Croatia is once again being held up as the gold standard for getting into the European Union — and this time, Moldova is taking notes.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu met with his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenković, to swap strategies on speeding up EU accession, with Zagreb’s own success story front and center.
“Croatia’s experience serves as a source of inspiration and a practical example for Moldova’s own European path,” Munteanu said, thanking Croatia for what he called its constant political and technical support.
From Balkan newcomer to Brussels blueprint
Croatia, the EU’s newest full member, has become something of a roadmap for countries still knocking on Brussels’ door. Plenković, whose country joined the bloc after years of reforms and negotiations, praised Moldova’s recent push toward modernization and European integration, signaling Zagreb’s willingness to help guide the process.
The talks went well beyond diplomacy. Moldova welcomed Croatia’s development assistance delivered through UNICEF, which is helping strengthen infrastructure in health and education, bolster social services and improve energy security — critical issues for a country navigating economic reform and geopolitical pressure.
Trade, tourism and money on the table
Munteanu made it clear that Moldova wants more than advice. He said his government is eager to expand the presence of Moldovan products on the Croatian market, deepen partnerships with Croatian distributors and attract private investment. One idea already being floated: a bilateral business forum designed to connect companies from both countries.
The numbers suggest the relationship is already growing. Fourteen companies with Croatian capital currently operate in Moldova, with investments topping 15 million lei. Bilateral trade reached roughly $78 million in 2025, a figure both sides appear keen to push higher.
Croatia and Moldova have already signed 16 cooperation agreements, covering everything from investment protection and trade to tourism and avoiding double taxation. Three more treaties — focusing on migration, social security, education and research — are now under negotiation.
Culture, festivals and soft power
Beyond politics and money, the two leaders also talked about soft power. Both governments signaled openness to deeper cooperation in tourism and culture, including joint participation in exhibitions, festivals and major economic events — a move aimed at raising each country’s profile while building people-to-people ties.
For Moldova, the message was clear: Croatia isn’t just a friendly EU member — it’s proof that the path to Brussels, while tough, can be done. And for Croatia, the role of mentor only strengthens its standing as a regional heavyweight with hard-earned EU credentials.
In a Europe still reshaping itself, Zagreb is showing Chisinau what the finish line looks like — and how to get there faster.
@skynews ‘Canada stands firmly with Greenland.’ Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has warned the world it is facing a “rupture, not a transition”, during a provocative speech at the World Economic Forum. #Greenland #Canada #Davos #MarkCarney #NATO #Trump #WorldEconomicForum ♬ original sound – Sky News