EU membership application signed 3 years ago: Evolution of the Republic of Moldova on the European path
The Republic of Moldova took a historic step on March 3, 2022, when it officially submitted its application for membership in the European Union. In a tense geopolitical context, marked by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the authorities in Chisinau assumed an accelerated European path. In the three years that followed, the country went through a complex process: it received EU candidate status in June 2022 and opened accession negotiations in June 2024. We review the events that marked the last three years of EU-Republic of Moldova relations and beyond.
Three years after signing the application for accession: developments and progress
March 3, 2022: President Maia Sandu signed the application for accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.
President Maia Sandu, along with the Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and the then prime minister, Natalia Gavrilița, signed the application for accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, specifying that this is a fundamental national objective. The head of state said that the Republic of Moldova counts on the support of European institutions and that the authorities are ready to implement the reforms necessary for integration in the EU.
** Candidate country status **
June 23, 2022-European Council has decided to grant the status of the country status.
The Republic of Moldova obtained the status of country candidate for accession to the European Union, by a unanimous decision of EU leaders at the Summit of the European Council in Brussels. The European Parliament and the European Commission have supported this step, emphasizing the progress of the Republic of Moldova in reforms and its pro-European commitment.
** Path to opening negotiations **
November 8, 2023-the European Commission has published an evaluation report and recommended the opening of the accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova.
The European Commission recommended the granting of the status of candidate for the EU to the Republic of Moldova, provided the reforms are continued. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the progress, but also the need for improvements in the economy and administration.
December 14-15, 2023-at the summit of the European Council, the EU leaders officially approved the start of the accession negotiations.
On December 14, the European Union opened the accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova. The president of the then European Council, Charles Michel, announced that the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have received a green wave for negotiations. Also, Georgia obtained the status of a candidate country.
-21-22 March 2024-the European Council analyzed the progress of the Republic of Moldova and has decided to boost the process of approving the negotiation frame.
EU leaders have requested the rapid adoption of the negotiation framework for the accession of the Republic of Moldova, reaffirming the support for the security and stability of the country to the destabilizing actions of Russia. The European Council noted the progress of the Republic of Moldova in the reforms implementation and proposed the advancement without delay of the accession steps.
June 25, 2024-the EU and the Republic of Moldova organized the first intergovernmental conference, marking the official start of the negotiations.
The Republic of Moldova has officially started negotiations for accession to the European Union, a historical moment marked by the first EU-Moldova intergovernmental conference, held in Luxembourg. The European leaders and Moldovan officials have emphasized the commitment for European integration, highlighting the progress in reforms and the need to continue the objective of accession by 2030.
11 years on the path of European accession: progress of the Republic of Moldova
** Eastern Partnership and Association Agreement **
One of the most important steps in the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union was the signing of the Association Agreement. It came into effect provisionally on September 1, 2014, and on July 1, 2016, it became fully operational, facilitating the economic and political integration of the Republic of Moldova in the Community space.
BY this agreement, the Republic of Moldova obtained preferential access to the European market and began alignment with EU legislation and standards.
** Visa liberalization **
Another step in strengthening the Moldovan-European relationship was the liberalization of the visa regime. Starting with April 28, 2014, citizens of the Republic of Moldova can travel without a visa in the Schengen area for short periods.
** Economic and financial support **
Between 2021 and 2024, the total financial support offered by the EU, the Republic of Moldova exceeded 2.2 billion euros, financial aid for economic development, infrastructure and supporting essential reforms. More recently, on October 10, 2024, the European Commission presented a growth plan for the Republic of Moldova, meant to boost the country's economic integration and stimulate convergence with EU standards.
The new financial mechanism was approved on February 19, 2025, by which the EU and the European Parliament agreed on a support package of 1.9 billion euros. These funds are meant to support the reforms necessary for accession and to support the economic development of the country.
** Energy and independence from Russia **
On March 16, 2022, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine managed to synchronize electrical networks with the European Entso-E system, reducing energy dependence on Russia. This step allowed the Republic of Moldova to access alternative energy sources and improve its energy stability.
** Security and defense **
In April 2023, the EU launched the partnership mission of the European Union in Moldova (EUPM), which supports the country in combating hybrid threats, cyber security and strengthening crisis management capabilities.
In May 2024, the European Union signed a bilateral partnership for security and defense with the Republic of Moldova. In addition, between 2021 and 2024, the Republic of Moldova received 137 million euros through the European Peace Facility, funds used to modernize armed forces and strengthen internal security.
During 2025, the European Union will allocate 60 million euros to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Republic of Moldova. The announcement was made by the president of the European Council, António Costa, who emphasized the importance of European support for the security of the region.
** Trade and economic relations **
In 2022, the EU approved a temporary regime for liberalization of trade for 7 Moldovan agricultural products, including tomatoes, mass grapes and apples, allowing the exports of these products to the European market.
This measure is valid until July 2025, thus strengthening the access of Moldovan producers to the European market.
** Border Management **
The European Union and the Republic of Moldova signed, on March 17, 2022, an agreement on FRONTEX operations, facilitating European support in processing migrant flows and improving border security.
** Sanctions against the destabilization of Moldova **
To prevent threats to destabilize the Republic of Moldova, the European Union has adopted sanctions against persons and entities that undermine democracy and the rule of law in the country. The EU Council has imposed sanctions meant to counteract malignant influences.
