2023 was a dynamic year for CRPE, as we continued our mission to strengthen communities, propose innovative research in EU affairs, and lead impactful advocacy campaigns and training programs for various stakeholders, from youths to public authorities and representatives to the next generation of farmers in Romania. Our commitment to the Republic of Moldova, one of CRPE’s core priorities, remained steadfast as we continued to support the country’s EU integration path.
We continued to maintain our focus on CRPE’s key areas of agriculture and rural development, civic participation, good governance, education, youth engagement, and the fight against disinformation.
We are deeply grateful to all of our partners, readers, and collaborators who have stood by us throughout this year. Your continued trust and engagement make our work possible and drive us to achieve even more for the causes we support.
Agriculture and rural development
CRPE’s initiatives in agriculture and rural development aimed to enhance the resilience of Romania’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized farmers and agricultural high schools. Our efforts centred on increasing the sustainability and professionalization of agricultural cooperatives, improving access to knowledge and innovation, and ensuring agricultural high schools are better aligned with local economic demands.
Civic engagement in decision-making
Civic engagement remains at the heart of CRPE’s mission, as we work to empower citizens, CSOs, and civic groups to actively participate in decision-making and shape public policies. In 2023, we addressed a range of issues, from environmental protection and sustainable development to enhancing local governance and public administration.
Notably, we conducted an assessment of the needs and challenges faced by CSOs in the greater Black Sea region and published the first independent analysis of the green components of local development strategies in Romania for the 2023–2030 period.
Education
CRPE places significant emphasis on advancing Romania’s education system, particularly in the fields of career counselling, vocational training, and technical education. Our efforts included focused advocacy and development programs aimed at improving educational outcomes and aligning them with the needs of the labour market.
Youth Engagement
Youth engagement is a critical pillar of CRPE’s work, as we believe it is essential for building an inclusive and vibrant society. In 2023, we implemented three multi-annual projects involving hundreds of young people, focused on enhancing their civic activism skills. We trained 40 teachers on how to use the Electionville game to engage students in civic education, produced 20 video animations addressing disinformation and civic involvement, and organized youth-led civic monitoring campaigns and events in the lead-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.
Fighting Disinformation
Combating disinformation has become a central focus of CRPE’s efforts, as it poses a growing threat to public trust and democratic values. We are dedicated to identifying, mapping, and countering the spread of false narratives, particularly those that undermine confidence in institutions such as the European Union.
For a comprehensive overview of our activities, please refer to the CRPE Annual Report 2023.