According to National Bank of Moldova
On October 6, Moldova officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), opening a new level of financial integration with the European Union. This initiative aims to simplify and accelerate euro transfers between member countries and associated partners. The decision was confirmed by the National Bank of Moldova.
“The integration of Moldova into SEPA eliminates administrative barriers and directly brings European standards into the daily lives of people and businesses in the Republic of Moldova.”
– Anka Dragu, head of Moldova’s National Bank
The SEPA system includes 41 countries, including Moldova, allowing euro payments to be sent and received within a single unified region.
SEPA provides speed and convenience for interbank euro transfers among participating countries, significantly simplifying the process compared with traditional schemes such as SWIFT.
Typically, SEPA advantages include reduced or zero transfer fees, making transactions more cost-effective for households and businesses compared with other international payment channels.
In April 2025, the government of Ukraine approved a bill aimed at aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements to prevent and counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, with a view to joining SEPA. The bill is currently under consideration.
Outlook for the economy and everyday life
For Moldova, joining SEPA represents a significant step in financial integration with the EU. It is expected to streamline financial operations for households and businesses, reduce cross-border transfer costs, and open access to European financial instruments in the future.
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