Senior officials from the European Union were in Moldova on Friday for a landmark bilateral summit to strengthen ties and reaffirm the bloc’s commitment to EU candidate country, just months ahead of its parliamentary elections.
To support Moldova’s EU integration and reform efforts, the bloc announced up to €1.9 billion in funding for 2025–2027 under the new Moldova Growth Plan - the largest EU financial package since the country’s independence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu for the first EU-Moldova summit.
“Nine months ago, we agreed on the growth plan for Moldova, and eight months ago, the people of Moldova have enshrined their European future in Moldova’s constitution,” said von der Leyen.
“What a testament to Moldova’s and our unwavering commitment... Moldova is constantly proving in making progress in the accession process.”
Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed EU support for Moldova’s sovereignty amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine as well as continued hybrid threats to Moldova.
They condemned Russian interference and discussed measures to bolster Moldova’s defences against foreign influence, disinformation and electoral manipulation.
Sandu was optimistic about her nation’s EU membership, describing how: “For the first time, we are being seen as a natural part of the European family.”
“Through this summit, the European Union is sending a clear message: Moldova matters.”
