Moldova, Hungary open new chapter of agricultural cooperation in context of European integration

Specialists from the Ministries of Agriculture of Moldova and Hungary, at an initiative of Hungary, have participated in a three-day round of consultations in Chisinau, dedicated to the European integration process in the agricultural sector. The meeting aimed to familiarize the Moldovan side with Hungary's experience in its path to joining the European Union and share best practices regarding the alignment of agricultural policies with EU standards.

The event was opened by Iurie Scripnic, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova (MAIA), and Hungarian Ambassador to Moldova Sandor Szabó. In their speeches, the officials highlighted the 30 years of agricultural cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of priority areas so far – animal husbandry, feed supply and seed production.

The parties emphasized that the perspective of European integration for Moldova created premises for expanding the bilateral collaboration.

“The targeted directions include strategic planning in agriculture, monitoring the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy and strengthening support mechanisms in such sectors as the dairy industry, seed production, viticulture, and winemaking. At the same time, the sides confirmed the intention to maintain constant working contacts for the development of joint projects,” MAIA noted.

In January 2024, at a meeting of the prime ministers of the two countries in Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proposed offering a professional training programme for 50 public officials from Moldova, focused on three areas of European integration: local administration, customs and fiscal system, and agriculture. The first two training missions took place in 2024, in Budapest, bringing together about 40 Moldovan officials. The consultations in Chișinău represent the continuation of this initiative and a new stage in strengthening the bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.