National Bank of Moldova and European Commission strengthen dialogue on financial integration with the EU

The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Anca Dragu, held a bilateral meeting in Brussels with the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission, Gert Jan Koopman

The discussions focused on deepening cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union in the context of the country’s European integration process, with particular emphasis on the role of the NBM in implementing reforms in the financial sector.

Alignment with European standards

The officials reviewed Moldova’s progress in aligning its banking and financial regulatory framework with the EU acquis. This process is considered essential for advancing the accession path and strengthening macro-financial stability.

The meeting also addressed technical assistance opportunities provided by the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), aimed at supporting institutional modernization and legislative harmonization in Moldova.

Another key topic was the strengthening of the central bank’s independence, seen as fundamental for effective monetary policy and for increasing confidence in the national financial system.

SEPA and European financial integration

The NBM Governor highlighted cooperation with European institutions in the process of joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), emphasizing its direct economic impact on citizens and businesses.

According to her, SEPA integration will reduce transaction costs, improve cross-border payment efficiency, and facilitate trade and investment with EU Member States.

Strategic priorities in the accession process

Anca Dragu stressed that the transposition of the EU acquis into national legislation remains a strategic priority for the National Bank of Moldova.

“These reforms directly contribute to the development of a sustainable, more competitive and resilient economy and ultimately to improving citizens’ quality of life,” she stated.

She also highlighted the importance of continued close cooperation with EU institutions in advancing Moldova’s European integration agenda and strengthening the institutional capacity of the financial sector.

Prudential framework assessment

The discussions also included the assessment of the equivalence of Moldova’s banking prudential framework with EU standards, in line with the methodology of the European Banking Authority. This step is important for financial integration and interoperability with the European banking system.

Broader European context

The meeting took place alongside the Moldovan delegation’s participation in the EU’s annual Economic and Financial Dialogue with candidate countries, organized by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the EU.

The event reflects Moldova’s broader efforts to advance its European path through economic and financial reforms aimed at stability, competitiveness, and gradual integration into the EU single market.