Moldova prepares for next EU accession talks as EU pledges new funding

At a summit in Brussels on 22 June, EU leaders and Moldovan President Maia Sandu reaffirmed Moldova’s trajectory toward European Union membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “Moldova’s place is in the Union” and highlighted the EU’s €1.9 billion Growth Plan, of which €504 million has already been disbursed. The Commission signaled that an additional €523 million could be released by the end of the year if all reform benchmarks are met, and announced a new €232.7 million investment for the Porumbrei‑Comrat road.

Sandu declared that Moldova is technically ready to open the remaining negotiation chapters, citing completed reforms in justice, the economy, energy and security. The country has ended its reliance on Russian energy, increased renewable sources from 3 % to 25 % and connected its grid to the European system. Trade with the EU now accounts for more than half of Moldovan commerce, and European investment has risen nearly 30 % over four years. Three new agreements were signed, including an automotive sector memorandum. Security cooperation was also emphasized, with Moldova contributing troops to EU missions and strengthening resilience against Russian hybrid threats.