On 22 June, the second EU-Moldova Summit represented a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova, reflecting the country’s considerable progress toward EU membership.
The summit brought together Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; António Costa, President of the European Council; and Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, in Brussels, just a week after the historic opening of the first cluster in the accession negotiations.
During the proceedings, the leaders discussed the next steps in Moldova’s EU accession process and the enhancement of the country’s gradual integration into the Union. They conducted a comprehensive review of Moldova’s Growth Plan and its associated reforms.
President von der Leyen affirmed, “Moldova’s place is in the European Union. The courage, determination, and commitment of its people are drawing the country closer to our Union each day. Europe stands with Moldova — for reform, for opportunity, and for a shared future in peace, freedom, democracy, and prosperity.”
Moldova’s robust reform efforts have already secured approximately €504 million in EU support through the Growth Plan, yielding tangible benefits for citizens via strategic investments. During the summit, a new EU-backed investment of €232.7 million was announced for the rehabilitation of the Porumbrei–Comrat road as part of the Growth Plan. The leaders welcomed progress in Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU, particularly through participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the “Roam Like at Home” initiative, and the Creative Europe program. These significant achievements over the past year are facilitating euro transfers, eliminating roaming fees, and fostering closer ties between Moldova and the European Union.
To further promote interpersonal connections, the European Commission supports Moldova’s full association with the upcoming Erasmus+ programme and plans to extend the DiscoverEU rail pass to young Moldovans in 2027.
The leaders also addressed various regional and global challenges, including the impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Moldova’s resilience, security, and democratic institutions by implementing a new €11 million support initiative to enhance the country’s defences against hybrid threats, along with a €17 million investment in border infrastructure to ensure Moldova’s security and territorial integrity.
The leaders acknowledged the vital role of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova in fortifying the nation’s resilience against hybrid challenges. The EU remains dedicated to supporting Moldova through relevant initiatives under the European Democracy Shield, assisting the country in countering actions that threaten its sovereignty and independence, as well as undermining its democratic processes. Recently, the EU imposed sanctions on six individuals implicated in such activities. Moldova currently ranks second among beneficiaries of the European Peace Facility, with a cumulative commitment of €197 million to date. EU support is set to continue into 2026, with an additional comprehensive assistance package currently in preparation.
