On 15 January, National Culture Day, the Palace of the Republic hosted the Annual Awards of the Ministry of Culture’s 2016 ceremony. The awards were granted for the most representative cultural activities, including restoration and conservation of cultural heritage.

The “Stefan Ciobanu” prize in the field of cultural heritage was awarded to the EU Delegation in Moldova, for its significant contribution to the restoration and enhancement of two major heritage assets: the Soroca fortress and the Manuc Bei mansion. The Head of Delegation, Pirkka Tapiola was thanked for supporting through the COMUS and Twinning projects the strengthening of institutional and human capacities in the field of cultural heritage protection.