The European Union and the Republic of Moldova confirm their strong partnership at the 9th EU-Moldova Association Council meeting
The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Moldova (hereinafter “Moldova”) held their 9th Association Council Meeting today in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr. Dorin Recean. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Kaja Kallas, led the EU delegation, which also included Commissioner for Enlargement Ms. Marta Kos.
During the meeting, the EU reiterated its unwavering support for Moldova’s EU accession process, commending the country’s determination to reform amidst significant challenges. The EU also confirmed its intention to hold the first-ever EU-Moldova Summit, underscoring Moldova’s strategic importance for the European Union. The Association Council welcomed Moldova’s progress in aligning with the EU acquis, particularly in critical domains such as the rule of law, justice reform, and the fight against corruption. It looked forward to the next steps in Moldova’s accession process by opening clusters, starting with the Fundamentals cluster as soon as possible.
The participants reaffirmed the transformative role of the Moldova Growth Plan, worth EUR 1.9 billion over three years, in driving economic resilience and accelerating Moldova’s convergence with the EU.
It will ensure that the tangible benefits of European integration are felt by all Moldovan citizens. The participants emphasised the importance of further deepening sectoral cooperation and Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU internal market. In this context, the Association Council welcomed the decision to include Moldova in the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) to facilitate payments. The parties also agreed to set up a Joint Consultative Committee with the Committee of the Regions and a new Public Administration Reform Subcommittee.
The EU welcomed the historic choice of the people of Moldova to anchor their future within the EU, following the 2024 constitutional referendum, and highlighted the importance of continuing to strategically communicate the benefits and obligations of the accession process and EU membership to the people of Moldova. The EU commended the authorities’ commitment to upholding the democratic process despite large-scale interference and a hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies. Ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections, the participants highlighted the importance of strengthening the resilience of the electoral process against malign interference in line with international standards and best practices. In this context, the participants welcomed the deployment of the Hybrid Rapid Response Teams, noting that Moldova was the first country to benefit from this EU tool, as well as the steps taken to grant Moldova access to the EU Cybersecurity Reserve.
The participants marked the first anniversary of the EU-Moldova Security and Defence Partnership, signed on the margins of the 8th Association Council last year, as a testament to the growing cooperation in these areas. As a sign of the EU’s continued commitment to strengthening Moldova’s resilience against hybrid threats, the EU extended the mandate of the European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) for two years, until May 2027. In support of modernising Moldova’s defence sector and as an investment in peace, security and stability, the EU also recalled that Moldova is the second-largest beneficiary of the European Peace Facility, which has supported measures amounting to EUR 197 million for the period 2021–2025.
The EU commended Moldova for its consistent cooperation on foreign policy issues, and its efforts towards full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). It welcomed Moldova’s participation in EU missions and operations under the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), including in Somalia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, amidst a profoundly challenging regional security context, shaped by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU reiterated its resolute support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Association Council condemned Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies and recalled that the EU stands in solidarity with Moldova and has stepped up its support to help Moldova successfully tackle these challenges, including through the Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Independence and Resilience for Moldova supported by EUR 250 million in EU funding.
The 9th EU–Moldova Association Council Meeting concluded with a clear message: the future of Moldova and its people lies within the EU.
