European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa were in Chișinău last week for the first-ever EU-Moldova Summit.
The two Presidents met the President of the Republic, Maia Sandu, in a display of the EU's commitment to Moldova's European path and its security.
As President von der Leyen put it: "Twelve months ago, we have opened accession talks. Nine months ago, we agreed on the Growth Plan for Moldova. And eight months ago, the people of Moldova have enshrined their European future in Moldova's constitution. What a testament to Moldova's and our unwavering commitment."
During the summit, President von der Leyen announced the first disbursement of €270 million under the Moldova Growth Plan. This disbursement will support the construction of a new Bălți Regional Hospital, restored district heating in Chișinău, and lower electricity and gas bills for the people of Moldova.
The President commended Moldova's solidarity with the rest of Europe, especially shown by welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees from Ukraine. In turn, she said the EU will stand by Moldova's democracy, freedom, and security.
On top of the existing Security and Defence Partnership, both sides are working to connect Moldova with the EU's electricity market and avoid Russian blackmailing. Likewise, the EU is supporting Moldova's Centre of Strategic Communications, which works to Russian disinformation and debunk it.
President von der Leyen also reiterated the Commission's view that Moldova is ready to open the 'fundamentals' cluster of it accession negotiations.
At the same time, the Commission continues to bring Moldova closer to the EU's benefits: by October, Moldova should be integrated into the Single European Payment Area (SEPA), which will facilitate euro banks transfers; and the Commission has also proposed to integrate Moldova into the EU's free roaming area as of 1 January 2026, making mobile communications and travelling simpler.
President von der Leyen ended her visit with a message of unity and strength for the EU and Moldova: "Let me once again tell you how much we in Europe admire you and your fight for democracy. Like all strong families, we stand by each other when it matters most. Moldova's place is with us — in our European family."
