European Union leaders used the second EU–Moldova Summit on Monday to underscore Moldova’s accelerating path toward EU membership, announcing fresh
infrastructure and security investments while praising the country’s reform efforts just days after the formal opening of accession negotiations.
Meeting in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa and Moldovan President Maia Sandu focused discussions on the next phase of Moldova’s accession process and deeper integration with the bloc.
The summit came one week after the EU opened the first negotiating cluster in Moldova’s membership talks, marking a significant milestone in the country's bid to join the Union.
“Moldova’s place is in the European Union,” von der Leyen said following the meeting. “The courage, determination and commitment of its people are bringing the country closer to our Union every day.”
New investments under growth plan
EU leaders highlighted progress under Moldova’s €1.9 billion Growth Plan, describing it as the largest financial support package ever granted to the country. According to the European Commission, Moldova has already accessed approximately €504 million through the facility.
A key announcement from the summit was a new €232.7 million EU-backed investment for the rehabilitation of the Porumbrei–Comrat road, aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting economic development.
Officials also welcomed advances in Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU single market. Over the past year, Moldova joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), allowing easier euro transactions, while Moldovan citizens began benefiting from the EU’s "Roam Like at Home" initiative, eliminating mobile roaming charges across participating countries.
Brussels also signalled plans to deepen educational and cultural ties. The European Commission said it supports Moldova’s full participation in the next Erasmus+ programme and intends to extend the DiscoverEU rail pass initiative to young Moldovans from 2027.
Security cooperation in focus
Regional security and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine featured prominently in discussions, with EU and Moldovan leaders stressing the need to strengthen Moldova’s resilience against external threats.
The EU announced an additional €11 million package to help Moldova counter hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns, alongside €17 million earmarked for border infrastructure projects aimed at reinforcing the country’s security and territorial integrity.
Leaders also reiterated support for the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, which assists national authorities in addressing hybrid threats and protecting democratic institutions.
The summit followed recent EU sanctions imposed on six individuals accused of activities aimed at destabilising Moldova and undermining its democratic processes.
Moldova remains the second-largest beneficiary of support under the European Peace Facility, with €197 million committed so far. EU officials confirmed that a new assistance package is being prepared for 2026.
Accession momentum
Moldova has held EU candidate status since June 2022 and formally opened accession negotiations on 15 June 2026 after meeting the bloc’s required benchmarks.
The Brussels summit reflected growing confidence among EU institutions in Moldova’s reform trajectory, with leaders portraying the country as one of the most advanced enlargement candidates amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
For President Sandu’s government, the meeting provided another signal of political backing from Brussels as Moldova seeks to accelerate reforms and move closer to eventual EU membership. Photo by Parlamentul Republicii Moldova | Pagina oficială, Wikimedia commons.