New working meeting of political representatives in the negotiation process for the Transnistrian settlement

On 24 September 2026, in Tiraspol, Republic of Moldova, a regular working meeting of the political representatives in the Transnistrian settlement process took place – bringing together the political representative from Chișinău, Valeriu Chiveri, and from Tiraspol, Vitalii Ignatiev. The meeting was organized with the mediation of the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Christopher W. Smith. 

Discussions focused primarily on the socio-economic aspects of reintegration and the observance of fundamental human rights. 

Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri reaffirmed the authorities’ firm commitment to a peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. It was emphasized that the goal of the dialogue is the reintegration of the country and the restoration of unified national spaces (legal, economic, social, educational, etc.), and that the discussed solutions must contribute to achieving this goal and bring concrete benefits to the residents of both banks of the Nistru.

A central topic was the Convergence Fund, which is intended to serve as a tool for reducing socio-economic disparities between the Transnistrian region and the rest of the country. Support measures and the stages of the implementation mechanism were presented, with an emphasis on social protection, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The Fund’s resources will be directed toward the needs of people and communities through legal, transparent, and verifiable mechanisms that ensure direct access to state support. In this context, it was noted that in the first half of 2026 alone, the constitutional authorities allocated over 218 million lei for social, medical, and education support to residents of the region. 

To bring public services closer to citizens, Chișinău proposed opening a social services centre and a family doctors’ office in the municipality of Bender. This initiative would facilitate residents of Bender, Tiraspol, and nearby localities in accessing social benefits, consultations, and primary healthcare, reducing the need for travel and the associated costs. The project would represent the first step towards expanding the range of national public services available in the region. In this context, Chișinău called on Tiraspol to remove obstacles to the operation of the competent institutions and to beneficiaries’ access to the relevant services.

Regarding the economic agenda, the rationale and phased application of VAT and excise duties on certain categories of goods imported by economic agents from the region were explained. It was emphasized that the gradual unification of the fiscal and customs space aims to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurs throughout the country and to integrate economic activity into a fair, predictable framework compliant with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova. 

Special attention was paid to the right to education. Chișinău insisted on the full and unconditional return of the buildings of the “Evrica” Theoretical Lyceum in Rîbnița and the “Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt” Theoretical High School in Grigoriopol, respecting property rights and ensuring unhindered access. Regarding the “Evrica” Theoretical Lyceum, the need to return the entire complex of buildings and the adjacent land plot was re-emphasized and regarding the lyceum in Grigoriopol, readiness was confirmed to finance the necessary restoration work after the building’s return and the removal of access barriers. Children’s right to study in their hometowns and in appropriate conditions cannot be politically conditioned or indefinitely postponed.

Along with this, the proposal to return to education in the Romanian language in Moldovan educational institutions located in the region that use the Cyrilic script was reiterated. 

Freedom of movement was once again reaffirmed as a fundamental right that must be guaranteed at all times. Chișinău called for the removal of restrictions maintained by the Transnistrian force structures that impede movement between localities and across bridges over the Nistru River.

Regarding the documentation of motor vehicles with neutral-type license plates, readiness was expressed to explore options for continuing the application of this mechanism within the framework of national legislation. At the same time, Chișinău urged the removal of obstacles created by Tiraspol for owners of motor vehicles with national-type license plates, including the practice of double registration and parallel payments, which entail additional expenses for citizens.  

Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri reaffirmed his readiness to continue a regular and constructive dialogue focused on real results in the interests of the population, and once again called for holding future meetings, including in Chișinău, in accordance with the principle of alternating meeting venues. 

The restoration of citizen’s rights, access to public services, and the removal of barriers between the two banks remain priorities for the national authorities in implementing the reintegration policies of the Republic of Moldova.