News about European integration
International rating agency Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Moldova’s long-term credit rating in foreign and local currency from B3 to B2. At the same time, the agency points to the persistence of “systemic” risks associated with geopolitical tensions, vulnerability of the economy and possible internal political fluctuations.
From March 23 to April 3, the Joint Combined Exercise JCET-2026 took place at the National Army’s training centers. Soldiers from the Fulger Special Forces Battalion and their counterparts from Romania, Italy and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland participated.
The system of geographical indications, appellations of origin and traditional products will undergo a major reform. The authorities explain its necessity by the growing interest of manufacturers in the registration of protected names, as well as by the existing problems – from complicated procedures to insufficient control and weak protection of rights on the market.
The Ministry of Finance’s budget forecasts will be compared with the estimates of the European Commission (EC). The authorities will have to justify serious discrepancies.
Starting and running a medium-sized business in the EU can be costly for employers. At the same time, the gap between the top and bottom of the union’s labor cost rankings is clear.
Moldova paid a total of 373.3 thousand euros (about 7.97 million lei) in compensation to applicants under the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2025.
Moldova actively attracted external financing in 2025, with a significant portion of funds coming from the European Union. The EU even allocated additional funds (€18.9 million) in September to complement the aid package under the reform mechanism. One of the key objectives of these agreements is to support the country’s modernization and fulfill its EU accession commitments.
The Moldovan government is preparing the implementation of a taxonomy for financing sustainable development. This is a mechanism for classifying economic activities by the degree of their environmental impact. It is planned that it will become the basis for directing investments in environmentally sustainable projects and modernization of the economy.
A group of Moldovan MPs paid a visit to Georgia at the invitation of the Georgian side. The delegation consisted of Igor Dodon, Bogdan Tsirdia, Petru Burduja (PSRM), Vasile Costiuc, chairman of the parliamentary faction “Democrația Acasă” and Olga Ursu, deputy chairman of the parliamentary faction “Alternativa”.
A flurry of publications in the European press followed the denunciation of the CIS Agreement by the Moldovan parliament. Western media regarded it as another step in the process of distancing Chisinau from Moscow and strengthening the country’s European course. In some publications there are also alternative assessments.
Moldova denounced the CIS Agreement, the relevant Protocol and the organization’s Charter. Thus, the country has finally completed its withdrawal from the CIS statutory bodies. The relevant bill was passed on Thursday, April 2, with 54 votes of the ruling PAS party, 5 votes of Vasile Costiuc’s Democrația Acasă faction and one vote of the Alternativa bloc.
“Democracy is a path that requires constant attention and consistent action,” said Alexei Buzu, secretary general of the government, at the 50th session of the CoE Congress. He addressed the forum on April 1 on behalf of Moldova’s chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers.
Moldova is becoming increasingly involved in the European security architecture, including practical support to its partners. According to President Maia Sandu, Moldova is not only a recipient of European assistance, but also an active participant in cooperation.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has said that relations with Romania have a special, “family” character. He said this after a meeting with the head of the Romanian government, Ilie Bolojan, which took place in Bucharest.
The Moldovan Customs Service finalized and approved the Anti-Corruption Policy and Action Plan for the period 2026-2029, documents that establish a clear, consistent and applicable framework for preventing and combating corruption in the customs sector.
Germany is preparing major changes that will allow foreign graduates of vocational programs to start working immediately after graduation, according to Logos Press.
The draft National Program of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and Action Plan for 2026-2030 was discussed at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection with the participation of more than 70 representatives of public authorities and institutions, civil society. Persons with disabilities – direct beneficiaries of the inclusive services that will be developed after the approval of the Program – were also involved in the discussion.
European Union countries granted citizenship to nearly 1.2 million people, the highest number in a decade, according to Logos Press.
Foreign exchange reserves rose by €200 million in March, thanks to a tranche from the European Commission, reaching €5.272 billion. This increase followed a two-month decline, surpassing the previous high of €5.260 billion in 2024 and setting a new historical record.
The implementation of the Moldova Growth Plan remains a priority in Moldova’s efforts for economic modernization and approximation to the European Union standards. The document includes 153 measures structured in seven areas, representing coordinated efforts by the authorities to modernize the economy, support the private sector and improve public services.
