The central banks of Moldova and Belgium discussed expanding cooperation and further aligning financial regulation with European standards. The talks focused on progress in reforming the banking sector, strengthening the central bank's independence, and the initial results of the country's integration into the European payment infrastructure.
Moldova's external debt has climbed sharply, while tax and customs collections continue to outperform expectations, underscoring a mixed but active macroeconomic backdrop. At the same time, major moves are underway in energy, border logistics, and regulatory policy, with new infrastructure, tariff discussions, and draft reforms set to shape the business environment in the months ahead.
In their first year of participating in the SEPA system, Moldovan citizens and companies saved approximately 16.4 million euros due to lower fees, and the average cost of a transfer in euros dropped to about 1 euro, although transaction fees had previously ranged from 20 to 150 euros - BNM
Against the backdrop of accelerating European integration and reforms in the financial sector, Moldova is strengthening its position as a destination for investors. Authorities note significant changes in the payment infrastructure, access to capital, and assessments by international rating agencies, as well as new business opportunities at the intersection of regional markets.
The National Bank of Moldova stated that the banking sector remains stable and highly capitalized, and that negotiations on aligning with European prudential standards are progressing. The regulator also noted that the modernization of the payment infrastructure is already changing conditions for customers and businesses, though the key details and implications of these steps will only become clear from the full version of the report.
The National Bank of Moldova is promoting reforms that accelerate the country's integration into the European financial area and transform approaches to payment infrastructure. Discussions are centered on further regulatory harmonization, the development of modern payment services, and cooperation with European partners—details of which could prove significant for the banking sector and the market as a whole.
After one year of operating within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), Moldova has seen a noticeable impact on citizens and businesses: transfers in euros have become faster and significantly cheaper, and SEPA has quickly become the primary channel for cross-border payments. The National Bank notes that the new payment infrastructure has already altered established financial flows and strengthened the country's integration with the European market.
The EU-supported Economic Growth Plan for Moldova aims to stimulate investment, increase productivity, and accelerate reforms, and the funds allocated by the EU must be channeled efficiently into the real sector of the economy while maintaining financial stability—NBM
The Ministry of Energy has announced its readiness to undergo a professional audit of gas procurement and the risk management system at Energocom amid disputes over prices and supply terms. The ministry asserts that purchases were made in accordance with an approved strategy and international procedures, and explains how the company's expenses were calculated and how the loan proceeds were allocated.
Moldova's banking sector remains highly resilient amid growing lending and ongoing adaptation to European standards, the National Bank stated. The regulator also noted that the reforms are already having a tangible impact on citizens and businesses, including in the area of payments and money transfers.
The National Bank of Moldova discussed with the European Central Bank the further development of payment infrastructure and digital banking supervision tools in the context of European integration. Particular attention was paid to the MIA instant payment system and the possibilities for aligning it with European payment solutions, which could mark an important milestone for the country's financial sector.
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