Republic of Moldova moves toward EU standards: Parliament adopts new Arbitration Law in first reading

The Republic of Moldova is closer to a modern dispute resolution system and European standards after Parliament approved the new arbitration law in its first reading. The bill aims to turn arbitration into a faster, more efficient and more predictable mechanism for the business environment, while also strengthening the country’s attractiveness for investment.

The draft law, developed by the Ministry of Justice with the support of a working group composed of arbitrators, lawyers and representatives of the business community, modernizes the national regulatory framework and aligns it with international standards set out in the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. For the first time, the new law will bring together in a single piece of legislation the rules on domestic arbitration and international commercial arbitration, replacing the current legislation.

The reform aims to standardize the legal framework, simplify procedures and consolidate arbitration as an alternative to resolving disputes in the courts. Among the most important changes are the full transposition of the provisions of the UNCITRAL Model Law, strengthening the autonomy of arbitral proceedings, establishing a modern framework for the application of interim measures and simplifying the enforcement of arbitral awards. The authors of the bill argue that the new rules will provide greater predictability and efficiency in dispute resolution, thereby contributing to bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to European and international standards and increasing the country’s attractiveness as a destination for investment and business.

The adoption of the new law also represents a commitment undertaken by the Republic of Moldova in the process of joining the European Union and is included in the National Accession Program for 2025–2029, as well as in other strategic documents.

The draft is to be examined by Parliament in the second reading. If finally adopted, the new arbitration law will enter into force on 1 January 2027.