Moldova accelerates integration into European single market: reforms, standards, economic competitiveness

Moldova is taking significant steps towards full integration into the European single market, by aligning its legislation and economy with European Union standards. The former deputy prime minister responsible for economy and digitalization, Doina Nistor, made statements to this effect, during the conference titled, 2025 Enlargement Report: Progress and Future Priorities of Moldova, held in Chisinau today.

The Internal Market cluster, one of the most complex in the EU accession process, concerns the free movement of goods, services, capital and workers - fundamental principles of the European economy.

According to evaluations for the 2025 year, Moldova scores a medium preparation level (2.4), increasing due to structural reforms and the gradual alignment with European Union standards.

The Internal Market is an essential cluster, because it ensures access to the EU market and paves the way for new businesses and trusted relationships. As for the free movement of goods, it's vital to correct the trade balance and increase the number of exporting companies," said Doina Nistor.

The former minister highlighted the progress made in quality infrastructure and the harmonization of European standards.

"We have adopted and transposed over 38,000 European standards. Starting from January 1, 2026, Moldova will definitively abandon GOST standards - a decisive step towards full integration into the European market," said Nistor.

She also emphasized the necessity of an active state role in stimulating competitiveness and ensuring a fair competitive environment.

"Competition means development. The state must actively participate in the country's economic strategy, in order to support companies that want to be competitive on the European market," underscored Doina Nistor.

Currently, 67 per cent of Moldova's exports are oriented towards the European Union, with new quotas for Moldovan fruits - plums, cherries, apples, and grapes - and the removal of roaming charges starting in 2026. By joining EuroHPC,  Moldova became part of the European network of supercomputers and artificial intelligence factories, setting the stage for developing the new digital economy.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, led by Eugen Osmochescu, focuses on accelerating European integration through a string of concrete economic priorities: support for entrepreneurs and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through business-friendly policies and innovation stimulation; increasing exports and integrating local producers into European value chains; artificial intelligence and technological innovation for modernizing administration and reducing bureaucracy; digital transformation through modern infrastructure and efficient, transparent and secure public services.

The Internal Market cluster stays one of the most challenging, yet decisive areas for European integration, reflecting Moldova's economy's ability to compete and adapt to the single market rules.

The annual report on the enlargement of the European Union, presented by the European Commission in November 2025, confirms the highest rate of progress for Moldova since getting candidate country status. According to the assessment, Chisinau has made progress in all 33 negotiation chapters, with 19 advancing to a higher preparation level compared to the previous year.

According to the report for Moldova, in the last 12 months, the country has made progress in each negotiation chapter, and the general level of preparation for accession has increased considerably.