Accession of Moldova to the European Union

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The accession of Moldova to the European Union (EU) is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU.

Accession of Moldova to the European Union
StatusCandidate negotiating
Earliest possible entry2028
Application
Potential candidate17 June 2022
Membership application3 March 2022
Candidate status23 June 2022
Screened & negotiations commence22 September 2025
Negotiations
Clusters unopen6
Chapters unopen35
Clusters open0
Chapters open0
Clusters closed0
Chapters closed0
Memberships & Treaties
Association Agreement
1 July 2016
Economic and monetary policy
EU Free Trade AgreementFree trade area part of the Moldova-EU Association Agreement
World Trade Organization (WTO)The Republic of Moldova has been a member of WTO since 26 July 2001
Euro & the EurozoneThe euro is widely accepted in Moldova, although it has no formal approval, and the official currency of the country is the Moldovan leu
Travel
Energy
Energy CommunityMember since March 2010
EuratomThe Republic of Moldova has no nuclear power plants and research reactors and has no plans to introduce in the near future nuclear energy as an option for power generation or any research instrument.
ENTSO-EMoldelectrica has been an Observer Member since 22 November 2023
Foreign and military policy
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
  • Individual Partnership Action Plan since 19 May 2006
  • Neutrality is enshrined in Moldova's Constitution, meaning NATO accession is unlikely, excluding a constitutional reform
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)Member since 30 January 1992
Human rights and international courts
Council of Europe (CoE)Moldova became a member of the Council of Europe on 13 July 1995
International Criminal Court (ICC)On 12 October 2010, the Republic of Moldova confirmed ratification of the Rome Statute.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)Moldova has been entitled to appear before the Court since 2 March 1992.
Impact (27+1)
Population446,828,803450,900,630
0.5%
Area4,233,262 km2
1,634,472 mi2		4,267,105 km2
1,647,539 mi2
1%
incl. Transnistria
HDI0.8960.891 0.5%
GDP (PPP)$25.399 trillion$25.821 trillion 1.6%
GDP per capita (PPP)$56,928$57,625 1.2%
GDP$17.818 trillion$17.834 trillion 0.1%
GDP per capita$39,940$39,552 0.1%
Gini30.029.86 0.1%
Official Languages2424 (no changes)
Romanian is the official language of Moldova and it is already an official language of the EU since Romania acceded to the EU in 2007.

Following an application by Moldova in March 2022, Moldova was officially granted candidate status by the EU on 22 June 2022.

On 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova. Accession negotiations officially began on 25 June 2024, simultaneously with those with Ukraine. Moldova set a target date of 2028 for EU Accession.

It is one of nine current EU candidate countries, together with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

History

European perspective

The European Parliament passed a resolution in 2014 stating that "in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as any other European country, have a European perspective and can apply for EU membership in compliance with the principles of democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, minority rights and ensuring the rule of rights".

Membership application

After the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President of Moldova Maia Sandu signed the application for EU membership on 3 March 2022, together with Igor Grosu, President of the Moldovan Parliament; and Natalia Gavrilița, Prime Minister of Moldova.

Questionnaire

On 11 April 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu received a questionnaire from the European Commission (EC) following a meeting with the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi as a result of Moldova's application for candidacy. The response to the first part of the questionnaire was submitted back to the EC through the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova's head Janis Mazeiks by the Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilița on 22 April, while the responses to the second part were submitted on 12 May 2022.

Recommendation

On 17 June 2022, the European Commission formally recommended that the European Council grant the Republic of Moldova the perspective to become a member of the European Union and candidate status for accession, with a number of conditions for the opening of accession negotiations.

Candidacy

On 23 June 2022, Moldova received the status of candidate together with Ukraine. Both countries received candidate status under the commitment of structural reforms. Moldova's structural reforms include:

  1. improving economic efficiency
  2. reducing corruption
  3. better enforcing property rights
  4. reducing the size of state-owned enterprises
  5. improving energy efficiency
  6. improving the labour market

On 22 June 2023, EU Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi provided an oral update on Moldova's progress toward the reforms.

On 13 September 2023, during the State of the European Union Address, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the future of Moldova is "in our Union".

In its June 2024 EU enlargement report, the European Commission expressed concern over the dismissal of Octavian Armașu as governor of National Bank of Moldova as a risk to good governance and central bank independence in Moldova. His dismissal was likewise scrutinised by the International Monetary Fund.

On 20 October 2024, Moldova narrowly voted to amend its constitution to include the aim of becoming a European Union member state in the 2024 Moldovan European Union membership constitutional referendum.

On 28 September 2025, the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity retained power in the parliamentary election. This was welcomed by President von der Leyen as a vote for "Europe. Democracy. Freedom".

Negotiations

The 2023 enlargement package report was released by the European Commission on 8 November 2023, including updates on Moldova's acquis alignment and a recommendation for the Council to open accession negotiations.

On 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova. On 21 June 2024, the European Union agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine. Accession negotiations officially opened on 25 June 2024, at the same time as those with Ukraine. Accession negotiations on the first cluster, Fundamentals, were expected to be officially opened in April 2025.

The screening process was completed on 22 September 2025 though no chapters have been opened thus far.

Chapter and screening dates
Progression 33 / 33 33 / 33
 0 / 33
 0 / 33
Cluster Acquis chapter Screening started Screening completed Chapter opened Chapter closed
1. Fundamentals 5. Public Procurement 2024-07-09 2024-07-11
18. Statistics 2024-11-13 2024-11-14
23. Judiciary & Fundamental Rights 2024-10-15 2024-10-17
24. Justice, Freedom & Security 2024-09-23 2024-09-26
32. Financial Control 2024-10-14 2024-10-14
2. Internal Market 1. Free Movement of Goods 2025-02-18 2025-02-21
2. Freedom of Movement For Workers 2024-12-03 2024-12-03
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide Services 2024-12-05 2024-12-06
4. Free Movement of Capital 2024-12-16 2024-12-16
6. Company Law 2025-03-20 2025-03-20
7. Intellectual Property Law 2024-12-17 2024-12-18
8. Competition Policy 2025-01-20 2025-01-22
9. Financial Services 2025-02-03 2025-02-04
28. Consumer & Health Protection 2025-03-17 2025-03-19
3. Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth 10. Information Society & Media 2025-03-27 2025-03-28
16. Taxation 2025-05-15 2025-05-16
17. Economic & Monetary Policy 2025-05-21 2025-05-21
19. Social Policy & Employment 2025-04-03 2025-04-04
20. Enterprise & Industrial Policy 2025-05-22 2025-05-23
25. Science & Research 2025-05-12 2025-05-12
26. Education & Culture 2025-05-13 2025-05-13
29. Customs Union 2025-04-07 2025-04-08
4. Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity 14. Transport Policy 2025-06-10 2025-06-13
15. Energy 2025-07-10 2025-07-11
21. Trans-European Networks 2025-06-10 2025-07-11
27. Environment & Climate Change 2025-06-30 2025-07-04
5. Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion 11. Agriculture & Rural Development 2025-09-15 2025-09-17
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary Policy 2025-09-08 2025-09-12
13. Fisheries 2025-06-02 2025-06-03
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments 2025-09-18 2025-09-19
33. Financial & Budgetary Provisions 2025-09-22 2025-09-22
6. External Relations 30. External Relations 2025-02-05 2025-02-05
31. Foreign, Security & Defence Policy 2025-03-21 2025-03-21
Others 34. Institutions N/A N/A N/A N/A
35. Other Issues N/A N/A N/A N/A
Report history
Clusters Acquis Chapter February 2023 Report November 2023 Report October 2024 Report November 2025 Report
1. Fundamentals Public administration reform - Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
23. Judiciary & Fundamental Rights - Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
24. Justice, Freedom & Security Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
Economic criteria - Early stage / Some Early stage / Some Some level of preparation
5. Public Procurement Early stage Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
18. Statistics Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
32. Financial Control Early stage Early stage Early stage Some level of preparation
2. Internal Market 1. Free Movement of Goods Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Moderately prepared
2. Freedom of Movement For Workers Early stage Early stage Early stage Some level of preparation
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide Services Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
4. Free Movement of Capital Some level of preparation Some / Moderate Some / Moderate Moderately prepared
6. Company Law Early stage Early stage / Some Early stage / Some Some level of preparation
7. Intellectual Property Law Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Moderately prepared
8. Competition Policy Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
9. Financial Services Early stage Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
28. Consumer & Health Protection Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some / Moderate
3. Competitiveness
and inclusive growth 		10. Digital transformation & Media Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
16. Taxation Early stage Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
17. Economic & Monetary Policy Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
19. Social Policy & Employment Early stage Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some / Moderate
20. Enterprise & Industrial Policy Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
25. Science & Research Moderately prepared Moderately prepared Moderately prepared Moderately prepared
26. Education & Culture Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some / Moderate Moderately prepared
29. Customs Union Some level of preparation Some / Moderate Moderately prepared Good level of preparation
4. Green agenda
and sustainable connectivity 		14. Transport Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some / Moderate
15. Energy Some level of preparation Some / Moderate Moderately prepared Moderate / Good
21. Trans-European Networks Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation
27. Environment & Climate Change Early stage Early stage Early stage / Some Early stage / Some
5. Resources, agriculture
and cohesion 		11. Agriculture & Rural Development Early stage Early stage Early stage Early stage / Some
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary Policy Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Some level of preparation Moderately prepared
13. Fisheries Early stage Early stage Early stage Moderately prepared
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments Early stage Early stage Some level of preparation Moderately prepared
33. Financial & Budgetary Provisions Early stage Early stage Early stage Early stage / Some
6. External relations 30. External Relations Moderately prepared Moderately prepared Moderately prepared Moderately prepared
31. Foreign, Security & Defence Policy Moderately prepared Moderate / Good Moderate / Good Good level of preparation
34. Institutions N/A N/A N/A N/A
35. Other Issues N/A N/A N/A N/A
Legend:
  Well advanced
  Good / Well advanced
  Good level of preparation
  Moderate / Good
  Moderately prepared
  Some / Moderate
  Some level of preparation
  Early stage / Some
  Early stage
Year-on-year chapter progress
Clusters Acquis Chapter November 2023 Report October 2024 Report November 2025 Report
1. Fundamentals Public administration reform 2 2 2
23. Judiciary & Fundamental Rights 2 2 2
24. Justice, Freedom & Security 2 2 2
Economic criteria - 2 3
5. Public Procurement 2 2 2
18. Statistics 1 3 3
32. Financial Control 2 2 3
2. Internal Market 1. Free Movement of Goods 1 1 2
2. Freedom of Movement For Workers 1 1 3
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide Services 1 1 3
4. Free Movement of Capital 2 2 3
6. Company Law 1 1 3
7. Intellectual Property Law 1 2 2
8. Competition Policy 1 1 2
9. Financial Services 3 2 2
28. Consumer & Health Protection 1 2 2
3. Competitiveness
and inclusive growth 		10. Digital transformation & Media 3 2 3
16. Taxation 3 3 3
17. Economic & Monetary Policy 2 1 2
19. Social Policy & Employment 2 2 3
20. Enterprise & Industrial Policy 2 2 2
25. Science & Research 2 2 3
26. Education & Culture 2 3 3
29. Customs Union 2 3 3
4. Green agenda
and sustainable connectivity 		14. Transport 1 2 2
15. Energy 3 3 4
21. Trans-European Networks 2 2 2
27. Environment & Climate Change 2 3 2
5. Resources, agriculture
and cohesion 		11. Agriculture & Rural Development 2 2 2
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary Policy 2 2 2
13. Fisheries 1 0 3
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments 1 2 2
33. Financial & Budgetary Provisions 1 0 2
6. External relations 30. External Relations 2 2 2
31. Foreign, Security & Defence Policy 3 3 3
34. Institutions N/A N/A N/A
35. Other Issues N/A N/A N/A
Legend:
4 Very good progress
3 Good progress
2.5 Some / Good progress
2 Some progress
1 Limited progress
0 No progress
-4 Backsliding

Challenges

According to Octavian Calmîc, who served as Moldova's Minister of Economy from 2016 to 2017, the accession of Moldova to the EU presents potential benefits but also risks. These include the loss of agricultural productivity due to the concentration of land ownership and business operations in multinational corporations, similar to what has occurred in other EU countries. Calmîc has said that the loss of agricultural productivity could lead to a reduction in domestic food production and job losses in rural areas. Additionally, Moldova's local industries face challenges, particularly the risk of decreased competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, which could result in plant closures and unemployment. Furthermore, the energy sector is vulnerable, as Moldova may face high energy prices and a lack of investment in energy infrastructure, according to Calmîc.

Treaties

Association Agreement

The EU Association Agreement (AA) was initialed on 29 November 2013 in Brussels. It was signed on 27 June 2014 and was being provisionally applied (in particular the DCFTA) starting 1 September 2014.

On 1 July 2016, the Association Agreement (AA) between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova fully came into force, following ratification by all 31 signatories.

The parties committed to co-operate and converge economic policy, legislation, and regulation across a broad range of areas, including equal rights for workers, the exchange of information and staff in the area of justice, the modernisation of Moldova's energy infrastructure, and access to the European Investment Bank. The parties committed to regular summit meetings, and meetings among ministers, other officials, and experts.

The Association Agreement commits Moldova to economic, judicial and financial reforms to converge its policies and legislation to those of the European Union.

The 30 parties are Moldova, the EU and Euratom and the 27 EU members.

Ratification

Ratification history
Signatory Date Institution AB Deposited Reference
Austria 8 July 2015 National Council Approved 28 August 2015
23 July 2015 Federal Council Approved
Presidential Assent Granted
Belgium
23 April 2015 Chamber of Representatives 102 17 18 1 February 2016
Royal Assent (federal law)
1 July 2015
Walloon
Parliament 		(regional)
(community)
63 2 4
61 2 4
22 June 2015 German-speaking Community 16 2 1
24 June 2015 French Community 71 0 8
20 November 2015 Brussels Regional Parliament 69 3 3
20 November 2015
Brussels United
Assembly 		(FR language)
(NL language)
53 3 1
14 0 2
17 June 2015
Flemish
Parliament 		(regional)
(community)
83 18
88 19
24 June 2015 COCOF Assembly 71 0 8
Bulgaria 24 July 2014 National Assembly 91 0 0 9 September 2014
28 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Croatia 12 December 2014 Parliament 119 0 0 24 March 2015
18 December 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Cyprus 7 May 2015 House of Representatives Approved 18 August 2015
22 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Czech Republic 18 March 2015 Senate 53 0 10 12 June 2015
9 April 2015 Chamber of Deputies 122 0 6
19 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Denmark 18 December 2014 Parliament 101 8 0 18 February 2015
Estonia 4 November 2014 Assembly 62 0 0 12 January 2015
13 November 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
European Union and EAEC 13 November 2014 European Parliament 535 94 44 19 April 2016 (EAEC)
23 May 2016 (EU)
Council of the European Union
Finland 10 March 2015 Parliament Approved 6 May 2015
24 April 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
France 3 March 2015 Senate Approved 3 July 2015
16 April 2015 National Assembly Approved
27 April 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Germany 8 May 2015 Bundesrat Approved 22 July 2015
26 March 2015 Federal Diet Approved
27 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Greece 18 November 2015 Parliament Approved 6 January 2016
24 November 2015 Presidential Promulgation Granted
Hungary 25 November 2014 National Assembly 133 0 6 7 April 2015
5 December 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Ireland 27 January 2015 Dáil Éireann 58 19 0 17 April 2015
Italy 26 November 2015 Senate 151 35 11 3 February 2016
29 July 2015 Chamber of Deputies 314 88 36
7 December 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Latvia 14 July 2014 Parliament 79 0 0 2 October 2014
18 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Lithuania 8 July 2014 Parliament 84 0 1 29 July 2014
11 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Luxembourg 18 March 2015 Chamber of Deputies 55 2 0 12 May 2015
12 April 2015 Grand Ducal Promulgation Granted
Malta 21 August 2014 House of Representatives Approved 29 August 2014
Moldova 2 July 2014 Parliament 59 4 0 23 July 2014
8 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Netherlands 7 July 2015 Senate Adopted 21 September 2015
7 April 2015 House of Representatives Adopted
28 July 2015 Royal Promulgation Granted
Poland 18 December 2014 Senate 79 0 0 24 March 2015
5 December 2014 House of Representatives 420 0 0
29 December 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Portugal 20 March 2015 National Assembly Approved 13 May 2015
22 April 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Romania 2 July 2014 Chamber of Deputies 284 1 1 14 July 2014
3 July 2014 Senate 122 0 0
9 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Slovakia 23 September 2014 National Council 117 0 0 21 October 2014
16 October 2014 Presidential Assent Granted
Slovenia 13 May 2015 National Assembly 70 3 0 27 July 2015
21 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted
Spain 27 May 2015 Senate Approved 28 July 2015
30 April 2015 Congress of Deputies 303 0 1
Royal Assent Granted
Sweden 26 November 2014 Parliament 249 44 0 9 January 2015
United Kingdom 9 March 2015 House of Lords Approved 8 April 2015
23 February 2015 House of Commons Approved
19 March 2015 Royal Assent Order Made

Malta

The ratification was performed in accordance with article 4(2)(b) of the Maltese European Union Act, which reads that:

"Provided that with regard to treaties and international conventions which Malta may accede to as Member State of the European Union, and treaties and international conventions which Malta is bound to ratify in its own name or on behalf of the European Community by virtue of its membership within the European Union, these shall come into force one month following their being submitted in order to be discussed by the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs."

As the treaty was submitted to the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs on 21 July 2014, the treaty came into force as part of the Maltese legislation on 21 August 2014.[citation needed]

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The ratification was based on The European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Association Agreement) (Moldova) Order 2015, made in accordance with section 1(3) of the European Communities Act 1972, after having been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

The agreement applied to the United Kingdom as an EU-member state until Brexit on 31 January 2020. During the transition period that followed Brexit, the agreement until 31 December 2020, the agreement still applied to the UK. The UK and Moldova announced on 8 October 2020 an agreement replacing the EU-Moldova Association Agreement between them, which was provisionally applied from 1 January 2021.

Free trade area

The agreement established a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and Moldova, including "the removal of import duties for most goods traded between the EU and Moldova" and "broad mutual access to trade in services for both partners".

Public opinion

A poll in June 2018 found that 46% preferred that Moldova join the EU versus 36% that preferred to join the Eurasian Economic Union. A March 2022 survey conducted by Magenta Consulting found that, after president Maia Sandu announced that her government had officially submitted an application for membership of the European Union, 61% of Moldovans (40% 'totally', 21% 'rather') were in favour of EU membership, up from 52% before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Date Question Totally support Rather support Rather don't support Don't support at all Don't know/No answer
March 2022 EU membership 40% 21% 10% 21% 8%

In May 2022, a poll in Moldova found that 56.1% supported EU membership.

Two July 2023 polls in Moldova showed respectively 63% support and 59% support for Moldova joining the EU.

A referendum on changing the constitution to include EU accession as a goal took place on 20 October 2024. There were no voting stations in Transnistria; however, residents there were free to travel to other areas of Moldova to vote. A narrow majority supported the referendum.

According to the 2025 annual survey of opinion in the Republic of Moldova, almost nine out of ten Moldovans (86%) feel their country has good relations with the EU (a ten-point increase compared to 2024). Trust in the EU is also at its highest ever level, 71%. Overall, most Moldovans (55%) have a positive image of the EU, compared to 14% who have a negative image. 60% said they supported EU membership, and 63% would vote in favour of accession if a referendum was held, compared to 26% against.

Gagauzia

On 2 February 2014, the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia held two referendums on European integration. In one, 98.4% voted in favour of joining the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, while in the second 97.2% opposed further integration with the EU. 98.9% also supported the proposition that Gagauzia could declare independence if Moldova unified with Romania. There is concern in Gagauzia that Moldova's integration with the EU could lead to such a unification with EU member Romania, which is unpopular in the autonomous region.

Schengen visa liberalisation

Moldova citizens have been able to travel to the Schengen area from 28 April 2014 without a visa. However, beginning in 2025, Moldovans will need to comply with the EU's ETIAS system before entering any of the EU/Schengen member countries. The application of the new rule was postponed to at least April 2027.

Unification of Moldova and Romania

There is some support for the unification of Moldova and Romania, which would incorporate the current territory of Moldova into Romania and thus into the EU. About 44% of the Moldovans that were polled in 2021 supported such a scenario.

Impact of joining

Member countries Population Area (km2) GDP
(US$) 		GDP
per capita (US$) 		Languages
Moldova 2,512,758 30,334 16 billion 6,410 Romanian
EU27 447,007,596 4,233,262 17.046 trillion 38,134 24
EU27+1 449,520,896
(+0.56%) 		4,263,113
(+0.71%) 		17.062 trillion
(+0.09%) 		37,825
(−0.81%) 		24

See also

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