Anca Dragu: Moldova will join SEPA "in just a few weeks"
The Republic of Moldova will connect to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) in just a few weeks, announced Anca Dragu, the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, on Monday, September 15, during Moldova Business Week 2025.
According to the governor, integrating into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) strengthens the effort to modernize and align the payment system with European standards. This process began with the launch of the MIA Instant Payments transfer system in the Republic of Moldova.
Referring to the Republic of Moldova as "the child prodigy of Europe," Anca Dragu encouraged investors to take advantage of the current opportunities. She cautioned, "Whoever does not invest in the Republic of Moldova today will regret it in five years," emphasizing that "The Republic of Moldova is not a financial periphery; it is an integral part of financial Europe."
The governor expressed confidence that the reforms implemented will yield concrete results within the next five years, enhancing the Republic of Moldova's position in the European economy and directly improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The Republic of Moldova joined SEPA in March 2023. Membership in this system facilitates international payments in euros, making them faster, safer, and more accessible while significantly reducing transaction fees.
Authorities said that while fees previously reached tens or even hundreds of euros, these costs will drop to just a few euros following the country's accession to SEPA.
SEPA also eliminates additional fees and delays for companies, streamlining commercial payments within the EU at minimal costs. As a result, Moldovan companies will become more competitive in the international market.
Calculations suggest that through this accession, the Republic of Moldova will save around 12 million euros annually, and potentially up to 20 million euros in the medium term—funds that will remain in the national economy and support business development.
Commercial banks that have joined the Register of Participants in the SEPA system have made necessary technical adjustments to enable them to start processing transfers in the Single Euro Payments Area as of October 6.
