The advancement of Moldova’s preparations for joining the European Union and expanding cooperation in essential areas for the country’s integration have been discussed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan at 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.

During the discussion with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the focus was on strengthening Moldova’s energy security and on measures needed to reduce the impact of high energy prices on citizens. The Moldovan PM referred to the compensation programme prepared by the government, in order to support vulnerable families amid rising gas costs. In view of the severe drought this season, the discussions also addressed water supply security.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized that Moldova would continue reforms, in order to build a more resilient energy system, while advancing the accession process and pursuing the objective of completing technical negotiations by 2028.

Vasile Tofan and Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, discussed cooperation with the European Union in the field of internal affairs and security, the reforms needed in these sectors, as well as the partnership for securing the common border and the entire region. The PM highlighted 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 the measures needed to bring the financial sector closer to European Union standards.

The Moldovan prime minister presented the government’s priorities regarding the reduction of the budget deficit and economic prospects, tax reform aimed at stimulating employment and investment, as well as the restructuring of state-owned enterprises to increase their efficiency and profitability. The sides also discussed the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of state resource management. 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 carrying out reforms that must make a difference in people’s lives, while preparing 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 employment and investment. This is our path to the EU,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

The meetings took place in Brussels, on the margins of the 10th meeting of Moldova–European Union Association Council, during which the country’s progress in the accession process, the implementation of reforms, economic and sectoral cooperation and the security dialogue were assessed. Following the fulfillment of 18 commitments under the Reform Agenda, a new installment of 157 million euros from the EU Growth Plan was announced for Moldova. The money is meant to support the continuation of reforms and investments in areas essential to the country’s development and the improvement of citizens’ lives.

Moldova will receive a new 157 million-euros-worth installment 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–Moldova Association Council, held in Brussels. So far, the country has implemented approximately 95 per cent of the measures set out for this period in the Reform Agenda, and the new funding will allow investments in key areas to continue.

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

In his speech, the PM said that the benefits of European integration were already being felt in the economy and in citizens’ daily lives. In the first half of 2026, around two-thirds of Moldova’s goods exports reached the European Union market, amounting to approximately 1.3 billion euros, an increase of more than 10 per cent.

At the same time, euro transfers are now much cheaper: approximately 1 euro on average, compared with at least 20 euros previously, thanks to Moldova’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area. The Common Transit Convention also simplifies the transport of goods, while roaming costs with the European Union are lower.

The security situation in the region was also discussed during the Association Council meeting. The prime minister referred to the repeated violations 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 Moldova.

The PM also reiterated 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.

Regarding energy, Vasile Tofan said that Moldova had prepared for the cold season, including through measures to ensure the necessary energy supply. The government will continue to focus both on security of supply and on protecting vulnerable households throughout the winter.

Another topic of the meeting concerned the next stages of the accession process. In the last summer, clusters 1 (Fundamentals) and 6 (External Relations) were opened, and the authorities are working to open the remaining clusters and advance to the next stages of the negotiations. The government’s objective is to complete the technical work necessary to conclude the negotiations by early 2028 and prepare 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 capacity 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 work better. It cannot implement projects on our behalf. It cannot simplify our procedures. This part of the work must be done in Chisinau.”

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

“The European integration is the national project 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 schedule ahead of us, and our task is to continue delivering results—in reforms, investment, security and the protection of citizens. Opportunities like these come rarely. It is our responsibility not to miss them,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said.