News about European integration

The Standardization Institute of Moldova initiates the creation of the Technical Committee “Wood and finished and semi-finished wood products”. In this way, the institution aims to strengthen the standardization of wood, one of the country’s leading processing industries. The standards will be harmonized with European standards.

The Energy Community and the European Commission have recognized Moldova as the best country in terms of diversification of energy sources. This was stated by PAS deputy Veronica Harbuz-Brichag at the plenary meeting of the Energy Community held in Brussels on April 16.

European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defense that the first tranche of military aid to Ukraine, which will be transferred within the framework of the EU’s 90bn-euro loan, will be used to purchase Ukrainian-made drones.

When providing public services, institutions will be authorized to officially use artificial intelligence, but with clear rules and restrictions enshrined at the level of law.

The Moldovan government on Wednesday decided to create within the Foreign Ministry a “Service for Relations with Romania” aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, as well as a “Cyber Diplomacy Service” adapted to new challenges in the digital sphere.

Moldova will be not only a recipient country, but also a donor of official assistance in the European Union within the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. The relevant decision and regulation were approved by the government.

A mission of TAIEX experts from the European Commission is in Chisinau on April 14-16 to strengthen Moldova’s capacity to apply international restrictive measures (sanctions).

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde has publicly backed Hungary’s possible switch to the euro, a signal that could mark a sharp reversal in the country’s economic policy after a change of government.

Estonia has been providing Moldova with continuous support on its path to the EU, including through financial assistance – including a recent package of 748,000 euros. The money will be used for strategic communication, digitalization and resilience building.

A levy of 0.5% of the investment volume to finance the development of technical standards in construction has caused concern in the business community. Representatives of the business community warn of risks to investment activity. The authorities say that it is possible to discuss the introduction of the mechanism, but not its expediency.

Moldova is waiting for the acceleration of partnership with Hungary. Moldovan President Maia Sandu said this in a message posted on social network X (Twitter) after the announcement of the results of the parliamentary election in Hungary.

Moldova plans to introduce European safety standards for road tunnels over 500 meters long. There are no such facilities in the country yet, but the bill has been drafted as part of the requirements of European Union integration and applies to tunnels in operation, under construction or in design.

Every tenth household in Moldova does not have access to drinking water and almost a quarter does not have access to a proper sewerage system. The Government plans to ensure that by 2030 at least 95% of the population has access to safe water supply and at least 65% to sewerage services.

Over the past 16 years, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the longest-serving head of government in the European Union, has taken all sorts of actions to tip the electoral scales in favor of his ruling Fidesz party. However, that party may well lose Sunday’s election, raising the question of next steps.

The national list of restrictive measures to which the Republic of Moldova has acceded includes 5,696 entities. As the existing data storage platform does not ensure full integration and convenient processing of information, the authorities plan to implement an Information System for recording international restrictive measures.

On April 10, the entry/exit system (EES) became fully operational at the EU’s external borders (land border crossings, airports and seaports).

According to an April report by the World Bank (WB), Moldova’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 was revised downward from 2.7% to 1.9%. Nevertheless, the economy is expected to recover with growth of 3.8% in 2027. These data reflect the adjustment of the country’s economic outlook within the framework of the updated forecast.

The Roma community is an integral part of our society and contributes, through its culture and values, to the diversity and national cultural wealth.”

About one-third of Romania’s National Program for Recovery and Reform (PNRR) is behind schedule, which could result in the loss of billions of euros in EU aid and billions more in penalties.

Alina Chebotarev took the oath of office in the Parliament and officially assumed the position of the Chairman of the Competition Council, outlining the key areas of her future work.