Today, 28 May 2026, the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Ms Anca Dragu, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Central Bank, Ms Christine Lagarde, in Cambodia, where the Conference of Francophone Central Bank Governors is taking place.
The discussions focused on cooperation between the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) and the European Central Bank (ECB), regional macroeconomic and financial developments, strengthening financial stability, modernising payment infrastructure, and deepening the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European financial area.
A key topic of the meeting was bilateral cooperation in banking supervision, including through the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NBM and the ECB. This cooperation supports the strengthening of supervisory practices, the exchange of expertise, and the ongoing harmonisation of the national framework with European standards.
The discussions also addressed progress in the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the prospects for developing its payment infrastructure. Integration into SEPA demonstrates the Republic of Moldova’s capacity to implement complex European standards and actively participate in building a modern economy connected to the European financial space. Within just a few months of becoming operational, SEPA has become Moldova’s primary channel for cross-border euro transfers.
In the same context, the NBM Governor highlighted the Republic of Moldova’s progress in developing instant payments through the MIA system, created by the NBM for citizens, businesses, and payments to public institutions. This project demonstrates the Republic of Moldova’s ability to implement modern payment solutions and serve as a regional example of financial digital transformation.
“The Republic of Moldova is already connected to the European financial architecture, and the NBM contributes to strengthening this positioning by aligning the regulatory and supervisory framework with European Union standards, developing modern financial infrastructure, and reinforcing the resilience of the financial sector. Our goal is to deepen this integration by developing a modern financial sector aligned with EU standards. For the National Bank of Moldova, dialogue with the European Central Bank and partner central banks supports alignment with the EU acquis, the implementation of best international practices, and the maintenance of macroeconomic and financial stability,” emphasised Ms Anca Dragu.
The NBM Governor also congratulated Ms Christine Lagarde on assuming, from May 2026, the roles of President of the Economic Consultative Committee and of the Global Economic Meeting under the Basel Process, important platforms for global cooperation among central banks. In this context, Ms Anca Dragu highlighted that the Republic of Moldova is advancing on an accelerated reform path, and the NBM is actively contributing to strengthening regional and European financial resilience, including by intensifying cooperation with international financial institutions and pursuing membership as a shareholder in the Bank for International Settlements.
During the meeting, the NBM Governor reiterated the institution’s commitment to continuing alignment of national legislation with the EU acquis and with international best practices in the financial sector. An important objective for the coming period is recognition, by the European Banking Authority, of the equivalence of the Republic of Moldova’s prudential banking framework with that of the European Union by the end of this year.
The importance of central bank independence for maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability was also discussed. “The NBM will continue to promote a robust, transparent financial framework compatible with European requirements, for the benefit of the citizens, businesses, and economy of the Republic of Moldova,” stated Ms Anca Dragu.
The Conference of Francophone Central Bank Governors, attended by the NBM Governor, is an international platform for cooperation and the exchange of best practices, initiated by the Bank of France in 1994.
