The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Anca Dragu, held a series of meetings in Brussels with Members of the European Parliament, with the aim of strengthening financial cooperation between Moldova and the European Union.

The discussions focused on the National Bank of Moldova’s role in facilitating Moldova's financial integration into the European Union, with a focus on progress in implementing the structural reforms included in the Growth Plan of the Republic of Moldova. A central topic of the meetings was the accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) - a strategic development that will modernize the payment infrastructure, strengthen financial stability and enhance Moldova's economic integration into the European market. This step will bring direct benefits to citizens and businesses by ensuring more favorable conditions for fast, secure and lower-cost financial transactions.

During the meeting with MEP Siegfried Mureșan, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation

for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, the benefits of joining SEPA were highlighted:

• For citizens: faster, safer and cheaper transactions, without the additional costs associated with national borders.
• For businesses: simplified cross-border payments, reduced bureaucracy and improved access to European business partnerships, boosting the competitiveness of Moldovan firms in the EU market.
• For diaspora: significantly lower costs for international transfers, financial support to Moldovan families.

Officials stated that these transformations will accelerate Moldova's financial integration with the European economy and create a more attractive environment for investment and sustainable economic growth.

During the meeting with Eugen Tomac, member of the EU-Moldova Association Committee, discussions focused on the progress Moldova is making in the European integration process, but also the challenges it is overcoming.

Officials also addressed the importance of access to European markets, support for financial reforms, strengthening transparency and, in particular, Moldova's accession to SEPA - a major step in facilitating banking transactions with the European Union.

"The National Bank of Moldova plays a crucial role in preparing the country for EU accession. The adoption of European standards will attract more foreign investors, improve competition in the banking sector and enhance the quality of financial services, bringing benefitsto all citizens and the economy as a whole", Anca Dragu emphasized.

During the meeting with MEP Dan Barna, discussions centered on the importance of financial stability for the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova and the need for further reforms to ensure an effective transition to EU standards.

"The National Bank of Moldova is firmly committed to implementing the necessary reforms for European financial integration. Strengthening economic stability and modernizing the banking infrastructure are key priorities in this process", underlined the NBM Governor.