Dear António,
Only last week, we opened the first negotiation cluster with Moldova. It is a historic milestone on your European journey, it is opening the door to the accession process to the European Union, and it is a recognition of Moldova's determination, courage and hard work. Because that is what is behind it. You have pursued reforms in very difficult circumstances. You have kept your course despite constant pressure and hybrid attacks from Russia. This first cluster is about strong institutions, trusted justice and the rule of law. It is the backbone of the whole accession process. And with today's Summit, the European Union and Moldova are taking another step forward together.
One year ago, we met in Chișinău. Since then, a lot has happened. Moldova joined the Single Euro Payments Area, – the so called SEPA – making euro transactions between us much faster and much cheaper. It is good for the businesses. It is good for the citizens. Your country also became part of our 'Roam Like at Home', this is very important for the citizens because it is eliminating roaming costs for Moldovans and businesses. And Moldova joined the European Environment Agency. These are concrete examples of what gradual integration means. Moldova is moving closer to the European Union. And Moldovan citizens and businesses are already feeling the difference and the benefits.
And then, indeed, we have the Growth Plan. The Growth Plan is at the heart of your gradual integration into the Single Market.. The principle is very simple: reforms are bringing Moldova closer to our Single Market, the reforms are creating a level playing field, and with these reforms comes substantial European investment. One figure says it all: Moldova has completed 93% of the reforms due so far under the Growth Plan – that is extraordinary. This has already unlocked EUR 504 million in EU funds for your country. Of course, today's Summit is about the next steps. If Moldova implements all reforms due by the end of this year, an additional EUR 523 million can be unlocked. This means better roads and bridges, improved healthcare facilities, better access to financing for the companies, and more opportunities for citizens. A true win-win situation between Moldova and the European Union.
Energy is another key topic. Moldova has made remarkable and hard-won progress in reducing its dependence on Russian gas and electricity. The Vulcăneşti-Chișinău high voltage power line, supported by EU grants and loans, will support your energy resilience and accelerate your integration into the European electricity grid. Now, we will continue working together to deliver more interconnectors – so that the energy can float to where it is needed – and boost energy efficiency of buildings. Because every building we renovate saves energy, and that means less energy import is needed, and that helps us to decouple from volatile global gas markets.
Europe's future is also about the next generation. We want young Moldovans to experience Europe directly. This is why we want to extend DiscoverEU to Moldova in 2027 so that young Moldovans can travel across Europe, meet other Europeans, and feel part of our shared future. And we are working towards Moldova's full participation in Erasmus+ as early as 2028.
Finally, on security. Hybrid attacks and the spillover effects of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continue to impact Moldova: disinformation, energy blackmail, cyberattacks, airspace violations. This is the challenge you and all of us are facing. And a challenge we will meet together. Because Moldova's security is Europe's security. This is why we are stepping up our support. Under the European Peace Facility, Moldova is already the second-largest bilateral recipient after Ukraine with nearly EUR 200 million. And we are preparing a further EUR 120 million support package for 2026, focused exactly on your security needs. We will also make EUR 11 million available to strengthen Moldova's resilience against hybrid attacks. And we will continue our work through the EU Partnership Mission – on cyber, countering disinformation and strategic communication. We are also investing EUR 17 million in border infrastructure. You have explained how important that is. This will mean stronger surveillance, better detection, and greater security for Moldova. And we want Moldova to be more closely involved in the European Cooperation Network on Elections. It is important that we share experiences and that we learn from each other.
Dear Maia,
Moldova has shown exceptional resilience. It has shown resolve. And it has shown that it belongs to our European family.
Thank you very much for this excellent Summit. I am looking forward to working with you in the future.
