The Republic of Moldova and the European Union: Key Achievements Marking 2025
The 2025 year was a significant one for bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union, marked by concrete steps in economic, financial, digital, and legislative areas, including necessary procedures and reforms for EU accession.
From March to December 2025, important decisions were taken in the EU–Moldova relationship, with ratifications and agreements adopted that had an impact across all aspects of citizens’ lives.
A key moment was the adoption and signing in March 2025 of the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, worth €1.9 billion. The Growth Plan represents a strategic framework combining reforms, investments, and financial support to accelerate Moldova’s economic alignment with EU standards. It aims to: create new businesses and jobs, double salaries, provide subsidies for agriculture and energy, build hospitals, expand kindergarten places, modernize roads and bridges connecting Moldova with the EU, and connect the country to the European electricity grid. At the same time, energy compensations for citizens during the 2025–2026 winter season were covered through the EU Growth Plan for Moldova.
Another historic moment took place on 4 July 2025, when the first EU–Republic of Moldova Summit was held in Chișinău. The event reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Moldova’s European path and brought together European leaders and high-ranking Moldovan officials. The Summit was attended by the President of the European Council, António Costa; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu; the President of Parliament, Igor Grosu; and Prime Minister Dorin Recean. The Summit marked a milestone in EU–Moldova bilateral relations.
In the financial sphere, the Republic of Moldova officially joined SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) on 6 October 2025, allowing faster, cheaper, and more transparent euro payments between Moldova and EU member states. According to the National Bank of Moldova, in the first month after accession, Moldovan citizens saved approximately €1.4 million on money transfers.
Also in 2025, on 25 July, the Council of the European Union adopted the decision to include the Republic of Moldova in the “Roam Like at Home” regime. The measure will come into effect on 1 January 2026, allowing Moldovan citizens to use mobile phone and internet services in the EU at national rates—a significant step toward integration into the EU Digital Single Market.
Regarding the accession process, the Republic of Moldova completed the screening process for EU accession negotiations in September 2025. The assessment of national legislation against the EU acquis for all chapters paved the way for launching formal negotiations and progressing to the next stages of the European path.
At the same time, the review of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) was finalized in July 2025, with gradual implementation. This led to expanded access for Moldovan products to the EU market, including plums, table grapes, apples, and cherries, as well as tariff exemptions for grape juice, tomatoes, and garlic. These measures support exports, local producers, and Moldova’s economic integration into the European market.
Another important achievement for the country’s economy occurred on 17 September 2025, when the European Commission launched the Call for Local and International Private Investments in Moldova, worth €10 million, inviting companies from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Moldova to participate. By December 2025, 47 local and international project proposals were submitted, covering sectors such as energy, transport and logistics, digitalization, health, and processing.
Throughout the year, the EU–Moldova collaboration was further supported through constant dialogue with public institutions, the business environment, civil society, and young people – ensuring that every voice contributes to Moldova’s European path.
Overall, 2025 was a year of concrete steps and strategic decisions, bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union and strengthening a partnership based on shared values, solidarity, and long-term objectives.
