The Republic of Moldova will receive a new €157 million tranche from the Growth Plan after fulfilling 18 reform commitments during the first half of this year. The announcement was made following the 10th meeting of the EU–Republic of Moldova Association Council, held in Brussels. So far, the country has completed approximately 95% of the measures set out for the respective period in the Reform Agenda, and the new funding will allow investments in key areas to continue, TRIBUNA reports.

“This money helps us finance investments in transport, energy, water and sanitation, healthcare and education. But ultimately, figures matter if people can see the results. The important question is what all this means for people: what changes in the community where they live, in the business they run, in the lives of their families. European integration is already producing concrete results that people are beginning to feel in their everyday lives,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said at a press conference.

In his speech, the Prime Minister noted that the benefits of European integration are already being felt in the economy and in citizens’ daily lives. In the first half of the year, around two-thirds of the Republic of Moldova’s goods exports went to the European Union market, amounting to approximately €1.3 billion, an increase of more than 10%.

At the same time, euro transfers are now significantly cheaper, costing on average around €1, compared with at least €20 previously, following the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area. Meanwhile, the Common Transit Convention simplifies the transportation of goods, while roaming costs with the European Union have decreased.

The security situation in the region was also discussed during the Association Council meeting. The Prime Minister spoke about repeated violations of the Republic of Moldova’s airspace by Russian drones and missiles and thanked the European Union for its support in strengthening the country’s resilience and defense capabilities, including through the European Peace Facility. Monitoring and defending the country’s airspace remain priorities for the Republic of Moldova.

The Prime Minister also reiterated the Republic of Moldova’s support for Ukraine, including by facilitating the transit of Ukrainian grain, and highlighted the country’s contribution to European Union missions and the exchange of experience with European partners in combating hybrid threats and electoral interference.

In the energy sector, Vasile Tofan said that the Republic of Moldova has prepared for the cold season, including through measures to ensure sufficient energy supplies. The Government will continue to focus both on security of supply and on protecting vulnerable households throughout the winter.

Another topic discussed at the meeting concerned the next steps in the accession process. This summer, clusters 1 (Fundamentals) and 6 (External Relations) were opened, while the authorities are working to open the remaining clusters and advance to the next stages of negotiations. The Government’s objective is to complete the technical work required to conclude the negotiations by early 2028 and prepare the Republic of Moldova for accession to the European Union by 2030.

“We are not asking for less demanding standards or shortcuts. We believe in a predictable, merit-based process in which progress in implementing reforms is followed by progress in the negotiations,” the Prime Minister said.

At the same time, Vasile Tofan stressed that European support must be accompanied by the ability of the Republic of Moldova’s institutions to deliver results: “Brussels can provide us with access to the market, funding, expertise and political support. But Brussels cannot make our institutions function better. It cannot implement projects on our behalf. It cannot simplify our procedures. This part of the work must be done in Chișinău.”

The head of Government thanked the officials involved in the accession process and the implementation of reforms, highlighting the efforts made in recent months to fulfill the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova.

“European integration is the national project of the Republic of Moldova. Just a few years ago, for many people, the idea that Moldova could become a member of the European Union seemed almost impossible. Today, we are discussing concrete dates and objectives. We have a clear work program ahead of us, and our task is to continue delivering results — in reforms, investment, security and the protection of citizens. Opportunities like these do not come often. It is our responsibility not to miss them,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said.