The New Romanian Prime Minister in Chișinău
Romania reaffirms its firm support for the neighboring Republic of Moldova (a former Soviet state with a majority Romanian-speaking population).
Bogdan Matei, 28.10.2026, 14:00
Formed from a portion of the eastern Romanian territories annexed by the Stalinist Soviet Union in 1940 following an ultimatum, the current Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence from Moscow on August 27, 1991. On that same day, Romania became the first country in the world to recognize the statehood of its new neighbor. Throughout the 35 years that have since elapsed, Bucharest has remained the most consistent and vigorous supporter of the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and, more recently, of its European integration.
It has become customary for new heads of state or government in Bucharest and Chișinău to make their first foreign visit, immediately following their inauguration, to the neighboring country. The new Romanian Prime Minister, Luca Niculescu, who took office a week ago, was no exception. After a meeting with his counterpart in Chișinău, the pro-Western Vasile Tofan, Niculescu stated that the Republic of Moldova and Romania would accelerate the completion of joint infrastructure and energy projects and strengthen their economic ties. He added that Romania reaffirms its support for the Republic of Moldova regarding its European integration process, security, and the consolidation of its energy independence. Bucharest also advocates for the opening of the final two negotiating clusters for the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union by the end of this year, and has pledged technical assistance to help align national legislation with EU law.
In turn, the Moldovan Prime Minister Tofan stated that his team aims to accelerate joint projects with Romania, particularly those focused on connectivity between the two states. Priorities include the construction of several bridges across the Prut, the river that forms the border, as well as the modernization of roads and the streamlining of border crossing points. The two officials discussed accelerating electrical interconnection projects, as well as the possibility that, starting with the next cold season, the Republic of Moldova could receive natural gas from the Neptun Deep field in the Black Sea. Vasile Tofan also noted that the Republic of Moldova seeks to attract more Romanian investment in sectors such as industry, energy, technology, and infrastructure, and also to create opportunities for participation in the future reconstruction of neighboring Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russian forces.
The Prime Minister Luca Niculescu began his visit with meetings with representatives of the Embassy and the Consulate General of Romania in Chișinău. He also held a meeting with the Metropolitan of Bessarabia, Antonie, who is canonically subordinate to the Orthodox Patriarchate in Bucharest. The Prime Minister further met with representatives of Romanian companies carrying out investment projects in the Republic of Moldova; he welcomed the fact that these companies have created approximately 12,000 jobs in the neighboring state, and noted that bilateral trade reached about 4.5 billion Euros last year. (LS)
