The EU and Moldova have reached an agreement to review and update the trade terms of the EU-Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). This is a significant step towards establishing a stable and balanced trade relationship, especially as Moldova progresses toward EU membership.
The updated agreement supports Moldovas European ambitions while considering EU interests, aligning with other trade agreements.
Most Moldovan exports already benefit from duty-free access under the existing EU-Moldova Association Agreement, and the revised terms offer further opportunities for both parties, acknowledging the sensitivities of certain agricultural sectors.
The EU has agreed to enhance access for Moldovan agricultural exports that are not yet liberalised:
- Plums, table grapes, apples, and cherries: Tariff rate quotas will increase to reflect recent trade volumes and Moldovas integration into the EU economy, allowing for greater exports while ensuring that Moldovan exporters can maintain at least the same quantities as under autonomous trade measures (ATMs).
- Grape juice, tomatoes, and garlic: Imports of these products will be duty-free (except for specific entry price systems for tomatoes).
Moldova has also agreed to improve access for certain EU agricultural exports: quotas will increase for pork and poultry, and new tariff quotas will be introduced for frozen boneless meat, milk, and butter.
New market access for Moldovan products is contingent upon the gradual alignment of Moldova with relevant EU production standards, including pesticide use, consistent with Moldovas EU accession process and the adoption of the EU acquis.
Both parties can activate a safeguard mechanism to adopt measures if imports adversely affect either side. The EUs assessment of potential disturbances can occur at the level of one or more Member States.
The agreement includes a review planned for 2027, which will evaluate Moldovas progress towards EU membership, market integration with the EU, the usage of agreed trade quotas, and the evolution of production and import capacities, considering both parties interests.
Next Steps
Member States and the European Parliament will be briefed on the agreement details soon.
Following final legal review, the EU and Moldova will proceed with the necessary procedures for formal endorsement of the revised DCFTA.
The Commission will soon propose a Council decision for endorsement. The agreement will then be formally adopted by the EU-Moldova Association Committee.
As the ATMs expire today (July 24, 2025), trade will continue under the current DCFTA terms until the revised agreement takes effect.
Background
The EU and Moldova signed an Association Agreement in June 2014, fully effective since July 2016. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area is a key part of this Agreement, providing duty-free access for most Moldovan products and reducing tariffs for European firms exporting to Moldova, while streamlining customs procedures. The agreement facilitates trade by gradually aligning Moldovan legislation with EU standards.
On July 25, 2022, the EU implemented ATMs to support Moldovas economy, impacted by Russias war against Ukraine, which disrupted traditional export routes reliant on transit through Ukraine. These ATMs were renewed twice and expired on July 24, 2025.
The ATMs aided Moldova in redirecting its trade towards the EU, resulting in increased Moldovan exports to the EU, from €1.8 billion in 2021 to €2.2 billion in 2024.
The Commission aims for long-term reciprocal tariff liberalisation with Moldova, ensuring a smooth transition to a new framework integrating all trade arrangements into the renewed DCFTA regime.
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