Gradual integration into the EU: tangible benefits for citizens and businesses before accession

Gradual integration into the European Union gives citizens and businesses in the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to benefit from closer cooperation with the EU even before formal accession. This process facilitates gradual access to EU policies and opportunities while supporting the country’s preparations for EU membership.

Gradual integration complements and strengthens the accession process by helping develop administrative capacity, align national policies with European standards and build mutual trust. Participation is merit-based, conditional and reversible, depending on the level of preparedness to implement EU policies and on strategic alignment.

The Republic of Moldova is already benefiting from several concrete gradual integration initiatives:

• Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA): Banks in the Republic of Moldova have joined SEPA, making euro transfers faster and less expensive.
• Roam Like at Home: Since 1 January 2026, Moldovan citizens have been able to use roaming services in the EU without additional charges, under the European roaming regime.
• Green Lanes: Priority crossing lanes for goods between the Republic of Moldova, the Western Balkans and EU countries help reduce waiting times at borders and facilitate trade.
• Cooperation with EU agencies: More than 20 EU agencies provide support to enlargement partners in aligning their policies and regulatory frameworks in areas relevant to the accession process.
• Erasmus+: Between 2021 and 2025, approximately 25,000 students and university staff from partner countries involved in the enlargement process benefited from study and teaching opportunities in the European Union.
• Development of Trans-European Corridors: Investments in transport and energy connectivity improve the Republic of Moldova’s links with the EU and contribute to regional competitiveness.

What comes next?

The European Commission has presented new opportunities to deepen gradual integration, directly linking them to the relevant chapters of the accession negotiations. As partner countries make progress towards EU membership, they will gradually gain access to additional opportunities to participate in EU policies.

Annual dialogues between the European Commission and enlargement partners will help identify progress and drive this process forward.

Gradual integration means that the benefits of closer ties with the European Union are becoming increasingly tangible for citizens and businesses even before the Republic of Moldova joins the EU.