13 October 2026
On 13 October 2026, the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on two clusters (thematic blocks of accession talks). “Internal market” has 9 chapters, including free movement of goods, services and capital, company law, competition and financial services. “Competitiveness and inclusive growth” has 8 chapters, including taxation, economic and monetary policy, industry and the customs union.
The external relations cluster was opened in July 2026; in total the talks cover 6 clusters and 33 chapters, and the Irish presidency aims to open the rest before its term ends. On 5 October, the European Commission paid Moldova €157 million (about $176 million), the third tranche of the €1.8 billion (about $2 billion) Growth Plan for 2025–2027, after checking delivery of 18 reforms.
An important detail for agricultural investors: the free movement of capital chapter also covers rules on acquiring property, including farmland, which Moldovan law (Act No. 1308 of 1997) currently does not allow foreigners or companies with foreign capital to buy. Progress in this chapter will be key for foreign investment in farms. Accession itself, however, will take years, and growth is slow: the IMF forecasts 1.5% for 2026.
Sources: European Commission, 13 October 2026; Eunews, 5 October 2026; SeeNews, 13 October 2026.