Moldova saves €13m in ten months following SEPA integration
Moldova’s integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has saved citizens and businesses over €13.2 million (approx. 258 million MDL) in its first ten months of operation.
According to the National Bank of Moldova (BNM), nearly eight out of ten euro transactions are now processed through SEPA, making it the country's primary cross-border payment channel.
Slashing fees for cross-border transactions
Since operational interlinking on October 6, 2025, average transfer fees dropped from €20–€150 down to approximately €1.09 per transaction.
Over 960,000 transfers were processed during this period. Traditional SWIFT charges would have totaled €14.2 million, whereas SEPA fees amounted to just €1 million.
BNM Governor Anca Dragu emphasized that lower costs and higher transaction volumes confirm Moldova has met its strategic integration goals.
Strengthening economic ties and diaspora support
The shift has increased daily processed transactions by 1,750 and boosted total transaction value by 57%.
For the Moldovan diaspora, sending money home is now significantly cheaper. Fees for a €1,000 transfer have dropped from €25 to as low as 50 cents.
Students, travelers, and remote workers across Europe also benefit from standardized euro settlements and faster payroll processing.
A modern, European financial framework
Moldova began its SEPA journey on January 30, 2024, joining the geographic scope on March 6, 2025, before full operational launch in October 2025.
By aligning with European payment standards, Moldova strengthens its financial ecosystem, encouraging foreign investment and supporting broader digital transformation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
