On 22 June 2026, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova held their second summit in Brussels, issuing a joint declaration that underscores the strategic importance of Moldova's future within the EU and the concrete benefits of the partnership for citizens. The summit, hosted by the EU institutions, brought together senior EU and Moldovan leaders to discuss progress on reforms, EU integration, and cooperation in areas such as energy, security, and economic development.
The joint declaration, published by the European External Action Service (EEAS), highlights the deepening of EU-Moldova ties since the first summit and reaffirms the EU's commitment to supporting Moldova's reform agenda, particularly in rule of law, anti-corruption, and public administration. The declaration also addresses Moldova's energy security, with the EU pledging continued assistance to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian gas, a priority following the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
On security, the EU reiterated its support for Moldova's territorial integrity and sovereignty, condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine and its spillover effects on Moldova, including the Transnistrian region. The summit also discussed Moldova's EU accession process, with leaders acknowledging the country's progress in meeting the European Commission's recommendations and the need for sustained reforms to advance negotiations.
The summit outcomes are expected to boost Moldova's EU integration momentum, providing political backing for further reforms and financial support. For Moldovan citizens, the partnership promises enhanced connectivity, trade opportunities, and access to EU funds, while the EU benefits from a stable and aligned neighbor in the Eastern Partnership region. However, the declaration also signals continued conditionality, with progress tied to concrete reforms in justice and anti-corruption, which may face domestic political challenges. The next steps include monitoring implementation of the joint commitments and preparing for the next summit, likely in 2027.