Parliament ratified Facilitation Agreement between Moldova and EU

The Parliament has ratified today the Facilitation Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on specific modalities of implementing EU support under the Growth and Reform Mechanism for the Republic of Moldova, signed on 9 May 2025. The document was approved by 58 deputies and criticized by the parliamentary opposition.

The document was presented to the plenary session by Prime Minister Dorin Recean.


"Moldova's accession to the European Union means more than integration into a geographic space—it signifies belonging to the greater European family, to the values and principles that define democracy, development, and well-being. We are already a European state, not just geographically, but also through our actions, commitments, and reforms. Through Moldova's Growth Plan, we will benefit from a financial package of 1.9 billion euros from the European Union. Part of this sum includes grants—non-repayable support offered by our European friends—and 1.5 billion euros are loans under extremely favorable conditions, with a long repayment period. The interest is very low—a genuine support for Moldova's development," Recean said.


He mentioned that those who criticize this aid spread falsehoods.


"They do not want Moldova to receive investments, do not want development—they want our citizens to remain in a gray zone of poverty. But the reality is different: we have one of the lowest public debts in Europe, and today's investments ensure us a secure and prosperous future. Our path is clear: more jobs, better salaries, and modern public services. The Moldova Growth Plan has two major components: reforms and direct investments. We aim for good roads and fast, accessible digital networks, an efficient, transparent fiscal administration that is citizen-friendly, improved public services in education, healthcare, and social assistance, environmental protection and development of renewable energy, energy security and investments in critical infrastructure, combating corruption, and strengthening the rule of law. These reforms are not imposed conditions by the European Union—they are necessary steps for our state to function better and genuinely respond to citizens' needs. European funds come to Moldova as long as we respect European values. Planned is the construction of roads for connection with the European network of highways through Romania, two new interconnection power lines with the European energy grid—essential for our energy independence—the modernization of railways and logistics hubs, construction of two modern regional hospitals—in Balti and Cahul—, modernization of local infrastructure: water, sewage, roads, subsidies for agriculture industrialization, investments in industrial platforms for attracting companies from future industries: electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery construction, energy efficiency of public buildings and residential blocks. The list is long. All these investments transform Moldova into a European country—not in 20 or 50 years, but now," concluded Recean.


The Prime Minister reiterated that the authorities are making concrete steps for citizens' well-being, recently approving the Plus Budget, through which, with EU assistance, about 230,000 people received an Easter aid.


"Work is underway to modernize school canteens, as part of President Maia Sandu's initiative to offer healthy nutrition to school children. Work continues on rehabilitating and extending forests—a green commitment for future generations. Additional support for farmers for modern irrigation systems and subsidies for youth employment. We have a long-term vision, up to 2028. EU accession is not just a target, but a real transformation for our country. All these projects modernize the country, but more than that, they prepare the economy and administration for EU accession and absorption of pre-accession funds from the next EU budget, 2028–2034. These investments cannot be made unconditionally. We have the duty, in front of the citizens, to modernize state institutions so that the funds generously provided by our partners are spent transparently and efficiently. Each funding tranche is linked to results. This is a partnership based on trust, responsibility, and performance. In conclusion, Moldova's Growth Plan is not just the Government's—it is the whole country's project. The Republic of Moldova is determinedly and irreversibly heading on the European path—through reforms, work, and seriousness. Moldova's Growth Plan is about living well here, at home. About not waiting decades for a better life. About modern schools, equipped hospitals, safe roads, dignified salaries. The European Union offers us unprecedented financial support. But success depends on each of us—on how we work, how we build, and how we maintain national unity. This agreement prepares us for accession, but above all, for a European living standard now. When we take care of our country and our people, Moldova can," concluded Recean.


With a speech in support of this document came also the Vice President of the Moldovan Parliament, Doina Gherman.


"This economic growth plan is about people, not about parties, neither about Parliament nor the Government. It is, first of all, about the people of this country, about the definitive and irreversible anchoring of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union—where we all know there is peace, prosperity, and stability. These funds reach directly to the people—and we see this with our own eyes: in the repaired roads, in renovated schools, in the water reaching taps, in the new jobs created here, at home. We no longer talk about a hypothetical European future—we are already living a European present, with real and immediate benefits. It is truly a historic opportunity to build a competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy that serves the interests of every citizen. Dear colleagues, honestly, I don't think there's anyone in this room who is against repairing 3,000 km of roads, building modern hospitals, supporting 25,000 enterprises, creating 5,000 new businesses. For us, unfortunately, for too long, normality was perceived as performance. A paved road, street lighting, or a school equipped with basic equipment seemed incredible to us. After many years in which nothing was developed, in which pensions, salaries, and allowances were stagnant, it was hard to believe that Moldova could do more. But now we have this possibility. It's time to turn the page. Perhaps, indeed, it's time to have more trust in ourselves, in the people of this country—and to overcome the distrust inherited from the past. We must view international partnerships as an opportunity, not a threat to our sovereignty. This aid is not a burden, but an investment in Moldova's future. It is time for politicians to show maturity and responsibility, the country needs this money. The children are the ones benefiting from the decision of a political class that today has a real opportunity to show that they care about their future," opined Gherman.


Also, PAS deputy Vasile Gradinaru urged his colleagues to support the document.


"I have gone through public institutions, school yards, and hospitals. I have seen, just like many of you, the harsh reality that citizens face daily: schools with leaking roofs, roads that look like post-war, hospitals equipped with equipment from the 1960s. Why have we reached this point? Because for years, Moldova's economy was not capable of financing such essential projects. Because there was no money. And the little money that existed was squandered through schemes, monopolies, and corruption. What did we do to solve this problem? First, we started the justice reform. Maybe few know, but more than 100 judges have already been excluded from the system. Not all of them are 'sinners', it’s true, but a good part of those removed are exactly the ones you, the ones criticizing us today, once promoted to office. We have cleaned up the system and, in parallel, made public administration more efficient. Citizens say so, and our development partners recognize it too. For this reason, Moldova is now benefiting from historic support of 1.9 billion euros. It is an aid that no other government, never, has received. And this money doesn't come randomly. It comes because we have the trust of international partners and because we know how to manage the funds in the interest of the citizens.”


Petru Burduja, deputy of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists criticized the document examined by the Legislature.


"For memory refreshment, in recent years the government has received over 5 billion euros. A huge sum, but unfortunately, reforms are missing. Where is the money? What are the concrete results? We always talk about justice reform. But, let’s be honest: can anyone in this room confirm that this reform is real, profound, and effective? Or are we just talking about it in theory? You talk about economic reform, yet in 2024 the GDP stagnates. No significant progress compared to previous years,” opined the deputy.


The Facilitation Agreement between the European Commission and the Government of the Republic of Moldova regarding the specific modalities of applying EU support under the Reform and Growth Mechanism for the Republic of Moldova was signed on May 9 by Prime Minister Dorin Recean and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Marta Kos.

Plan for Economic Growth of the Republic of Moldova was announced in October 2024 by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The document received political support from the European Parliament.

The authorities estimate that implementing this plan will generate an economic growth of at least 5% annually. At the same time, the Economic Growth Plan will contribute to preparing the Republic of Moldova for EU accession and for absorbing pre-accession funds, which will be budgeted in the new European financial cycle 2028–2034.