The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Ms Anca Dragu, took part in the debate “The Republic of Moldova between its Soviet past, state reform and European integration”, organised as part of the Râșnov Film and History Festival – a major cultural event featuring discussions and lectures delivered by historians, economists, journalists, diplomats, sociologists, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.

The debate addressed topics related to the Republic of Moldova’s European path, the transformations undergone by its economy, the modernisation of state institutions, as well as public perceptions of the reforms.

In her remarks, Ms Anca Dragu highlighted the role of the NBM in the country’s accession process to the European Union by strengthening a stable, secure financial system that is compatible with European standards.

“Adopting international best practices and continuously aligning with European standards have helped us build a modern, resilient institution capable of responding to increasingly complex risks,” the NBM Governor emphasised. She also stressed that “through the reforms it has implemented and by exercising its mandate independently and responsibly, the NBM demonstrates the Republic of Moldova’s capacity to build institutions that operate in accordance with European principles of competence, integrity, transparency and public accountability”.

Against the backdrop of the transformations taking place in the Republic of Moldova and its closer alignment with European standards, the NBM Governor noted that Moldova’s banking sector is stable, robust and well governed, with a high level of liquidity, while also ensuring the effective implementation of harmonised legislation.

“The Republic of Moldova’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) marked a strategic milestone in the country’s European path, confirming its capacity to adopt modern financial standards. SEPA has brought tangible benefits to citizens, the diaspora, businesses and the economy: the cost of a cross-border euro transfer has fallen from EUR 20–150 to just EUR 1.09 per transaction. As a result, in just ten months since operational connectivity was achieved in October 2025, the impact has exceeded EUR 13 million – money that has remained in the budgets of companies and citizens,” Ms Anca Dragu said.

The dialogue also highlighted the National Bank’s financial education initiatives, such as “The Meaning of Money” Financial Education Camp, the “School of Modern Finance” and “A Vacation Day at the NBM”, through which young people are helped to better understand the role of the financial system and make responsible financial decisions.

Now in its 18th edition, the Râșnov Film and History Festival has become a space for dialogue and interaction, bringing together guests from Romania and the Republic of Moldova to discuss current transformations, civic engagement and the resilience of society in the face of challenges..