VIDEO // European Commissioner for Enlargement makes call to foreign investors in Chisinau: ''EU wants to see a strong and economically independent Moldova''

Moldova has entered a decisive stage on its European path and the support of the European Union stay firm. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov and the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos have made statements to this effect in Chisinau. The two officials highlighted, in a press conference, both the progress made and the stakes of the upcoming stages, emphasizing the importance of attracting investments and continuing reforms.

‘The accession process is not just a matter of technical or legislative reforms. It is, above all, a process of deep transformation of our state, economy and society. Since getting the status of candidate in 2022, Moldova has shown that it is determined to advance quickly and responsibly. In 2023, we implemented the European Commission's recommendations, consolidated the rule of law, strengthened the fight against corruption and ensured press freedom. In December 2023, the European Council ruled to open accession negotiations and in June 2024, we completed the explanatory screening exercise and adopted the negotiation framework. Last July, we launched the bilateral screening, and in May this year, we adopted the national accession programme, which details how we will incorporate European legislation into national legislation,’’ said Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov.

She also said that the goal was clear: ‘Today, Moldova has only one strategic destination — full membership in the European Union. Europe supports us, but the transformation of the country depends on us. It is our responsibility to prove that we are ready, and for this, we must continue reforms, modernize public administration, strengthen justice and create a solid market economy,’’ the official opined.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that she had come to Chisinau to launch a message to foreign investors.

‘’Today I am here to make a call to investors. We will collect business ideas and investment projects from Moldovan and European companies. If these ideas meet the criteria, the European Commission will work with these investors, in order to turn plans into real projects, through consultancy, assistance and grants. The experience of the member states shows that the stronger the economy is, the more investments it attracts. Moldova now has the chance to become an attractive space for business, and we want to support this transformation,’’ said Kos.

She noted how the 1.9 billion euros from the Growth Plan for Moldova would be used.

‘’A good deal of this package will be directed towards infrastructure: roads, railways, sewage systems, drinking water systems. I visited more districts in the north and south of Moldova and heard the same problems from mayors — infrastructure is the absolute priority. The second part of the package will go towards supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises, so that they become stronger and more competitive. The third part concerns social cohesion. If Moldovan companies develop, then jobs are created, salaries and pensions increase and citizens' welfare will be visibly improved,’’ the European official also said.

The Commissioner appreciated the speed with which Moldova was implementing reforms.

‘’In the last three years, you have achieved more than in the previous 30. You have pressed the reform pedal ten times faster. It is a crucial pace for the capacity of EU membership and the country's economic success. We believe the realistic goal is for Moldova to become a full member by 2028 and we fully support you in this ambition. But for this, we need a government and a parliament that will continue this work. A lot of hard work awaits you,’’ emphasized Marta Kos.

The European official reminded of the concrete benefits already felt by citizens.

’’As of next October, euro payments will be faster and more secure through Moldova's integration into the SEPA area. Starting from January 2026, roaming tariffs with the EU will be removed. There will be no difference between a call from Chisinau to Brussels and vice versa, the tariff will be the same. Equally important, each citizen will be able to see exactly how European money is spent: if roads are better, if water is cleaner, if services are more accessible. European funds do not come without conditions. They must be spent transparently, monitored and audited because they belong to European taxpayers and the citizens of Moldova deserve to know how this money is invested,’’ Kos concluded.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is on an official visit to Moldova on September 3-5, 2025. During the visit, she will have discussions with government representatives on reforms and the European path, have meetings with investors on the future of the economy and discuss with journalists, influencers, and content creators and visit cultural and religious heritage sites.

This is Marta Kos's third visit to the country. Last time, the official was in Moldova on May 8-12, this year, when she visited more localities in north and south of the country.





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