Joint Declaration of first Moldova - European Union Summit

Joint Declaration of first Moldova - European Union Summit

July 4, 2025, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova

We, the leaders of the Republic of Moldova (hereafter "Moldova") and the European Union (EU), held the first Moldova-EU Summit in Chisinau on July 4, 2025, and agreed on the following:

1. Today's Summit marks a significant milestone in deepening the relations between Moldova and the EU and reaffirms our joint commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity throughout Europe. The Summit also shows the substantial progress of our partnership and the tangible benefits it brings to our citizens. The future of Moldova and its citizens is in the European Union.

2. Moldova and the EU are cooperating more closely than ever, both politically and economically, in the face of the escalation of the regional security threats caused by Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our strong condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, we stay united in countering these threats and reaffirm the EU's ongoing support for the sovereignty, stability, resilience and economic development of Moldova.

3. The EU reaffirms its firm commitment to support Moldova on its reform path for EU accession. Moldova reconfirmed its strong and unwavering commitment to pursue this strategic objective, including the introduction in the Moldovan Constitution, following the 2024 referendum, of the goal of EU accession. We welcome Moldova's progress in the reform process, despite significant challenges posed by external factors.

4. Enlargement represents a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. We reiterate our commitment to quickly advance Moldova's EU accession process, based on reliable reforms and the principle of own merits, in line with the Copenhagen criteria. We welcome Moldova's firm commitment to the national legislative screening process and its determination to complete alignment with the EU acquis. We look forward to the next steps in Moldova's accession process, including the opening of cluster negotiations, starting with the Fundamental Values cluster, as soon as the necessary conditions are met.

5. We reaffirm that Moldova's future should be freely and democratically decided by its citizens, without external pressure, foreign interference, or manipulation. We strongly condemn Russia's persistent and increasing hybrid threats, aimed at undermining Moldova's democratic choices, including through manipulation and informational interference, as well as widespread electoral corruption via local proxies. The EU stays committed to supporting Moldova's resilience in countering destabilizing actions, including through the EU's Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM), and stands ready to mobilize any other available tools on this purpose. We emphasize the importance of continuous joint efforts in strategic communication, by raising public awareness of the concrete benefits of EU assistance and European integration. In the context of upcoming elections, we also highlight the need to combat electoral corruption, in order to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity of the electoral process, with the support of the EU and in accordance with European standards.

6. The EU welcomes Moldova's efforts and unwavering commitment to implementing a reform agenda, focused on strengthening the rule of law and fundamental rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. We acknowledge the essential role of an efficient, independent, and impartial justice system in Moldova's democratic transformation and European trajectory. Likewise, we recognize that the fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of democratic resilience and is crucial for strengthening societal trust. Progress has been made in the field of judicial reform, including efforts to strengthen judicial independence, enhance transparency and modernize court management. Moldova reaffirms its commitment to continue reforms, in order to ensure a justice system that observes the rule of law and guarantees fair access to justice. The EU will continue to support Moldova in this regard.

7. We welcome Moldova's efforts in combating organized crime, especially in the areas of arms and drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. In this respect, we support the continued cooperation with Europol under the existing operational and strategic cooperation agreement. We reaffirm the need to maintain a multi-dimensional dialogue on all aspects of migration, including legal migration, international protection and illegal migration.

8. We emphasize the strategic importance of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which have firmly anchored Moldova's economy in the EU. The European Union is the largest trading partner and the primary destination for Moldova's exports, giving Moldovan producers direct access to the largest single market in the world. This fact stimulates economic growth, supports jobs and raises standards for both companies and consumers. We acknowledge the positive impact of the temporary trade liberalization measures adopted by the EU, which boosted trade, propelled exports, and contributed to Moldova's social and economic development. We reaffirm our commitment to transition from these temporary measures to enhanced reciprocal trade liberalization on a permanent basis, as soon as possible, in accordance with Article 147 of the Association Agreement.

9. We welcome the adoption of the Growth Plan for Moldova, worth 1.9 billion euros, as a transformative investment in the country's future. This plan will help Moldova to develop faster, more sustainably, create better jobs and provide real opportunities for people in all regions of the country. It will accelerate reforms, strengthen public services and prepare Moldovan companies and employees to compete successfully on the EU Single Market. We express our firm commitment to advancing the Reform Agenda and using the resources from the Growth Plan in high-quality projects, with a significant impact on economic growth. We also express our commitment to efficiently implement the list of priority investment projects. We welcome the disbursement of the pre-financing tranche from the Reform and Growth Facility, worth 270 million euros.

10. We welcome Moldova's participation, for the second consecutive year, in the Economic Reform Programme, which aims to accelerate economic reforms to maintain macroeconomic stability and support fiscal sustainability, for the full benefit of citizens and businesses.

11. We welcome the deepening of cooperation between Moldova and the European Union in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Through the Moldova-EU Security and Defence Partnership, our cooperation extends into areas of strategic common interest. We appreciate the close cooperation under the European Peace Facility, which has provided Moldova with support worth 197 million euros, as well as our collaboration through the EUPM. The European Union appreciates Moldova's contribution to EU missions and operations in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), as well as the increasing alignment with CFSP positions and EU restrictive measures, including in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We stress the importance of continuing this positive dynamic towards full alignment, in line with the need to observe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. Moldova reaffirms its determination to maintain this positive trend, in line with its European aspirations and in the defence of a rules-based international order.

12. We reconfirm EU solidarity and support for Moldova in combating hybrid and cyber threats posed by Russia and stand ready to further support the country's digital transformation and cybersecurity, including through the Rapid Cyber Response Teams.

13. We welcome the progress made by Moldova in strengthening energy security, enhancing resilience and reducing dependence on supplies from Russia, and look forward to continuing this path. We strongly condemn the continued use of energy resources as a weapon by Russia to destabilize Moldova's political situation. In the face of continued pressure by Russia on the energy sector, the EU and its Member States have acted decisively and stood in solidarity with Moldova and its citizens, providing essential support for the population and businesses during the energy crisis and promoting reforms for the country's full integration into the EU energy market. The EU encourages Moldova to continue its energy market reforms, including through the implementation of the Energy Community acquis. The EU will continue to support Moldova in its efforts towards energy efficiency, independence, diversification and interconnection with the EU, including through the Vertical Gas Corridor.

14. We emphasize the strategic importance of connectivity as a growing priority in EU-Moldova cooperation. The EU recognizes the role of Moldova as a regional transport hub. We look forward to Moldova's active involvement in the governance mechanisms of the Trans-European Transport Network, in order to achieve a common vision for closer integration and an obstacle-free regional transport system.

15. The EU stays a dedicated partner in supporting Moldova's efforts to build strong institutions, expand opportunities for youth and strengthen social cohesion. In this regard, we reaffirm our readiness to support Moldova's efforts to gradually participate in the relevant programmes, policies and elements of the EU internal market, ahead of attaining full membership status.

16. We welcome the decision of the European Payment Council, in March 2025, to include Moldova in the geographical area of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and look forward to Moldova fully benefiting from all its advantages.

17. We reaffirm our firm and unwavering support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The EU and Moldova share a common commitment to comprehensive, peaceful and lasting reintegration of the country. We call for the withdrawal of all Russian military forces and munitions from Moldova's Transnistrian region. The EU will continue to support Moldova's reintegration efforts and ensure that the European path remains open and inclusive for all its citizens.

Annex to the Declaration

DELIVERABLES AND PRIORITIES

Political Commitment and Accession Process

o The EU will accelerate and deepen political and policy engagement with Moldova, including through the periodic holding of EU-Moldova Summits.

o The EU will support Moldova's process towards getting observer or associate status in key EU agencies, including the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Cooperation in Security, Defence, and Resilience Building

o Moldova and the EU will further strengthen cooperation in the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in line with the Moldova-EU Security and Defence Partnership. Moldova is committed to increasing its level of contribution to CSDP missions and operations.

o EU support for Moldova's defence capacity modernization will continue, including through the allocation of 60 million euros from the European Peace Facility (EPF) budget in 2025, and continued support through the EPF in 2026. Since 2021, the EU has provided Moldova with 197 million euros under the EPF.

o The EU will continue to support Moldova in strengthening the resilience of its institutions against foreign information manipulation and interference, as well as hybrid threats, by providing relevant tools, including the EUPM, Rapid Hybrid Threat Response Teams, Rapid Cyber Threat Response Teams and assistance in strategic communication and cybersecurity.

o Moldova will continue active cooperation with the European Defence Agency, aiming to conclude an Administrative Arrangement following the launch of technical consultations.

o The EU will support Moldova's research and innovation institutions' involvement in the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), facilitating access to innovation networks and participation in thematic challenges and calls for innovation, with the aim of boosting dual-use and defence-relevant technologies in Moldova's industrial and academic ecosystem.

o Moldova and the EU will initiate structured cooperation within the EU Space Programme, with the aim of enabling Moldova's progressive participation in such programmes as Copernicus Earth observation and Galileo satellite navigation, and contributing to GOVSATCOM services for secure governmental communications. The EU will provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to facilitate Moldova's institutional readiness, regulatory alignment, and access to space data for public services, disaster risk management, agriculture, and border surveillance.

o Moldova and the EU will continue to work towards the country's deeper integration into the European security and defence architecture, fully leveraging the Security and Defence Partnership and new EU defence initiatives, including those presented in the 'White Paper' for European defence and Preparedness for 2030.

o Moldova and the EU welcome the opportunity provided to candidate countries, including Moldova, to benefit from the new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, through joint procurements and, potentially, industry participation.

o Moldova and the EU will continue their partnership within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as collaboration for developing a clear legal framework regulating the status, rights, and responsibilities of disaster risk management volunteers.

o Moldova and the EU will continue to promote the ongoing activities of the EU Support Centre for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova, uniting EU, agency, and Member State representatives, and to utilize it for strengthening security in the country and the region.

o The EU is committed to financially supporting Moldova's participation as an observer in the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters meetings, through the "Justice" programme.

Energy

o The European Union will continue to provide technical assistance for energy market reforms and building competitive electricity and natural gas markets. The EU will support the increase in local renewable energy capacity and other efforts, in order to contribute to decarbonizing Moldova's energy mix, following the recently adopted National Energy and Climate Plan.

o Under the Growth Plan, Moldova commits to completing the construction of the 400 kV Vulcanesti-Chisinau overhead power line by the end of the current year and extending the eco-voucher program, in order to further reduce electricity and natural gas invoices. At the same time, it will continue expanding the Energy Efficiency Fund in the Residential Sector, which provides incentives for renovating apartment buildings and individual houses, including for vulnerable households.

Digitalization

o The European Union welcomes Moldova's ambition and supports all ongoing efforts to join the EU's Roam Like at Home area starting January 1, 2026, subject to a positive evaluation.

o Moldova will prioritize the transposition of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) by establishing a regulatory framework for effective interaction with major online platforms, including Very Large Online Platforms and Engines (VLOPSEs). Moldova and the EU will explore cooperation mechanisms between law enforcement authorities on both sides, including capacity-building measures for Moldova's designated regulatory authority upon the adoption of the national digital services act.

o Following the adoption and ratification of the necessary amendment to Moldova's Association Agreement for joining the Digital Europe programme, the EU will complete all remaining internal procedures to enable full operationalization of the EU Cybersecurity Reserve for Moldova before the parliamentary elections in September.

o The European Commission will launch an artificial intelligence-based instrument, in order to ensure rapid and efficient alignment with the EU acquis, supporting the necessary reforms in Moldova's adhesion process.

o 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, enhancing digital connectivity and promoting social inclusion.

o The EU and Moldova will collaborate in the EU4InnovationEast initiative, in order to support over 100 start-ups in sectors with high added value for the country's growth and competitiveness, including through a joint EU-Moldova seed fund, technology transfers, and strengthening local innovation hubs.

o Moldova will take necessary steps to align with the EU 5G Security Toolbox, in accordance with commitments under the Reform Agenda.

Transport

o Moldova and the EU welcome the implementation of the Agreement on Road Transport between the EU and Moldova, as well as the country's active participation as an observer within the Transport Community, supporting Moldova's integration into the European Union's transport market.

o Moldova and the EU will collaborate to advance the country's integration into the Single European Railway Area, in line with progress made in alignment with the EU legislation, as well as through developing European standard gauge railway infrastructure, in order to facilitate the progressive integration of Moldova's railway system into the EU railway network.

Competitiveness

o The European Union will support the Horizon Europe Liaison Office in Moldova, in order to address major structural challenges in the country's research and innovation ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of researchers, innovators, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Social Dimension of EU Integration: People-to-People Contacts and Youth Measures

o Moldova and the European Union welcome that Moldova has recently become the first non-EU country to sign a Cooperation Agreement with the European Labour Authority (ELA).

o Moldova and the EU welcome the launch of the high-level Republic of Moldova - European Union Dialogue on Labor, Skills, Education, Social Inclusion, and Child Protection policies, which promotes inclusive social development, education improvement, workforce training and the well-being of all citizens.

o Moldova will launch a pilot program inspired by the EU School Fruit, Vegetable, and Milk Scheme, demonstrating the country's determination to translate European values into tangible benefits for its citizens.

o The EU will support Moldova in advancing its accession process to the Creative Europe programme for provisional association starting January 1, 2026.

o The EU looks forward to the Republic of Moldova joining the Erasmus+ Programme.

o 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.

o The EU supports Moldova's interest in implementing the European Child Guarantee.