Parliament votes, in first reading, on legislative measures to strengthen independence of National Bank of Moldova in line with European standards

Chisinau, September 24, 2026 – The parliament has voted, in the first reading, on a draft law providing measures to strengthen the independence of the National Bank of Moldova (BNM).

The document transposes into national legislation the European standards on central bank independence. According to the explanatory note, the EU acquis in the field of economic and monetary policy establishes clear requirements regarding the independence of the central bank, prohibits direct financing of the public sector by the central bank and limits the public sector’s privileged access to financial institutions.

Thus, the draft law sees that the National Bank and the members of its governing bodies shall exercise their duties independently and may not request or accept instructions from the parliament, the government, or other public authorities of Moldova. At the same time, the BNM will continue to submit reports on its activities to the parliament.

The draft also regulates the legal regime of the National Bank’s assets. The classification of immovable property into public or private domains, as well as the allocation of movable property will be carried out in accordance with the BNM’s internal regulations. At the same time, the provisions concerning the administration and privatization of public property will not apply to the National Bank’s assets.

Another provision concerns the incompatibility regime applicable to members of the BNM’s governing bodies. They will not be allowed to carry out remunerated activities, except for teaching and scientific activities. New circumstances in which an individual employment contract may be suspended will also be introduced. They include the employee’s participation in referendums in certain capacities, conducting election campaigning, as well as appointment as a temporary or special administrator or liquidator of an entity supervised by the BNM.

The draft law will be examined by the parliament in the second reading. After adoption, the new legislative provisions will enter into force one month after publication in the Official Journal, except for certain articles that will take effect from the date of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.

Directorate for Communication and Public Relations of Moldova’s Parliament