Advancing the Republic of Moldova’s preparations for EU accession and expanding cooperation in key areas essential to the country’s integration were discussed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during meetings with three members of the European Commission: Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing; Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration; and Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, TRIBUNA reports.

During his meeting with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the focus was on strengthening the Republic of Moldova’s energy security and on measures needed to reduce the impact of high energy prices on citizens. The prime minister spoke about the compensation program prepared by the government to support vulnerable families amid rising gas costs. Given the severe drought this season, the discussions also addressed water supply security.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stressed that the Republic of Moldova will continue reforms aimed at building a more resilient energy system, while advancing the accession process and maintaining the goal of completing the technical negotiations by 2028.

With Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, the discussions focused on cooperation with the European Union in the areas of internal affairs and security, the reforms needed in these sectors, as well as the partnership for securing the common border and the wider region. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan highlighted the Republic of Moldova’s contribution to regional security, noting that the country is not only a beneficiary of European solidarity but also a partner that actively contributes to Europe’s security.

At the meeting with Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, discussions focused on Moldova’s economic reforms, fiscal policy, and measures needed to bring the financial sector closer to European Union standards.

The prime minister presented the government’s priorities regarding the reduction of the budget deficit and economic prospects, tax reform aimed at encouraging employment and investment, as well as the restructuring of state-owned enterprises to increase their efficiency and profitability. The government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of state resource management was also discussed. In the context of the accession process, the alignment of Moldova’s banking sector with the European Union acquis in the field of financial services was also addressed.

“In energy, security, or the economy, we have the same approach: we are implementing reforms that must be felt in people’s lives while also preparing the Republic of Moldova for accession to the European Union. We want more secure energy and lower costs for citizens, institutions capable of protecting the country, and an economy that encourages work and investment. This is our path to the EU,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said.

The meetings took place in Brussels on the sidelines of the 10th meeting of the EU–Republic of Moldova Association Council, where the country’s progress in the accession process, implementation of reforms, economic and sectoral cooperation, and security dialogue were assessed.

Following the fulfillment of 18 commitments under the Reform Agenda, a new €157 million tranche for the Republic of Moldova was announced under the EU Growth Plan. The funds are intended to support continued reforms and investments in key areas essential to the country’s development and to improving citizens’ quality of life.