Moldovan finance minister says alignment with European standards not just EU's requirement, but benefit for citizens

Moldova has clearly chosen a European path and all national reforms and standards must be harmonized with the European Union’s ones, not only because it is required by Brussels, but because it is in the direct benefit of the citizens. Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilita has made statements to this effect at the "Face to Face" programme broadcast on the public television channel.

"In general, we have no alternative. This is the path decided and chosen by the citizens, both at the referendum and at the last elections. The direction is clear," the minister stressed.

According to the official, the authorities intend to be ready for accession by 2028.

"The commitment is for us to be ready for accession by 2028, and then we will see, depending on the dynamics of the European Union, when they can make their decisions," the minister noted.

Referring to the financial sector, Andrian Gavrilita said that Moldova was making significant progress and has no arrears for the phase foreseen up to December 2025, although more complex challenges are anticipated for 2026.

"In the financial field, I think we are doing quite well. We might even try to speed up some areas more than we previously thought. For June 2026, there are more difficult topics, but we have no choice but to work and comply," he said.

The minister pointed out that, in other sectors, such as agriculture, the workload was considerably higher, requiring the transposition of hundreds, if not over a thousand, European documents. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the institutions were prepared for this effort.

As for the responsibilities of the Finance Ministry, the official emphasized that the areas to be harmonized were clearly established, including fiscal policy, excises, the value added tax (VAT) and public finance management.

"We know what we have to harmonize and we just have to complete everything we need to do. Not because 'the EU demands it,' but because it is better for the citizens," concluded the finance minister.

The bilateral screening process between Moldova and the European Union was concluded in Brussels on September 22, 2025, with the analysis of Chapter 33 - Financial and Budgetary Provisions. This chapter was coordinated by the Finance Ministry and represented the last stage of the comparative evaluation between national legislation and the EU acquis. The completion of the screening marked Moldova’s transition to a new phase of its European path - the preparation for opening accession negotiations on chapters.