EU-Moldova Summit in Brussels marks a new milestone on path to EU membership

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the second EU-Moldova Summit marked another step forward in EU–Republic of Moldova relations and underscored the country’s remarkable progress on its EU path. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of Moldova Maia Sandu gathered in Brussels one week after the landmark opening of the first cluster in accession negotiations.

During the Summit, the leaders focused on the next steps in Moldova’s accession process and on deepening Moldova’s gradual integration into the European Union. They also took stock of the implementation of Moldova’s Growth Plan and related reforms.

President von der Leyen said: “Moldova’s place is in the European Union. The courage, determination and commitment of its people are bringing the country closer to our Union every day. Europe stands with Moldova – for reform, for opportunity, and for a shared future in peace, freedom, democracy and prosperity.”

Delivering for citizens and businesses

Moldova’s strong reform record has already secured around €504 million in EU support under the Growth Plan and is delivering tangible benefits for citizens through strategic investments. During the Summit, a new EU-backed investment of €232.7 million under the Growth Plan for the rehabilitation of the Porumbrei–Comrat road was announced.

Leaders welcomed progress on Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU, most notably through participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the Roam Like at Home scheme and Creative Europe. These important steps achieved over the past year are now facilitating euro transfers, eliminating roaming fees, and bringing Moldova and its people closer to the Union. To further strengthen people-to-people contacts, the Commission supports Moldova’s full association in the next Erasmus+ programme and intends to extend the DiscoverEU rail pass to young Moldovans in 2027.

Deepening security and defence cooperation

The leaders discussed regional and global challenges, including the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Moldova’s resilience, security and democratic institutions.

In this context, a new €11 million support measure will bolster Moldova’s resilience against hybrid attacks, and €17 million in border infrastructure investment will support Moldova’s security and territorial integrity.

The leaders reaffirmed the vital role of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova in strengthening the country’s resilience against hybrid threats. The EU is also committed to providing support through the relevant initiatives of the European Democracy Shield. It continues to support Moldova in countering actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening its sovereignty and independence, including actions aimed at subverting its democratic processes. Last week it imposed restrictive measures against six individuals responsible for such actions.

Moldova is the second-largest recipient of European Peace Facility support, with a total of €197 million committed to date. EU support will continue in 2026 with another consistent package under preparation.

Background

The first EU – Moldova Summit took place in July 2025.  

Moldova has been an EU candidate country since June 2022. On 15 June 2026, the EU formally opened the first negotiation cluster of the accession process after Moldova fulfilled the required opening benchmarks.

In March 2025, the EU adopted the €1.9 billion Growth Plan for Moldova, supported by the Reform and Growth Facility for 2025–2027. It is the largest EU financial support package ever provided to the country. To date, Moldova has unlocked around €504 million under the facility.

The EU is supporting Moldova’s social development. Since 2021, more than €16 million has been mobilised through Erasmus+ to support education, training, youth and sport cooperation with Moldova. In January 2026, Moldova joined Creative Europe, the European Union’s flagship programme to support the cultural and creative sectors.

Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU single market is already well underway. Since October 2025, Moldova has been part of SEPA, while Moldovan citizens have benefited from Roam Like at Home since January 2026. Improved market access for several agricultural products has further strengthened Moldova’s economic integration with the EU.

For more information

Joint Declaration following EU-Moldova Summit

Opening remarks by President von der Leyen

Press statement

EU-Moldova relations factsheet