Moldova and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating accession negotiations, strengthening security cooperation and advancing reforms during the second EU-Moldova Summit in Brussels, according to a statement from the Moldovan presidency.

In a joint declaration adopted at the end of the meeting, European leaders and Moldovan officials stated that bilateral relations had reached a new level and reiterated that "the future of Moldova and its citizens lies in the European Union".

The summit came one week after the opening in Luxembourg of negotiations on the first cluster of chapters, "Fundamental Values", marking what EU leaders described as a historic stage in Moldova's European integration process.

The European Union welcomed progress in implementing reforms and pledged to support the rapid advancement of accession talks based on the merit principle.

"The successful completion of the screening process and the consistent implementation of reforms demonstrate Moldova's capacity to advance on the path of European integration," the declaration stated.

Brussels placed particular emphasis on judicial reform and anti-corruption measures, stressing the need to complete the integrity vetting of judges and prosecutors and to strengthen an independent judiciary.

The summit highlighted the €1.9bn Growth Plan for Moldova as the EU's main economic support instrument. According to the declaration, €504mn has already been disbursed, while another €528mn will become available in 2026 subject to the implementation of agreed reforms.

The two sides also agreed to continue Moldova's gradual integration into the EU single market before full membership. Leaders welcomed the country's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which is expected to lower transfer costs for businesses and citizens.

Security featured prominently in the discussions. The European Union condemned what it described as repeated Russian violations of Moldovan airspace, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and other destabilisation efforts.

"We unequivocally condemn Russia's repeated violations of Moldovan airspace, cyberattacks, information manipulation and external interference," the statement said.

The EU pledged continued support through the EU Partnership Mission, the European Peace Facility and mechanisms aimed at countering hybrid threats.

The declaration also highlighted cooperation in energy, transport, education, digitalisation and agriculture. European leaders welcomed the completion of the Vulcănești-Chișinău high-voltage power line and confirmed plans to expand Moldova's participation in programmes such as Erasmus+ and DiscoverEU.

Regarding Transnistria, the European Union reaffirmed its support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called on Russia to withdraw its troops and ammunition from the separatist region.

The parties agreed that EU-Moldova summits would become a permanent mechanism for high-level political coordination.