EU-Moldova summit to take place in Brussels on 22 June

EU-Moldova summit to take place in Brussels on 22 June

The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will represent the EU at the second EU-Moldova Summit taking place in Brussels on 22 June 2026. President Maia Sandu will represent the Republic of Moldova.

The Summit will be a key opportunity to highlight the strategic importance of Moldova's future within the EU and to strengthen the partnership between the EU and Moldova.

At the summit, leaders will assess Moldova's progress on reforms, in particular, on the rule of law and fundamental rights, and the fight against organised crime. Moldova has made substantial progress and demonstrated strong commitment to align with the EU acquis despite unprecedented external pressures. The EU is ready to swiftly advance Moldova's accession, based on its own merit.

The EU will continue to support Moldova's gradual integration into the EU's internal market across key sectors. This will deliver benefits to citizens and businesses, stimulate economic growth and, enhance Moldova's preparedness for EU membership.

EU leaders will reiterate their unwavering commitment to Moldova's sovereignty, security and resilience, in light of Russia's ongoing hybrid attacks and the consequences of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. EU and Moldova will enhance their cooperation in order to further strengthen the country's resilience.

Leaders will also discuss sectoral cooperation, including the progress made by Moldova on enhancing its energy security, diversifying energy supplies and increasing energy efficiency.

Leaders are expected to issue a joint declaration at the end of the summit.

Background

The Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024.

The cluster on fundamentals was opened on 15 June 2026 at the second Intergovernmental Conference, taking place in Luxembourg.

• Enlargement: EU and Moldova reach a milestone in accession talks with opening of the first negotiation cluster (press release, 15 June 2026)

The relations between EU and Moldova are based on the association agreement that came into force on 1 July 2016, which allows Moldova to benefit from a deep and comprehensive free trade area. The EU is Moldova's largest trading partner and export destination, giving Moldovan producers direct access to the world's largest single market and accounting for over half the country's total trade in goods in 2025, which generated a turnover of over €7 billion.

To help support Moldova's reforms and its integration into the EU, the EU is providing the country with up to €1.9 billion between 2025 and 2027, through the new Moldova Growth Plan. The EU and Moldova also cooperate in the context of the Eastern Partnership.

• EU-Moldova relations (background information)

• Statement by President Costa and President von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova (press release, 12 June 2026)