE, the Tulucești Local Public Administration, and FLAG Galați organized a public consultation aimed at assessing the needs of local public authorities and other stakeholders in the cross-border area.
The goal of this consultation is to develop a Joint Action Plan that will contribute to strengthening public administration and enhancing cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. This activity is part of the project “Innovative Actions for the Development of Public Administration and the Enhancement of Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS,” co-financed by the European Union through the INTERREG NEXT Romania-Republic of Moldova Program.
6. Training sessions to build the capacity of local public authorities and LAG members
AO ACTIE, with the support of FLAG Galați, organized the four planned training sessions, three of which took place in November 2025, while the fourth and final session was held on 3 March 2026, in the village of Văleni, at the headquarters of the Prutul de Jos Local Action Group.
The sessions addressed key topics related to:
- Fundamentals of Project Management – 3–4 November 2025;
- Project Implementation and Reporting – 6 November 2025;
- Financial Management and Financial Audit of EU-funded Projects – 7 November 2025;
- Project Idea Development and Preparation – 3 March 2026.
Participants deepened their knowledge of project structure and lifecycle, problem identification and results definition, activity planning, financial resource management, and reporting requirements.
The final session focused on transforming ideas into well-structured project proposals, covering the stages of project development, the structure of the funding application, submission procedures, practical examples, and the use of the JEMS system.
Through these activities, participants strengthened the skills required for the effective development, implementation, and management of projects funded by European funds.
7. Study visits and exchange programs in Romania and the Republic of Moldova
Between June 2–5, 2026, study visits were organized within the framework of the project "Innovative Actions for Developing Public Administration and Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS", dedicated to representatives of local public authorities, entrepreneurs, LAG members, and civil society organizations from Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
Over the course of the four days, participants visited successful projects implemented with European funding, having the opportunity to examine best practice examples in local development and territorial cooperation. The program included experience-sharing sessions with project beneficiaries, discussions regarding solutions implemented in communities, and the identification of new opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives.
The study visits contributed to strengthening the participants' capacities in project development, facilitated the exchange of knowledge, and created the premises for future partnerships and cross-border cooperation projects.
8. EU Funding Application Suport Workshops
A subsequent stage of the capacity-building process was carried out on 19 and 26 June 2026, through the organization of two practical workshops at the headquarters of the “Prutul de Jos” LAG and in the locality of Manta. The activities focused on developing practical skills in preparing funding applications and developing relevant project ideas for local communities.
The workshop held on 19 June 2026, in Văleni, aimed to support participants in developing project ideas tailored to the needs of local communities. Participants received information and recommendations on preparing project proposals and funding applications, as well as practical examples.
During the activity, participants developed their own project ideas, benefiting from support and guidance from the project team. The proposed initiatives aimed to improve the quality of life in local communities through civic engagement and active participation.
On 26 June, in Manta, the second workshop was held, with the main objective of providing technical support for the further development of the three selected project ideas, with a view to preparing complete funding application forms. During the session, participants worked closely with experts to further develop their project proposals, strengthen the logical framework, define realistic implementation plans and budgets, and ensure that the applications complied with the requirements of the targeted funding programmes. Continuous mentoring and practical feedback were provided throughout the workshop.
9. Mentorship Program for transferring Romanian expertise
On 30–31 July, within the framework of the project “Innovative Actions for Public Administration Development and Enhanced Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS”, an event dedicated to local development was organized: the “Mentoring Programme for the Transfer of Expertise to LAG Members in the Republic of Moldova.”
The event took place at the premises of the Lunca Prutului de Jos LAG, in Văleni village, bringing together community members to discuss innovation, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable solutions for local communities.
The mentoring programme focused on:
- Expertise transfer: Direct exchange of knowledge between specialists and representatives of Local Action Groups.
- Capacity building: Practical solutions for improved administration and more effective development and management of local projects.
- Cross-border best practices: Successful models and experiences shared by the partners from FLAG Galați.
10. Cross-Border Empowerment and Engagement Forum
On 29–30 June 2026, within the framework of the project “Innovative Actions for Strengthening Public Administration and Cross-Border Cooperation – NOVA-CROSS”, the Cross-Border Forum for Community Engagement and Accountability was held. The event was organized by Tulucești Commune, in partnership with AO ACTIE and FLAG Galați, and took place at the Tulucești Cross-Border Resource Centre and C.HUB Galați.
The forum brought together representatives of local public authorities, local initiative groups, the business community, and civil society organizations from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening cross-border partnerships.
Throughout the two-day event, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore examples of good practices in community engagement, and identify common solutions for local community development. Discussions also focused on strengthening administrative capacity, citizens’ participation in decision-making processes, the development of local initiatives, and making use of funding opportunities for cross-border cooperation projects.
The event contributed to strengthening dialogue among relevant stakeholders from the Cahul–Galați region, fostering new partnerships and establishing a cooperation network aimed at supporting sustainable development and the active involvement of communities on both sides of the Prut River.
11. Final Conference
On 9 September 2026, the completion of the NOVA-CROSS – “Innovative Actions for Enhanced Public Administration and Cross-border Cooperation” project was marked by a final conference held in Galați, Romania.
During the event, the project results, partners’ experiences, and the Mentoring Guide were presented — a tool designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience and support the development of local initiatives.
Implemented over 18 months under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Programme, the project contributed to strengthening cross-border cooperation, experience sharing, and the capacity of local stakeholders.
The project was implemented by the Association for Sustainable Development Prut–Danube – FLAG Galați (Romania), as Lead Partner, the Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration (Republic of Moldova), and Tulucești Commune (Romania).
We thank all partners and participants for their involvement and contribution to this joint journey!
Our Partners Locations
This website was created with the support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of AO ACTIE as a partner in the NOVA-CROSS project (ROMD00279) and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the managing authorities of the INTERREG NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Program.