EU – Moldova Summit
At the end of last week, the first summit between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova took place in Chișinău
Mihai Pelin, 07.07.2025, 14:00
The first Moldova-EU summit, held on Friday in Chisinau, marks a significant step in deepening relations between the two sides and reaffirms their shared commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity throughout Europe, according to the event’s statement. The future of Moldova, which is predominantly Romanian-speaking, and of its citizens lies in the EU, the statement added. Chisinau and Brussels are cooperating more closely than ever before, both politically and economically, in the face of increasingly intense threats to regional security caused by Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We reaffirm the EU’s continued support for Moldova’s sovereignty, stability, resilience and economic development, the statement also reads.
The summit took place at a crucial moment for the European future of the former Soviet republic, with parliamentary elections scheduled for the autumn. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa discussed with President Maia Sandu and other Moldovan officials the Romanian-speaking state’s European path, regional security and EU support in the context of the war in neighbouring Ukraine. European officials emphasised the strategic importance of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which have firmly anchored Moldova’s economy in the Union. In fact, the EU is Moldova’s largest trading partner and main export destination, offering Moldovan producers direct access to the world’s largest single market.
A key item on the agenda was the implementation of Moldova’s three-year growth plan, worth €1.9 billion, aimed at modernising the economy and improving citizens’ living standards. On this occasion, the EU released a first tranche of €270 million from this financial package. The money will be used mainly for investments in the healthcare system and district heating systems in large cities.
President Maia Sandu said that this first summit sends a clear message that Moldova matters and that accession is already happening. Antonio Costa emphasised the importance of close cooperation and the remarkable progress made by Chisinau in the accession process. Moldova is ready to move forward with EU accession negotiations, Ursula von der Leyen also said. The President of the European Commission added that the EU is ready to support Moldova against hybrid and energy threats, indirectly accusing Russia of attempts to destabilise the country.
Moldova will also be connected to the EU energy market and is set to be integrated into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) by October, facilitating fast and secure money transfers. Von der Leyen also announced the complete elimination of roaming charges between Moldova and EU member states and reiterated the Union’s full political support.
