The low-key nature of the Moldova-EU summit, which observed all the official ceremonial attributes of a highlevel event, became the subject of heated discussions among politicians, the press and the expert community. Resounding headlines about the historic significance of the summit from pro-European representatives and criticism from their opponents inevitably accompanied the event. In one way or another, the summit reflects a new level of relations between Moldova and the European Union during this extremely difficult and turbulent period. The summit plays an important role in implementing the decisions taken and coordinating actions to achieve the objectives set.

At the same time, expectations for the summit, particularly the opening of accession negotiations, were not fully met, overshadowed by existing realities that both Moldova and the EU must take into account. The launch of the negotiation process depends on the unanimous decision of all EU Member States, an aspect over which Moldova has no influence. In addition, the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova raise the question of a political configuration that would allow the European path to continue. The summit’s results include political decisions on supporting the country’s stability, security and democratic future, along with concrete practical measures that will benefit all citizens of the Republic of Moldova. For this reason, the summit can be seen as a barometer and catalyst for Moldova’s movement towards the EU.

A new level of cooperation with the EU

Although bilateral summits are a standard instrument of EU foreign policy, widely used in relations with strategic partners, for the Republic of Moldova, the Moldova-EU summit was the first event of its kind. It took place on 4 July 2025, in a rather modest and restrained setting, which surprised some, especially those who drew parallels with the extended format of the European Political Community summit hosted by Moldova in 2023.

Despite its sobriety, the summit had a festive atmosphere, with all the elements characteristic of an event of this level – a guard of honour and a red carpet in honour of the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The event has a strong symbolic significance, representing the EU’s unwavering support for the development of a new level of relations with the Republic of Moldova and thus initiating the annual organisation of such meetings to discuss the dynamics of Moldova-EU relations. In essence, the summit marks a new level of relations between the two sides.

The Moldova-EU summit through the lens of expectations and reality

The main expectation for this summit was the launch of accession negotiations, in particular the opening of the first chapter of negotiations on the Fundamentals. According to EU rules, this is the first chapter to be opened and the last to be closed, setting the pace for the entire negotiation process. However, this did not happen, although there is an understanding within the EU that Moldova was eagerly awaiting the opening of these negotiation clusters. This stagnation has caused some disappointment among supporters of European integration and, at the same time, predictable criticism from opponents. For the time being, European partners have limited themselves to stating that “the doors are open”.

On the one hand, this means that Moldova needs to make additional efforts to meet the required conditions, thereby accelerating the integration process. On the other hand, it is recognised that Moldova is in the “same package” as Ukraine, and the start of negotiations with Ukraine is being blocked by Hungary, which is also slowing down Moldova’s progress. Let us recall that the draft declaration on the start of negotiations with Ukraine was supported by 26 of the 27 EU Member States and was blocked only by Hungary. Discussions on Ukraine’s integration will resume in the autumn of this year, and it is hoped that the EU will find a common solution to overcome Hungary’s position.

The Moldova-EU Summit was a confirmation of the European Union’s political, financial and strategic support for the Republic of Moldova. European partners recognise the significant progress made by the country in the reform process. The screening phase is scheduled to be completed in autumn 2025. The European Commission has concluded that Moldova has met the criteria for opening Cluster 1 – Fundamentals. This confirms the EU’s firm commitment to Moldova’s European future.

Parliamentary elections: the configuration of political forces and the prospects for Moldova’s European path

The summit is also particularly important in the context of this autumn’s parliamentary elections, representing a show of support for President Maia Sandu and the ruling PAS party, which is going through a difficult period. They deserve credit for promoting the European agenda, and it is crucial for them to consolidate their efforts to continue on the European path and avoid a “Georgian scenario”. Tough electoral battles lie ahead, and the support of external partners will be essential for the current government, as the EU well understands.

The intense efforts of the Kremlin and pro-Russian forces in Moldova to undermine the European vector are not only effective but are becoming increasingly visible – from Moscow’s harsh rhetoric and the opposition’s criticism of the summit and proEuropeans to the organisation of cultural events with Russian stars invited by pro-Russian sympathisers.

There is every reason to believe that the contradictions between pro-European and proRussian forces will soon deepen and manifest themselves in protests, discontent and rallies. It would be a serious political mistake to underestimate their potential, given the importance of the elections for the next four years.

To accelerate European integration, it is essential that pro-European forces remain internally cohesive and focus on politically sensitive issues that require quick decisions and compromises. We should not rely solely on the diaspora – the pro-European government cannot afford to make mistakes if it does not want to be left out of history. The complex geopolitical situation in the region further complicates the internal political struggle in Moldova.

Final declaration – focus on results and priorities

The final declaration of the Moldova–EU summit reflected a wide range of key areas for cooperation, support and assistance from the EU. These include: cooperation in the field of security and defence; economic and financial support (the EU will provide the first tranche of EUR 270 million under the Moldova Growth Plan 2025–2027, worth a total of EUR 1.9 billion); Moldova’s rapprochement with the European single market; economic development; energy security and digital transformation; border management and regional security, among others.

Priorities also include deepening political and strategic cooperation, as well as EU support for Moldova’s accession to observer or associate member status in key EU agencies such as the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Overall, the Moldova-EU summit is an event that highlights Moldova’s progress on the path to European integration, its success in relations with the EU and the willingness of European partners to continue supporting the Republic of Moldova. The summit will generate a series of actions that will follow the logic of these events. It is important to take into account the key signals it has sent out, as a political barometer of the realities in Moldova, within the EU and in the bilateral strategic relationship. Only in this way can this summit be considered a catalyst for the long-awaited European path.