Moldova hosts first Moldova–European Union bilateral Summit

Moldova today hosted the first bilateral summit with the European Union—a milestone in the country's European way. President Maia Sandu welcomed European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Chisinau. The summit was also attended by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

“The first Moldova–European Union summit shows that our country's accession to the EU is already happening. It is no longer a distant dream or a vague promise. It is a process anchored in reality and built step by step, with the full support of the European Union and all 27 member states,” said the head of state.

The discussions focused on Moldova's EU accession process, investments planned within the Growth Plan—a financial and technical support package worth 1.9 billion euros—and deepening bilateral relations.

The topics addressed included:

• expanding trade relations;

• cooperation in the field of security and defense;

• investments in energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and the development of renewable sources;

• facilitating contacts between citizens, including removing roaming charges and more affordable and faster banking transactions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the disbursement of the first instalment from the Growth Plan: 270 million euros. The funds will be used for:

• rehabilitating about 200 km of regional and district roads;

• renovating local roads in over 100 settlements;

• modernizing school canteens to provide free meals for gymnasium students starting from September 2025;

• supporting entrepreneurs and farmers;

• encouraging youth employment in strategic fields;

• equipping 130 localities with waste management equipment.

Also, the European officials confirmed that Moldova is ready to join the Roam like at Home programme. Starting January 1, 2026, Moldovan citizens will be able to use mobile telephony and the internet in the EU without additional charges.

We remind that Moldova submitted its application for membership to the European Union in March 2022, received the candidate country status in June 2022, officially opened the accession negotiations in June 2024 and is currently in the process of evaluating the national legislation.