To establish an on-going dialogue between civil society representatives, media professionals and decision makers on both sides of the river Nistru/Dniestr, and to increase awareness of European and international standards in the  region.

The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to the conflict settlement process in the Transnistrian region through grass-root activities, including through establishing a dialogue between different groups of the population on both sides of the river Nistru/Dniestr, namely civil society representatives, media professionals, decision makers, and increasing awareness of European and international standards in the region. 

The activities of “The Confidence Building Measures for the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova” Programme (CBM Programme) are envisaged as capacity building activities in technical areas, with the participation and facilitation of renowned European experts; through joint initiatives with the participation of media professionals and activities aiming at developing a viable civil society. The experts’ role will be not to suggest “ready-made” solutions to a given problem but to present different approaches complying with European standards, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Participants are encouraged to reflect on these examples and solutions best adapted to their situation.

All initiatives envisaged by the programme will involve participants from both banks of the Nistru/Dniestr river and will aim at exchanging useful experience, identifying common problems and addressing possible joint solutions.

The programme relies on a strong partnership with governmental institutions in Chisinau, as well as de facto authorities in Tiraspol, and local NGOs. Equality, transparency and dialogue are the three cornerstones of the CBM programme.

The project will promote increased awareness and better knowledge of international and European standards in the field of freedom of media as well as compliance with the ECHR, the European Social Charter etc.

Assessment visit; conferences and seminars; training seminars; production and distribution of publications and information materials; roundtables; study visits; provision of technical equipment; establishment of a resource centre for NGOs.

Oficiul Central / Headquarters: F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex; Tel: +33 3 88 412445; Persoana de contact/Contact person: Anna Capello; e-mail: anna.capello@coe.int; website: http://www.coe.int

Media:

Partnership between the media professionals from both sides of Nistru/Dniestr; improved journalistic skills on objective reporting on human rights and gender equality issues.

Civil society:

Strengthened capacity of the civil society on both sides of the River Nistru/Dniestr, enabling them to engage in dialogue and cooperation with local public authorities (LPA), and thus enhancing citizens’ empowerment and participation in the democratic process at local level.