European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a further EUR 523 million in EU funds for Moldova if it completes all reforms under the Growth Plan by the end of 2026, as well as a new EUR 120 million security package under the European Peace Facility, following the EU-Moldova Summit in Brussels on 22 June 2026. The statement, issued by the EEAS, also outlined plans to extend DiscoverEU to Moldova in 2027 and work towards full participation in Erasmus+ by 2028.
The summit came just days after the EU opened the first negotiation cluster with Moldova, covering fundamental reforms in the rule of law, justice, and anti-corruption. Von der Leyen called it a historic milestone and recognition of Moldova's reforms under constant Russian hybrid attacks. She noted that Moldova has already completed 93% of the reforms due under the Growth Plan, unlocking EUR 504 million. The additional EUR 523 million would fund infrastructure, healthcare, and business financing.
On energy, von der Leyen highlighted Moldova's progress in reducing dependence on Russian gas and electricity, citing the Vulcăneşti-Chișinău high-voltage power line supported by EU grants. She pledged continued work on interconnectors and building renovation to cut energy imports. On security, she noted that Moldova is already the second-largest bilateral recipient of European Peace Facility funding after Ukraine, with nearly EUR 200 million, and announced a further EUR 120 million package for 2026 focused on security needs, plus EUR 11 million for resilience against hybrid attacks and EUR 17 million for border infrastructure. The EU Partnership Mission will continue work on cyber, disinformation, and strategic communication.
The summit also saw Moldova join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the EU's 'Roam Like at Home' scheme, and the European Environment Agency, which von der Leyen described as concrete examples of gradual integration benefiting citizens and businesses.
The announcements represent a significant deepening of EU-Moldova ties, with direct financial benefits for Moldovan citizens and businesses through lower transaction costs and roaming fees, and improved energy security. For the EU, the integration of Moldova strengthens stability in its eastern neighbourhood and counters Russian influence. The EUR 523 million performance-based funding creates strong incentives for continued reform, while the security package addresses immediate threats from hybrid attacks. The extension of youth programmes like DiscoverEU and Erasmus+ aims to build long-term people-to-people ties. Critics may question the pace of accession given Moldova's ongoing challenges with corruption and the rule of law, but the summit underscored the EU's commitment to a gradual, reform-driven process.