News about European integration

Moldova presented its strategic development priorities and key sectors for investment at the “Republic of Moldova – Benelux” forum, which took place in Maastricht. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugen Osmocescu identified the sectors in which the government seeks to attract capital from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The minister emphasized the country’s economic integration into the Single European Market.

Parliament is debating a media bill that would establish a Registry of Media Service Providers under the Ministry of Culture. The bill’s authors insist on the need for transparency and modernization of the media sector. The opposition fears that linking state subsidies to registration in the Registry will become a tool for controlling the press.

Radu Vrabie, Director of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, took part in the 3rd High-Level Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations from the Western Balkans and EU Member States, held on June 11 in Athens.

The Republic of Moldova has officially joined WorldSkills Europe—the European platform for the development of vocational skills and technical and vocational education.

The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova has announced the launch of a permanent platform for dialogue with representatives of the judiciary. Authorities expect that regular coordination between key institutions will help accelerate justice reforms, support European integration, and boost public confidence in the judicial system.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) expects to provisionally conclude negotiations on Chapter 10, “Information Society and Media,” by the end of 2026 as part of the Republic of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union.

Major EU countries are discussing options for a major overhaul of the diplomatic service. In essence, this amounts to the de facto dismantling of Kaia Kallas’s department—she may be stripped of her authority and control over 140 diplomatic missions.

Local and central public authorities in the Republic of Moldova will be able to participate in European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs)—legal entities designed to facilitate the implementation of cross-border projects and the attraction of external funding.

Parliament has passed a law that will help farmers and artisans protect the uniqueness of their products. This applies to products with a “geographical indication”—for example, when cheese or jam is named after the region where it is produced using traditional recipes. Previously, obtaining such official recognition was extremely difficult due to red tape, but the new rules simplify the process.

Romanian Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac stated that Romania and the Republic of Moldova must move away from the mindset “we know each other, we respect each other, but we each have our own affairs” and develop “much bolder” projects, noting that the two countries should have “an integrated, practically identical education system.”

A package of amendments to the Competition Law No. 183/2012, designed to bring the law into line with EU regulations (including the ECN+ Directive), introduces fundamental changes to the rules of the game in the Moldovan market. First and foremost, these changes will involve stricter fines and increased liability for businesses. The maximum fines for violations of fair competition rules have been increased from 5% to 10% of the company’s total turnover for the previous year.

Upon his return from Azerbaijan, Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that the country plays a crucial role in ensuring the energy security of the European market.

Moldovan villages have a future, as their development is largely tied to agriculture, which is actively supported by the European Union. This was stated by PAS MP Marcel Spatari, chairman of the parliamentary committee on European integration.

Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu met today with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) summit, which is being held in Sofia.

Today, June 10, the border authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Fight Against Transnational Crime.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union are stepping up their support for digital development in regions outside the EU where the EBRD operates, including in partner countries in Eastern Europe.

The Ministry of Finance intends to reform the budget process by limiting amendments to the state budget to one adjustment per year. This measure is part of the effort to harmonize national legislation with European Union norms and standards.

The low capacity of government agencies to utilize budget allocations and external funds remains a persistent problem in public administration. This was discussed at a joint meeting of the Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance and the Committee on Public Finance Oversight, where the progress of the state budget’s implementation was reviewed. Lawmakers are wondering whether the authorities will be able to absorb future large-scale EU funds.

The Republic of Moldova will begin negotiations with Romania on signing an agreement regarding the construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure of strategic interest to both countries, including the Ungheni Road Bridge across the Prut River.

There are approximately 13,000 civil society organizations registered in the Republic of Moldova, of which about 5,000 are actively operating.  In recognition of their work, the ninth “Civil Society 2026” Gala was held in Chisinau, where seven organizations received European Union awards for outstanding achievements and solidarity.