President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa welcomed Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Brussels on 22 June for the second EU-Moldova Summit. The meeting took place just one week after the opening of the first cluster in Moldova's accession negotiations, and it focused on concrete steps to advance the country's path towards EU membership, including implementation of the Growth Plan for Moldova and deepening cooperation on security, connectivity, and economic integration.
Welcoming the momentum generated by the opening of the cluster, President von der Leyen stressed that this is only a first step: "We opened the first and most important door, the first cluster, and the aim must now be to open all the other clusters as soon as possible too. The Commission has recommended to the Council to open the clusters."
The summit provided an opportunity to take stock of Moldova's reform progress and discuss how closer integration with the European Union is already delivering measurable benefits for citizens and businesses. Central to the discussions was the EUR 1.9 billion Growth Plan for Moldova — the largest EU financial support package ever provided to the country. This package is designed to accelerate reforms, strengthen Moldova's economy, and facilitate access to the EU Single Market. So far, around EUR 504 million has been secured to support projects in Moldova. Key outcomes announced at the summit include a EUR 232.7 million investment to rehabilitate the Porumbrei–Comrat road, which will connect the capital Chisinau to the south and to trans-European transport routes. Praising Moldova's reform efforts, the President highlighted the speed at which the country is implementing the measures required under the Growth Plan: "It is impressive to see how fast and excellently you are delivering on the reforms that are necessary. Basically, it is creating a level playing field with our Single Market and thus opening the doors of the Single Market for Moldovan companies."
The summit highlighted a series of practical outcomes that are already bringing Moldova closer to the Single Market and creating new opportunities for citizens and businesses. These include Moldova's participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), inclusion in Roam Like at Home, and association with Creative Europe — enabling easier cross-border connections and further embedding Moldova in the EU. Looking ahead, the Commission intends to extend DiscoverEU to young Moldovans in 2027 and to support Moldova's full association with the next Erasmus+ programme, directly enabling new opportunities for young people to study, travel, and cultivate connections across Europe.
The deepening of economic ties, however, cannot be considered in isolation from the pressures Moldova faces on its eastern flank. Against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and continued hybrid threats directed at the country, the European Union asserted its firm support for Moldova's sovereignty, stability and democratic institutions. New measures announced at the summit include EUR 11 million to strengthen Moldova's capacity to resist hybrid attacks and EUR 17 million to support border infrastructure and security. The leaders also welcomed the continued work of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova and reviewed broader cooperation in the field of security and defence. Moldova remains the second-largest recipient of support under the European Peace Facility, with EUR 197 million committed to date and a further package under preparation for 2026. The summit reaffirmed the EU's determination to support Moldova in countering foreign interference, disinformation, and other efforts to undermine its sovereignty and democratic institutions.
The summit showed how closely Moldova's future is becoming interlaced with that of the European Union — through reforms, investment, connectivity and shared security. As leaders looked ahead to the ensuing steps in the accession process, President von der Leyen offered a clear message about Moldova's place in Europe: "Moldova has made its choice clear. In one election after another. With implementing sweeping reforms. And despite constant pressure from Russia. Your future is in our Union."
- Audiovisual coverage
- Joint Declaration following EU-Moldova Summit
- Opening remarks by President von der Leyen
- Press statement
- EU-Moldova relations factsheet
