The European Commission assessed the reforms in the economic and monetary areas of Moldova and the progress in strengthening the independence of the NBM
This was announced by the National Bank, noting that its First Vice President Petru Rotaru and other NBM representatives took part in the bilateral screening meeting held in Brussels to review Chapter 17 "Economic and Monetary Policy", organized in the context of preparations for the negotiations on accession to the European Union. The NBM team was part of the official delegation of Moldova, headed by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov. The meeting was also attended online by members of the national working group responsible for this chapter. The NBM noted that this stage of bilateral screening with the EU provided the Moldovan side with an opportunity to present in detail the level of compliance with EU standards and norms of the legal and institutional framework applicable to the process of forming economic and monetary policy. The European Commission representatives assessed the existing measures in the field of economic and monetary policies, as well as the progress achieved in terms of both strengthening the independence of the NBM and prohibiting monetary financing of the public sector by the central bank, preventing privileged access of state institutions to financial institutions. The bilateral screening also provided an opportunity for a technical dialogue aimed at identifying potential differences with EU rules and defining the directions of future reforms. This event was an important step on the path of our country towards European development, reflecting the strong commitment of the authorities to aligning economic and monetary policies with EU standards and practices. The First Vice-President of the NBM Petru Rotaru noted that participation in the bilateral screening on Chapter 17 "marks an important stage in Moldova's rapprochement with the European family." "We continue the integration process with responsibility and determination, implementing the necessary reforms in key areas, especially in the economic and monetary areas, to enhance the resilience of the financial sector, strengthen the institutional independence and governance mechanisms of the central bank, thus ensuring a sustainable and beneficial accession for all citizens," he said. According to the National Bank, Chapter 17 "Economic and Monetary Policy" is part of Cluster 3 "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth" and one of 33 chapters covering key EU policy areas that Moldova is negotiating during the accession phase. EU rules on economic and monetary policy include, among others, specific rules requiring the independence of the central banks of the Member States, prohibiting direct financing of the public sector by central banks and prohibiting privileged access of the public sector to financial institutions. // 22.05.2025 — InfoMarket.
