European Commission President after EU–Moldova Summit says another 503 million euros to be unlocked, if Moldova implements reforms assumed

The European Union will disburse to Moldova funds totaling 503 million euros through the Growth Plan, if the country carries out the reforms assumed by the end of this year. At the same time, the EU is preparing a new 120 million-euros  package for 2026 to strengthen the security capacities of Moldova; a further 11 million euros will be allocated to boost resilience against hybrid attacks and 17 million euros will be invested in border infrastructure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today made statements to this effect, after the second European Union – Moldova Summit, held in Brussels today.

The President of the European Commission noted that, so far, Moldova had made progress in implementing reforms, which allowed the disbursement of 504 million euros from the EU’s Growth Plan for Moldova. She assured that another 503 million euros is to be disbursed, if the country implements the reforms assumed by the end of the year, money that will be invested in roads, bridges, new opportunities for the healthcare system and projects benefiting citizens.

“Moldova is moving closer to the European Union, and citizens and businesses are already feeling the benefits. There is also the Growth Plan, which lies at the heart of gradual integration into the single market. The principle is very simple: reforms bring Moldova closer to the single market, create a level playing field for everyone, and significant European investments come with reforms. A single figure says it all: Moldova has completed 93 per cent of the reforms under the Growth Plan, which has already enabled the allocation of 504 million euros for Moldova. Of course, this is also about the next steps. If Moldova completes all reforms by the end of the year, a further 503 million euros will be unlocked. These funds will finance roads, bridges, new opportunities for the healthcare system and projects that benefit citizens,” said the President of the European Commission at a press conference jointly with President Maia Sandu and President of the European Council António Costa.

Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the opening of negotiations with Moldova on the first cluster, “Fundamental values,” and stressed that this decision represents “a recognition of the determination, courage and considerable efforts made by Moldova.” According to her, “Moldova has proven extremely resilient and determined,” thereby proving, “that it belongs to the European family.”

“Last week, we opened the first cluster of negotiating chapters. This is an important milestone on the path towards accession to the European Union and a recognition of the determination, courage and considerable efforts made by Moldova. You have delivered results in very difficult circumstances and stayed your course despite pressures and hybrid attacks from Russia. This first chapter is about democracy, justice and the rule of law. It is the backbone of the negotiations and I look forward to taking the next step together,” Ursula von der Leyen also said.

At the same time, the President of the European Commission underlined that Moldova had made remarkable progress in reducing its dependence on Russian electricity and gas and assured that the EU would continue to support the country in strengthening its energy security.

“The high-voltage line that has been built will strengthen energy resilience and support the integration of Moldova’s electricity system into the European one. We will continue to develop interconnectors, so that energy can reach where it is needed. We will also support improving the energy efficiency of buildings, because every renovated building means energy savings, a lower need for imports and reduced dependence on the volatile gas market,” the European official said.

The President of the European Commission highlighted the impact on Moldova of hybrid attacks. She noted that the EU would increase the support provided through the European Peace Facility, with a new 120 million-euros package for 2026 aimed at strengthening security capacities. In addition, the EU will grant the country 11 million euros to strengthen resilience against hybrid attacks. Another 17 million euros will be invested in border infrastructure.

“I also want to address security, hybrid attacks and the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. These have numerous effects on Moldova: cyberattacks, violations of airspace and other threats. This is a challenge for you, but also for all of us. It is a shared challenge, because Moldova’s security is our security, the security of us all. This is why, we will increase the support provided through the European Peace Facility. Moldova is already the second largest beneficiary after Ukraine, with almost 200 million euros allocated. In addition, we are preparing a new 120 million-euros package for 2026 to strengthen security capacities. We will also provide 11 million euros to strengthen resilience against hybrid attacks and will continue the European Union Partnership Mission, which supports Moldova in the areas of cybersecurity and strategic communication. At the same time, we are investing 17 million euros in border infrastructure. You have explained to us how important this is for more efficient surveillance, better detection capacity and enhanced security for Moldova,” stated Ursula von der Leyen.

At the same time, the President of the European Commission announced that young people from Moldova would be able to participate in the DiscoverEU programme and would have the opportunity to travel across Europe, thus contributing to building our common future. “In addition, we look forward to the full participation of Moldova in the Erasmus+ programme as of 2028,” the official underlined.

The second Moldova – European Union Summit took place today in Brussels. It is a high-level dialogue format established by both sides and reflects the increasingly close partnership between Moldova and the EU, as well as the firm commitment to the country’s accession to the EU. This year’s meeting takes place one week after the official opening of accession negotiations on the first cluster of chapters, “Fundamental values,” marking a new stage in the country’s European path.

The Brussels Summit is the second of its kind between Moldova and the European Union. The first high-level meeting took place in Chisinau on July 4, 2025.