The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Moldova (hereinafter 'Moldova') held the tenth meeting of the Association Council today in Brussels. The meeting underlined the shared strategic objective of Moldova’s EU accession and sent an unequivocal message that Moldova is moving decisively towards EU membership, and its future is firmly anchored in the European Union, European Council reports.
The parties welcomed the recent opening of clusters 1 (fundamentals) and 6 (external relations), and Moldova’s continued alignment across all chapters of the EU acquis, and in particular its progress on the rule of law, justice reform and the fight against corruption. The parties looked forward to the opening of the remaining clusters and stressed the importance of broad societal support for accession, including through strategic communication on its benefits and obligations and countering disinformation.
The EU underlined the importance of Moldova’s continued efforts to strengthen an independent, impartial and professional judiciary, including through the vetting of judges and prosecutors. It also stressed the need to build a solid track record of corruption investigations, prosecutions and final court rulings. The EU welcomed progress on public administration reform and highlighted the role of an effective and professional civil service capable of delivering quality public services, as well as an inclusive reform process.
The EU congratulated Moldova on its strong progress in implementing reform commitments under the Moldova Reform and Growth Facility. Following the successful completion of 18 reforms during the latest reporting period, the European Commission has today disbursed €157 million to Moldova. This brings total performance-based EU financing under the Facility paid so far to Moldova to around €661 million. The EU welcomed Moldova’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and economic reforms, stressing the importance of sound monetary policy amid inflationary pressures. It encouraged Moldova to use Facility assistance to support growth-enhancing reforms and continue to improve the business environment.
The EU commended Moldova’s commitment to democratic processes and electoral integrity despite large-scale Russian interference and hybrid threats and stressed the need to further strengthen resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference.
The EU and Moldova strongly condemned the increasingly frequent violations of Moldova’s airspace by Russian drones and missiles, which pose a serious risk to the safety of the Moldovan population. The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Both sides stressed that strengthening Moldova’s resilience in the face of the security consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine also contributes to the stability and security of Europe.
The EU commended the deepening of cooperation on foreign policy issues, as well as Moldova’s efforts towards full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and Moldova's participation in EU missions and operations under the EU Common Security and Defence Policy. They recalled the importance of the EU-Moldova Security and Defence Partnership and welcomed continued EU support for Moldova’s resilience and defence capabilities. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Moldova’s crisis management structures and enhancing its ability to counter hybrid threats, including through the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova. The EU and Moldova also welcomed their reinforced cooperation under the European Peace Facility, through which the EU has allocated €317 million between 2021-2026.
The Association Council welcomed Moldova’s efforts to strengthen its energy resilience. Moldova recalled the significant financial assistance it has received in this context. The EU also reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the country.
The parties emphasised the importance of further deepening sectoral cooperation and Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU internal market. In this context, the Association Council saluted the benefits stemming from Moldova’s inclusion in the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which is facilitating cheaper money transfers with EU countries, while participation in the Common Transit Convention simplifies cross-border trade. Both parties welcomed Moldova’s integration to the EU 'Roam-Like-At-Home' arrangements, which makes mobile communications more affordable for travellers.
The meeting was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Kaja Kallas, leading the EU delegation, which also included Commissioner for Enlargement Ms Marta Kos. The Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr Vasile Tofan, led the delegation of Moldova.
