Moldova marks 16 years of Eastern Partnership

On 7 May 2025, the Republic of Moldova celebrates 16 years since the launch of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), an initiative of the European Union aimed at strengthening political and economic relations with six states in Eastern Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The EU delegation to Chisinau conveyed a message saying that during this time, Moldova has made notable progress in aligning with European values and implementing essential reforms for European integration.

The Eastern Partnership, officially launched in 2009, provides a common framework for dialogue, reforms, and cooperation, complementing the bilateral relations between the EU and each of the six partner states. The fundamental principles of the partnership include democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, market economy, sustainable development and good governance.


"The fundamental values - democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, market economy, sustainable development, and good governance - continue to underpin this collaboration, guiding mutual commitment to a common European future," the message reads.


For the Republic of Moldova, the EaP facilitated the signing of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Agreement, as well as visa liberalization for Moldovan citizens.

The Eastern Partnership was officially launched on 7 May 2009, in Prague, and represents an initiative to strengthen and deepen the EU's cooperation with six partner countries in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus (participation suspended starting June 28, 2021), Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.