The EU will accelerate and deepen its political and policy engagement with Moldova, including through the regular holding of EU-Moldova Summits. It will also support the process of granting Moldova observer or associate status in key EU agencies, including the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Medicines Agency, and the European Environment Agency. The commitments are contained in the Joint Declaration of the first Republic of Moldova-European Union Summit, which took place on Friday in Chisinau, IPN reports.
The Republic of Moldova and the European Union are strengthening their cooperation in the field of security, defense, and resilience through the Security and Defense Partnership. Moldova is committed to contributing more actively to EU missions, while the Union is providing €60 million in financial support in 2025 through the European Peace Facility.
The document stipulates that the EU will continue to support Moldova in combating hybrid and cyber threats, including through rapid response teams and strategic communication support. Moldova will also cooperate with the European Defense Agency and participate in programs such as Copernicus and Galileo to access space data useful for agriculture, safety, and disaster management. The EU Internal Security and Border Center will be strengthened, and Moldova will participate in the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters.
The Declaration states that the European Union will continue to provide technical assistance for the implementation of energy market reforms and the establishment of competitive electricity and natural gas markets. At the same time, as part of the Growth Plan, Moldova is committed to completing the construction of the 400 kV Vulcanesti-Chiainsu overhead power line by the end of this year, as well as expanding the eco-voucher program to further reduce electricity and natural gas bills.
The document also says that the EU is happy about Moldova’s ambition and supports all the efforts to join the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” area starting January 1, 2026, if the assessment is positive. The European Commission will launch an artificial intelligence-based tool to ensure rapid and effective alignment with the EU acquis, supporting the necessary reforms in Moldova’s accession process.
Similarly, Moldova and the EU will launch a new initiative – WIFI4Moldova – to provide free Wi-Fi access in public buildings and public spaces in disadvantaged areas, and Moldova will take the necessary measures to align with the EU Toolbox on 5G Security, in line with its commitments under the Reform Agenda.
Moldova and the EU are committed to working together to advance the country’s integration into the Single European Railway Area, in line with progress made in aligning with EU legislation, as well as by developing EU standard gauge railway infrastructure to facilitate the progressive integration of the Moldovan railway system into the EU railway network.
On the social dimension, Moldova and the European Union welcome the fact that Moldova has recently become the first non-EU country to sign a Cooperation Agreement with the European Labor Authority (ELA). This also involves the launch of the Moldova-European Union High-Level Dialogue on labor, skills, education, social inclusion, and child protection policies, which promotes inclusive social development, improved education, and workforce training.
The document also stipulates that Moldova will launch a pilot program inspired by the EU’s school fruit, vegetables, and milk program, and that the EU will support Moldova in advancing the process of joining the Creative Europe program, with a view to provisional association starting on January 1, 2026. At the same time, the EU will involve Moldova in various European programs and initiatives, including the Skills Union, the Cultural Compass, and the EU Strategy on Intergenerational Equity, and supports Moldova’s interest in implementing the European Child Guarantee.