EU–Moldova Summit // European leaders reaffirm Moldova's future in European Union: “Reforms open the door to accession”

Moldova and the European Union reconfirmed, at the second Moldova–EU Summit held in Brussels, their joint commitment to accelerating the accession process, deepening cooperation in the field of security and continuing the reforms needed for European integration.

In the joint statement adopted at the end of the meeting, the leaders of Moldova and of the European Union underlined that the bilateral relationship had reached a new level of maturity and that the place of Moldova was in the European family.

“We firmly reiterate that the future of Moldova and its citizens lies in the European Union,” reads the document signed by the parties.

The summit took place just one week after the official opening in Luxembourg of the accession negotiations for the first cluster of chapters – “Fundamental Values” – a moment described by European leaders as a historic stage in the European path of Moldova.

Reforms, the key to accelerating negotiations

The European Union welcomed the progress made by Moldova in implementing reforms and praised the efforts of the Moldovan authorities to advance on the path of European integration, despite external pressures.

“The successful completion of the screening process and the consistent implementation of reforms prove Moldova’s ability to move forward on the path of European integration. We reiterate our commitment to supporting the swift advancement of Moldova’s EU accession process, based on credible reforms and on the merit-based principle,” the statement notes.

European leaders encouraged Moldova to maintain the current pace of reforms and to ensure their irreversibility.

Special attention was paid to justice reform and the fight against corruption. The document highlights the importance of completing the external evaluation of the integrity of judges and prosecutors and of strengthening an independent and efficient judicial system.

“A strong, independent and fair judiciary, as well as solid results in preventing and combating corruption, including at high level, are essential elements of Moldova’s democratic transformation and of its European path,” EU leaders say.

Financial support of over one billion euros

During the summit, the role of the Growth Plan for Moldova was highlighted, considered the main economic support instrument of the European Union for the country.

According to the joint statement, approximately 504 million euros has been disbursed so far and a further 528 million euros can be accessed, if Moldova continues to meet the objectives assumed in its reform agenda.

“The Growth Plan is already generating concrete results and is helping bring the country closer to the moment of EU accession by accelerating reforms. It will continue to support key reforms and priority investment projects across the country,” the document reads.

Gradual integration into the EU single market

The leaders agreed to continue the gradual integration of Moldova into the EU internal market even before full accession.

“We are ready to continue Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU internal market in key sectors and to facilitate the country’s progressive participation in European policies and programmes already during the accession period,” the statement also reads.

Officials noted the increase in trade between Moldova and the European Union and welcomed the country’s accession to SEPA – the Single Euro Payments Area – a measure that will reduce the cost of financial transfers for citizens and companies.

Security at the centre of discussions

An important chapter of the summit was devoted to security and to the hybrid threats faced by Moldova.

European leaders firmly condemned the actions of the Russian Federation and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

“We unequivocally condemn the repeated violations of Moldova’s airspace by Russia, cyberattacks, information manipulation and foreign interference, the use of energy as a tool of pressure, as well as any other hostile actions aimed at destabilizing the country,” the joint statement reads.

The European Union announced that it would continue to support Moldova through the EU Partnership Mission, through the European Peace Facility and through European mechanisms to combat hybrid threats.

The EU also commended the capacity of Moldova to counter disinformation campaigns and foreign interference.

“Moldova has shown remarkable determination in countering foreign interference, information manipulation and foreign influence. The EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting the strengthening of Moldova’s democratic resilience,” the leaders declared.

Energy, infrastructure and connectivity

The participants in the summit highlighted the importance of strengthening the energy security of Moldova and of connecting it to European networks.

The document welcomes energy interconnection projects, including the completion of the high-voltage power line Vulcanesti–Chisinau, seen as a strategic project for the country’s energy independence.

At the same time, the EU reaffirmed its support for the development of transport infrastructure and for Moldova’s integration into the European TEN-T networks, as well as for the modernization of the railway system and the development of regional transport corridors.

Support for education, digitalization and agriculture

The summit also brought new prospects for cooperation in education, research, agriculture and digitalization.

The EU announced its intention to expand the participation of Moldova in the Erasmus+ and DiscoverEU programmes, as well as the launch of a school modernization project.

The leaders also welcomed Moldova’s integration into the European Roam Like at Home area, as well as progress in digital transformation and cybersecurity.

In agriculture, the sides agreed to establish a High-Level EU–Moldova Dialogue on Agriculture, designed to support the sector’s preparation for accession to the European Union.

Reaffirming support for the country’s reintegration

As for the Transnistrian conflict, the European Union reiterated its support for the territorial integrity of Moldova and called on the Russian Federation to honour its commitments on the withdrawal of troops and ammunition from the Transnistrian region.

“We reaffirm our strong support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders,” the leaders said.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed that Moldova–EU summits will become a permanent mechanism for high-level political coordination, with the European Union committing to accelerate and deepen the support provided to  Moldova on its path to accession.