Moldova is hosting its first EU summit in Chisinau on Friday, marking a key moment in the country’s push to join the European Union. Russian disinformation, energy security and trade ties are expected to top the agenda.
European Council president António Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will meet with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu and other senior officials for talks on Friday afternoon.
The summit will reaffirm European Union political and financial support for the country’s EU accession path, amid ongoing regional challenges linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine and its attacks targeting Moldova – including disinformation and interference – which leaders are expected to condemn.
Ways to strengthen Moldova’s resilience in the face of these threats is expected to be on the agenda.
Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022, received candidate status in June 2022 and formally opened accession negotiations in June 2024.
The EU will commend Moldova’s efforts to strengthen its rule of law and fight organised crime, while pledging up to €1.9 billion in financial support through the Moldova Growth Plan for 2025-2027 — the largest aid package since Moldova’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Security and defence cooperation will be reviewed, with the EU having allocated €197 million since 2021 to modernise Moldova’s armed forces and support crisis management and cybersecurity.
The men face up to eight years in prison if found guilty.
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