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EU-Moldova summit, 22 June 2026

Agenda highlights

António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be meeting Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, in Brussels for the second EU-Republic of Moldova summit.

The summit is a key opportunity to highlight the strategic importance of Moldova's future within the EU and to strengthen the partnership between the EU and Moldova.

Leaders are expected to issue a joint declaration at the close of the summit.

In addition, a new research framework arrangement with Moldova will be signed during the summit. This is a non-binding agreement to establish cooperation in a number of research areas related to smart specialisation strategies and innovation policies.

EU-MD flags
© EU Delegation, 2026

EU membership and reform agenda

Moldova was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024.

On 15 June 2026, at the second EU-Moldova accession conference, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on cluster 1, the 'fundamentals' cluster. This cluster covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built.

It includes the EU acquis related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security and other issues. It also includes core thematic criteria, such as the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, and functioning of the market economy.

At the summit, leaders are expected to assess Moldova's progress on reform on its European path, in particular as regards strengthening the rule of law and fundamental rights, and the fight against organised crime. Moldova has made substantial progress and demonstrated strong commitment to aligning with the EU acquis despite unprecedented external pressures.

The EU is committed to advancing swiftly with Moldova's accession process, on the basis of its sustained reform progress and a merit-based approach.

Gradual integration

The EU will continue to support Moldova's gradual integration into the EU's internal market across key sectors. This will stimulate economic growth and deliver benefits to citizens and businesses, while enhancing Moldova's preparedness for EU membership.

To help support Moldova's reforms and its integration into the EU, the EU is providing the country with up to €1.9 billion between 2025 and 2027, through the new Moldova growth plan.

EU relations with Moldova – Enlargement

EU relations with Moldova – Enlargement

Russia's war against Ukraine

EU leaders will reiterate their unwavering commitment to Moldova's sovereignty, security and resilience, in light of Russia's continued hybrid attacks against Moldova and the consequences of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

Since the start of the war, the EU has supported Moldova in multiple areas, including:

Trade

Leaders are expected to stress the benefits brought by the EU-Moldova association agreement, which came into force on 1 July 2016.

The preferential trade system allows Moldova to benefit from a deep and comprehensive free trade area by:

  • eliminating import duties for most goods traded between the EU and Moldova

  • providing for broad mutual access to trade in services for both partners

The EU is Moldova's biggest trade partner by far, accounting for over half of its total trade in goods in 2025, which generated a turnover of over €7 billion.

Connectivity

Energy

Leaders are expected to assess the progress made by Moldova on strengthening its energy security, diversifying supplies and increasing energy efficiency.

Digital

On 1 January 2026, Moldova was brought into the EU's 'roam like at home' area. This means that Moldovan citizens in the EU and EU citizens in Moldova are now able to make calls, send texts and use mobile data without additional charges.

Leaders will discuss collaboration on further digital matters such as:

  • alignment with EU legislation on digital services and markets

  • detecting digital disinformation and information manipulation

  • strengthening Moldova's cybersecurity resilience in the context of the cybersecurity challenges it is facing

Transport

Leaders will emphasise the critical role of transport connectivity in deepening EU-Moldova integration.

People-to-people contacts

People-to-people contacts and advancing sectoral cooperation are key drivers of Moldova's integration with the EU.

Leaders will review Moldova's participation in relevant EU programmes and policies related to areas such as youth, environment, research and development and agriculture.

Security and defence

Leaders will discuss the deepening of security and defence cooperation between the EU and Moldova, underpinned by the EU-Moldova security and defence partnership.

Between 2021 and 2025, the EU allocated €197 million to Moldova through the European Peace Facility to support the modernisation of its armed forces.

Resilience

The summit will provide an opportunity for the EU to reiterate its commitment to Moldova's security, preparedness and resilience, including cybersecurity.

Through the European Union Partnership Mission and the EU hybrid toolbox, the EU supports Moldova's democratic resilience in the areas of crisis management, hybrid threats, and countering foreign interference and manipulation. 

Background

EU-Moldova association agreement

On 1 July 2016, the EU-Moldova association agreement came into full force. The association agreement allows Moldova to benefit from a free trade area (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement).

Association Council

The Association Council is a formal body established under the EU-Moldova association agreement to monitor and supervise the implementation of the agreement.

The ninth meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council, which took place in June 2025, focused on Moldova's EU accession process, political dialogue and reforms, cooperation and convergence in the field of foreign and security policy, and economic and sectoral cooperation.