The Republic of Moldova is in the process of joining the European Union, and once this happens, all EU norms and standards will become mandatory for Moldova as well. Each sector has its own specific rules and standards, and in this material I will refer to those related to the construction market.

From the outset, it is important to mention that the mandatory construction norms in the EU are set out in the Construction Products Regulation, which imposes high standards of safety, functionality and sustainability. This Regulation covers mandatory energy performance of buildings, mechanical resistance, fire safety, environmental protection requirements and even the marking used in construction.

Another key document, mandatory for all EU Member States, is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. It requires that all new buildings must have low energy consumption, close to zero, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency.

An additional important document regulating the construction market is Regulation 2024/3110. It establishes mandatory rules for construction products, focusing on sustainability, durability and the so‑called circular economy.

Also relevant in this context are the Eurocode standards, which set the mandatory technical rules for design, ensuring the safety and structural resistance of buildings.

Since Moldova is already in an advanced stage of European integration, we must also take into account the trends currently shaping the EU market. The most important trend is the construction of zero‑emission buildings (ZEB). Through a dedicated directive, the EU has already established that all new buildings must be ZEB starting from 2030, and public buildings even earlier — from 2028. Overall, the EU places strong emphasis on the use of recyclable, reusable or low‑impact materials. The circular economy thus becomes a key pillar in the design and execution of modern construction in the EU.

Another trend observed across the EU is the use of new technologies, artificial intelligence and automation in construction. As a result, costs are optimized and execution times are reduced.

A further pronounced trend in the EU construction market is the integration of green spaces into residential and non‑residential complexes, ensuring natural light, efficient ventilation and the use of non‑toxic materials.

When discussing Moldova’s accession to the European Union, various timelines are mentioned, all referring to a short‑term perspective — concretely, a matter of a few years. Therefore, even at this stage, we must carefully study the EU norms in force and begin implementing them.

Viorel Godea, General Director of the construction company “Lagmar”