# Moldova pursues EU accession and addresses security needs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-humanitarian-preparedness-and-eu-integration
> Updated: 2026-10-25T07:10:28.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Moldova continues to prioritize European Union integration, with President Maia Sandu expressing hope to sign an accession treaty by 2028. Sandu has indicated readiness to open all remaining negotiating clusters, even as diplomatic discussions suggest Moldova’s accession path may potentially decouple from that of Ukraine.

During a meeting in Budapest with Hungarian President András Baka and Prime Minister Péter Magyar, leaders discussed the opening of four negotiation clusters this year and the steps required to open the remaining two. The discussions emphasized that EU enlargement serves as an investment in the security of the entire Union. Regional security remained a central theme, specifically regarding Ukraine’s resilience and Russian hybrid threats, including repeated violations of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones and missiles.

Domestically, the government is addressing security and energy needs. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan highlighted a critical shortage of military personnel, noting that while international partners provide equipment, there is a lack of sufficient soldiers and drivers to operate it. Tofan emphasized the necessity of improving military salaries and conditions to attract recruits. Concurrently, Moldova is exploring negotiations to import natural gas from Ukraine following the lifting of export restrictions by Kyiv.

In preparation for potential new waves of Ukrainian refugees during a difficult winter, President Sandu stated at the third Moldova Security Forum that the country is ready to receive additional displaced persons. Efforts to support long-term integration include legal frameworks like the temporary protection regime, which extends until March 2027, and initiatives by companies such as BPM PC Strand to provide employment opportunities.

## Claims

- President Maia Sandu signed a decree granting Moldovan citizenship to six engineers from the rock band Bi-2. (disputed by 3 sources)
- This is not the first time band members or their families have received Moldovan citizenship; previous decrees were signed in May 2024 and December 2025. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The band Bi-2 expressed gratitude to Moldova, stating the country has chosen freedom, a value they share. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The recipients of citizenship are Sergey Bolshakov, Anastasia Kirikova, Dmitry Kudryavtsev, Egor Kudryavtsev, Sergey Skvortsov, and Vladimir Zverev. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Five of the engineers were born in the Russian Federation, while one was born in the Kyrgyz Republic. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Lead singer Egor Bortnik has been designated as a 'foreign agent' by Russian authorities following the band's criticism of the war in Ukraine. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Moldova and Hungary discuss EU accession and regional security

President Maia Sandu met with Hungarian leaders in Budapest to discuss Moldova’s EU accession negotiations, energy cooperation, and regional security threats posed by Russia.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-and-hungary-discuss-eu-accession-and-regional-security

### 2026-10-09: Moldova pursues EU accession and addresses military personnel shortages

President Maia Sandu prioritizes EU accession by 2028, while Moldova faces military personnel shortages and explores gas imports from Ukraine amid ongoing security and political shifts.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-grants-citizenship-to-six-bi-2-band-engineers

### 2026-10-07: Moldova prepares for potential new waves of Ukrainian refugees

President Maia Sandu confirmed Moldova's readiness to receive new waves of Ukrainian refugees, while local companies like BPM PC Strand work with UNHCR to provide professional integration and employment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-prepares-for-potential-new-waves-of-ukrainian-refugees

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Cite as: Moldova pursues EU accession and addresses security needs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-humanitarian-preparedness-and-eu-integration