Organized by the European Business Association Moldova
In partnership with the Consiliul Economic pe lângă Prim-ministrul RM
With the financial support of OPTIM Project, implemented by Helvetas Moldova.
________________________________________
The “Stronger Bridges to Policymaking” international conference brought together international experts, national authorities, business support organizations, and civil society representatives to explore practical approaches for improving the quality of Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and enhancing cohesion and synergy in policymaking. The discussions were particularly focused on Moldova’s EU Accession Agenda, highlighting the pivotal role of inclusive dialogue in driving reforms and sustainable development.
________________________________________
Opening remarks
The event was officially launched by:
• Mrs. Mariana Rufa, CEO, European Business Association Moldova
• Mrs. Carolina Bugaian, Chairwoman of EBA and AFAM, Director General of Moldcell
• Mr. Guido Beltrani, Director, Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
• Mr. Matthias Herr, Director, Helvetas Eastern Europe (online)
Speakers underscored the critical importance of institutionalized and efficient Public-Private Dialogue platforms in facilitating Moldova’s EU integration and in catalysing economic growth and sustainable development.
Keynote address
The keynote was delivered by Mrs. Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation.
She strongly acknowledged the crucial role of Business Support Organizations and Civil Society in shaping effective public policies and implementing reforms — a cornerstone of the EU accession process. Minister Nistor emphasized that inclusive dialogue and coordinated efforts are essential to ensuring that reform processes remain consistent, transparent, and impactful.
________________________________________
Conference Panels
The event featured three insightful panels, showcasing practical examples, success stories, and lessons learned from Moldova, the EU, and the Balkan region.
________________________________________
Panel I: EU Accession – Best EU Practices and Expertise:
The case study of Estonia and the Czech Republic
Moderator: Mariana Rufa, CEO, European Business Association Moldova (EBA Moldova).
This high-level panel featured two distinguished speakers:
• Mr. Pavel Telička, Former Chief Negotiator for the Czech Republic’s EU Accession, Former Vice-President of the European Parliament, Former EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection
• Mr. Gert Antsu, Estonia’s Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership, Director, Ukraine, Moldova, and South Caucasus Division, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The panel explored EU perspectives on accession negotiations and how structured cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector can accelerate reform agendas. Concrete examples illustrated the impact of inclusive dialogue on successful EU integration paths.
________________________________________
Panel II: Public-Private Dialogue Platforms – a catalyst for inclusive policy reform. Best practices and lessons learned from the
private sector, civil society, the state, and development partners
Moderator: Mrs. Valbona Karakaçi, Regional Advisor for the Western Balkans, Helvetas / RAN
This panel brought together international and local experts from the public sector, private sector, and civil society. The discussion focused on challenges and opportunities in fostering effective Public-Private Cooperation, with shared best practices and practical success stories.
Panelists:
• Mr. Ion Lupan, Head of Secretariat, Economic Council to the Prime Minister of Moldova (Consiliul Economic pe lângă Prim-ministrul RM)
• Mrs. Carolina Bugaian, Chairwoman of EBA and AFAM, Director General of Moldcell
• Mrs. Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Competitive and Inclusive Growth, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova
• Mrs. Snežana Mišić Mihajlović, Governance Portfolio Manager for Eastern Europe, Helvetas
• Mr. Ilie Chirtoaca, Executive Director, Legal Resource Centre Moldova
________________________________________
Panel III: Agro and Green Deal Policies: Building Cohesion through Public-Private-Civil Society Dialogue
Moderator: Mrs. Mariana Rufa, CEO, European Business Association Moldova
This panel focused on Moldova’s progress in implementing the EU Green Deal, highlighting cooperation between government institutions, civil society, and business associations. Discussions included examples of successful policy harmonisation, climate-friendly agricultural practices, and innovations in environmental insurance schemes.
Panelists
• Alexandra Sian, State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry
• Nicolae Tiltu, Head of Projects Department, National Farmers Federation of Moldova
• Veronica Malcoci, Deputy President, EBA; Director General, GRAWE Carat Asigurări Moldova
• Aliona Rusnac, State Secretary, Ministry of Environment
• Iordanca Iordanov, Former Minister of Environment; Representative, ECO-Contact
________________________________________
Acknowledgements
On behalf of the European Business Association Moldova, we extend our sincere appreciation to all distinguished speakers and panelists for their insightful contributions, openness, and concrete examples. Your expertise has greatly enriched the dialogue and provided a strong foundation for future collaboration.
We also express our deep gratitude to our partners — the Economic Council to the Prime Minister (Consiliul Economic pe lângă Prim-ministrul RM), the OPTIM Project, and Helvetas Moldova — for their unwavering support and commitment to strengthening democratic dialogue and economic development in Moldova.