The EU is Moldova's main trading partner and in 2023 it accounted for 53.7% of Moldova's total trade in goods
This is stated in the European Commission's materials on Moldova, published within the framework of the 2024 Enlargement Package, conclusions and recommendations for the candidate countries. As it is noted, the European Union accounts for 65.4 percent of Moldovan exports and 48.3 percent of imports. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is an integral part of the Association Agreement, in full force since 2016. As a sign of EU solidarity in the wake of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the EU has imposed a temporary regime of full liberalization of Moldova's agricultural trade until July 24, 2025. In view of the impact on Moldova of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the EU mobilized specific support measures including: direct budget support of €240 million for Moldova's most vulnerable consumers in the context of the energy crisis; humanitarian aid of over €66 million to support vulnerable Ukrainian refugees and their host families in Moldova; investments of over €32 million in Moldova for the “Solidarity Lanes” initiative, helping to secure supply chains and food supplies; and support to Moldova's food security. Since 2014, Moldovan citizens have had visa-free travel to the EU. Since 2021, the EU has funded more than 1,300 exchanges between EU and Moldovan citizens in education, training, youth and sports under the ERAZMUS+ program. The EU stated that it remains fully committed to deepening cooperation with Moldova within the Common Foreign and Security Policy. In 2024, Moldova became the first country to sign a Partnership Agreement with the EU in the field of security and defense. The EU Partnership Mission to Moldova continues to support Moldova's institutions in building resilience. The EU provided €137 million in assistance to the Moldovan Armed Forces, allocated through the European Peace Facility from 2021. The EU introduced a special sanctions regime against individuals and entities attempting to destabilize the situation in Moldova. // 31.10.2024 - InfoMarket
