Brussels, 5 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU-Moldova talks took centre stage in Brussels on Monday as senior officials advanced Moldova’s membership ambitions and announced a fresh €157 million disbursement under the EU’s Growth Plan. The discussions also covered security, economic integration, justice reform, energy and Russian hybrid threats.
EU and Moldova push accession process forward
The 10th EU-Republic of Moldova Association Council brought together EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.
The meeting focused heavily on Moldova’s EU accession process. According to the Council of the European Union, both sides welcomed recent progress in accession negotiations and looked towards advancing the remaining negotiating clusters.
Brussels also welcomed Moldova’s progress on the rule of law, justice reform and anti-corruption measures, while stressing that further work remains necessary.
The EU called for continued efforts to build an independent and professional judiciary and a stronger record of corruption investigations, prosecutions and final court decisions.
€157m funding announced after reform progress
A major outcome from the EU-Moldova talks was the European Commission’s decision to disburse €157 million after Moldova completed 18 reforms during the latest reporting period.
The payment brings total performance-based financing delivered under the Moldova Reform and Growth Facility to approximately €661 million. The broader EU Growth Plan commits €1.9 billion to supporting Moldova’s economy, infrastructure and connectivity.
Economic integration was another central theme. Officials highlighted Moldova’s inclusion within the Single Euro Payments Area, which can reduce the cost of transfers with EU countries, alongside its integration into the EU’s “Roam-Like-At-Home” arrangements.
Kallas highlights security partnership
Security featured prominently in the Brussels discussions amid concerns about Russian activity affecting Moldova.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the joint press conference that relations between the EU and Moldova “have never been closer”. She noted that Moldova became the first country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU.
EU support through the European Peace Facility reached €317 million between 2021 and 2026, according to the Council. Kallas said €120 million was being directed towards air defence in 2026.
The EU and Moldova also condemned increasingly frequent violations of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones and missiles. Brussels reaffirmed its support for Moldova’s sovereignty, independence and internationally recognised borders.
Why the Brussels meeting matters
Monday’s meeting connects Moldova’s long-term accession ambitions with immediate economic and security measures.
The EU says Moldova has continued aligning its legislation with the bloc’s acquis while advancing reforms required for membership. At the same time, the country faces security pressures linked to Russia’s war against neighbouring Ukraine and continued challenges surrounding the breakaway Transnistria region.
Kallas said Transnistria would not become an obstacle to Moldova’s European path, while stressing the importance of efforts towards socio-economic reintegration.
What happens next?
Attention now turns to Moldova’s implementation of further reforms and the progression of the remaining accession negotiation clusters.
Brussels has made clear that continued advances in judicial independence, anti-corruption enforcement, public administration and economic reform remain central to that process.
The latest EU-Moldova talks therefore mark another step in Moldova’s gradual political, economic and security integration with the European Union, while the €157 million payment provides an immediate financial consequence of reforms already completed.
