The Republic of Moldova Saves €13.2 Million in Ten Months Since Joining SEPA

The Republic of Moldova has saved €13.2 million for citizens and businesses in the first ten months since its operational connection to SEPA – the Single Euro Payments Area.

During this period, nearly 80% of cross-border euro transfers were carried out through SEPA, making the system the Republic of Moldova’s main payment channel for transactions to and from Europe.

Faster transfers and significantly lower costs

Joining SEPA has significantly reduced the cost of euro transfers and simplified international payments. Citizens of the Republic of Moldova can make transfers from European countries to Moldova under conditions similar to those applied within the European Union, benefiting from faster, more secure transactions and, in some cases, zero fees.

For companies, connection to the European payments infrastructure provides access to the same standards used by partners in the European Union. Lower transfer costs contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Moldovan companies and facilitate euro-denominated transactions on international markets.

The cost of a transfer has fallen to just a few euros

According to data from the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), the average cost of a cross-border euro transfer has fallen from levels ranging between €20 and €150 under the traditional system to approximately €1.09 through SEPA.

Since the Republic of Moldova connected to SEPA, approximately 960,000 transfers have been processed. The NBM estimates that if these transactions had been carried out through the SWIFT system, the costs would have amounted to approximately €14.2 million. Through SEPA, the costs were around €1 million, resulting in savings of €13.2 million for the national economy.

At the same time, the number of transactions processed daily within the banking system increased by approximately 1,750, reflecting an intensification of financial flows and a more closely integrated economy with European markets.

NBM: savings remain within the national economy

NBM Governor Anca Dragu states that lower transaction costs have a direct impact on the economy, as the money saved remains available to citizens and companies and can be used to support business development.

According to her, Moldova’s connection to SEPA has contributed both to the modernization of the country’s financial infrastructure and to strengthening economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and its European partners. Standardized payment procedures and closer alignment with European payment systems increase the competitiveness of Moldovan companies and contribute to creating a safer and more attractive financial environment for investment.

Transaction value increased by 57%

The effects of joining SEPA are also reflected in the dynamics of financial flows. Statistical data show that the total value of transactions increased by approximately 57%, from €9.3 billion to €14.6 billion.

The comparison covers the period from October 2025 to July 2026 and the corresponding previous period, when cross-border euro transfers were carried out exclusively through traditional payment mechanisms. Lower costs and faster transfers have contributed to increased trade and stronger financial flows between the Republic of Moldova and European countries.

Moldova connected to the European payments infrastructure

SEPA – the Single Euro Payments Area – is the European framework that enables euro payments between participating countries under harmonized conditions regarding cost, security and processing time, regardless of national borders.

The SEPA area includes all European Union member states, as well as the United Kingdom, the countries of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

The Republic of Moldova became operationally connected to SEPA on 6 October 2025, and in less than one year the system has become the country’s main instrument for cross-border euro payments.