Why did the Commission negotiate this review?
As the autonomous trade measures (ATMs) expired on July 24, 2025, the EU and Moldova negotiated the review of their Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) to ensure long-term stability for EU and Moldovan businesses. This review is mandated by Article 147 of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.
This review aims to strengthen ties between the EU and Moldova, facilitating Moldovas gradual integration into the EU Single Market and supporting the development of its agricultural sector in alignment with EU standards.
What is the content of the agreement?
The agreement reached today is balanced, addressing the EUs commitment to a long-term solution while supporting Moldovas trade relations with the EU, considering sensitivities in certain agricultural sectors.
The agreement includes:
- Enhanced trade flows while considering Moldovas potential and sensitive EU agricultural sectors: Tariff rate quotas will be maintained for sensitive products. The EU will open its market for four Moldovan fruit products: plums, table grapes, cherries, and apples, while granting full liberalization for grape juice, garlic, and tomatoes. Moldova will also slightly increase its quotas for pork, poultry, and dairy products.
- Level-playing field: New market access concessions will depend on Moldovas commitment to align its legislation with EU production standards by 2027, with annual progress reports required.
- A robust safeguard clause: Both parties agreed to include a safeguard mechanism to address any negative impacts from trade liberalization, which can be invoked if necessary.
- Review clause: The agreement includes a review in 2027 to evaluate Moldovas progress towards EU accession and market integration.
What market access concessions have been agreed?
Under the current DCFTA, the EU had already liberalized nearly all tariff lines. The new changes will allow Moldova to maintain and potentially increase its export levels for various products, with tariff rate quotas retained for four sensitive products and liberalization for three less sensitive ones.
These products will be subject to a new safeguard mechanism applicable at both the EU level and for individual Member States.
What transitional arrangements apply from July 25, 2025?
Upon the expiration of the ATMs, the current DCFTA tariff rate quotas will resume on July 25, ensuring continuity for Moldovas agri-food exports to the EU until the review is implemented.
What is the expected impact for the EU, particularly for EU agriculture?
EU producers will gain additional market access for specific products (pork, poultry, and dairy) alongside existing provisions. The concessions to Moldova consider the sensitivities of EU Member States, with safeguards to protect the EU market from potential negative impacts.
Will farmers in neighboring countries be particularly affected?
With Moldova aligning with EU production standards, EU farmers will benefit from fair competition. A safeguard mechanism can be activated in case of adverse effects in one or more Member States.
The additional market access concessions have been carefully calibrated to protect farmers in neighboring countries and those with similar production cycles.
How will the safeguard work?
A bilateral safeguard will be included in the DCFTA review, allowing either party to invoke it if the concessions lead to adverse effects.
How does this agreement benefit Moldova and support the country?
The EU is Moldovas largest trading partner, and Moldova is committed to EU accession. Since the DCFTAs provisional implementation in 2014, trade between Moldova and the EU has increased significantly, with Moldovan exports to the EU growing from 49% in 2014 to 65.6% in 2024.
Moldova will continue to enjoy preferential access to the EU market, providing stability for its farmers. Aligning with EU agrifood standards will bring Moldova closer to EU accession and enhance the quality of its agricultural products.
What are the next steps?
The Commission will propose a Council Decision under Article 218 (9) of the TFEU for the Council to endorse the agreement, which will then be formally adopted by the EU-Moldova Association Committee in Trade configuration.
Entry into force will occur as soon as possible.
For More Information
EU trade relations with Moldova
EU-Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area | Access2Markets
EU and Moldova forge deeper ties at historic first Summit in Chișinău - European Commission
EU-Moldova Association Agreement