Relations between the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Moldova are deep and multifaceted. The Republic of Moldova participates in many EU agreements and programmes.
The two sides are deepening their relations with the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, which was signed in June 2014. The new framework is innovative and ambitious, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and an Association Agenda aimed at furthering economic integration and political association between Moldova and the EU. The Association Agreement replaces the previous Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which had been in force since July 1998.
The EU seeks to improve democracy, the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Moldova, including in joint programmes with the Council of Europe. The Union also supports efforts to achieve Transnistria settlement.
Other priorities for relations with the Republic of Moldova include strengthening the institutions, reforming the judiciary, improving the business climate, ensuring respect for freedom of expression, improving health and social conditions and cooperating on issues such as border management, migration and the fight against trafficking, organised crime, corruption and money laundering.
The Republic of Moldova is a priority partner country within the Eastern Partnership, the eastern dimension within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Partnership countries and the EU commit to deepening their ties, including through free trade agreements, eventual visa liberalisation and EU-funded projects. The Eastern Partnership offers both bilateral and multilateral measures for enhanced cooperation.
Moldova benefits from a Mobility Partnership with the EU as one of the two pilot countries in the world. As detailed in the general approach, the Mobility Partnership organises cooperation in the field of migration, including areas such as legal migration, development and fighting against illegal migration. Around 40 initiatives are currently being implemented within the Mobility Partnership between the EU and Moldova.
Moldova is also a partner country within the Black Sea Synergy and is a member of the Energy Community