In recent years, the Republic of Moldova has clearly defined its destiny, transforming its European aspirations into a tangible political and economic reality. Beyond the figures, the relationship with the European Union has become the main driver of the country’s modernisation, a process that has accelerated significantly since obtaining candidate status in 2022.

The turning point came in June 2024, with the official opening of accession negotiations. This moment transformed the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) – which until then had represented our main framework of cooperation – into the necessary springboard for full alignment with European standards. Today, we are in a stage where our legislation, institutions, and economy are gradually aligning with European values and norms. Moldova’s economy: Under the sign of Europe

The partnership with the EU has reshaped our country’s trade map. The European Union is not just a partner, but the main export market for Moldovan producers, who today send over 65% of total exports to Member States. This openness, supported by tariff elimination and facilitated access to the Single Market, has given our farmers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete at European level, raising standards of quality and efficiency. Beyond trade, the EU’s commitment to Moldova has translated into unprecedented financial and strategic support.

Since 2021, over €2.9 billion has been directed to vital infrastructure projects, energy security, and institutional reforms. Whether we are talking about better roads, electricity interconnections that help end our energy isolation, or consistent support in managing regional crises, these investments lay the foundations of a resilient and European Moldova. Today, the Republic of Moldova is no longer just a neighbour of the European Union, but an active partner that is steadily progressing, day by day, through the necessary stages to become a full member of the European family. 

The relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union has long surpassed the stage of diplomatic cooperation, becoming today a complex ecosystem of opportunities that directly impacts citizens’ lives and the country’s development. From freedom of movement to collective security and participation in elite European programmes, Moldova has already become deeply integrated into the EU’s mechanisms.

Since 2014, Moldovan citizens have benefited from a visa-free regime for travel within the Schengen area, a freedom that has facilitated cultural, educational, and human exchanges between Moldova and the rest of Europe. This openness has been complemented by accelerated institutional integration. In 2024, Moldova took a historic step by becoming the first non-EU country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, thereby strengthening its resilience in the face of regional challenges. In this context, EU support provided through the European Peace Facility has exceeded €137 million, confirming the EU’s commitment to Moldova’s stability.

Our partnership is built on projects with visible impact. Moldova has become a pioneer as the first non-EU country to join the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This access enables the attraction of essential European funding for the modernisation of national infrastructure, including roads and energy networks. At the same time, accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has integrated the country into the European disaster and risk management network, providing Moldova with access to assistance and expertise in crisis situations.

Integration into the European family is most clearly visible through access to EU programmes, which open doors for researchers, young people, entrepreneurs, and public institutions:

• Education and Solidarity: Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps have become reference platforms for Moldovan youth, offering them educational and volunteering experiences at European standards.

• Innovation and Health: Through participation in programmes such as Horizon Europe, EU4Health, and Digital Europe, Moldova benefits from access to the most advanced research and digital solutions in the Union.

• Environment and Administration: Programmes such as Fiscalis, LIFE, and the EU Macro-Regional Strategy for the Danube Region provide the framework for reforming public administration and protecting natural heritage, aligning local standards with those of a full EU member.

Today, Moldova is not merely “observing” the European process, but actively participating in it, turning every programme and partnership into a steady step towards the status of European Union member state.