European economic integration means more than bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union. For businesses, it means access to a market of more than 450 million consumers, common rules and standards, a more predictable investment climate and greater opportunities for companies to grow.
At Moldova Business Week 2026, representatives of public institutions, businesses, investors, financial institutions and economic experts will discuss how European economic integration can affect the competitiveness of Moldovan companies. The agenda will feature sessions on access to the European market, attracting investment, expanding exports and aligning standards as part of the ongoing economic reforms.
The experience of countries that have already gone through this process shows that European integration can accelerate business development and create more favorable conditions for investment and exports.
Poland provides one of the most relevant examples. According to an analysis by the Polish Economic Institute, 20 years after joining the European Union, Poland’s real GDP per capita was approximately 40% higher than it would have been had the country not joined the EU.
Over the same period, the value of services exports from the eight Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 increased 3.5 times between 2005 and 2022. The countries also attracted nearly $630 billion in foreign direct investment between 2004 and 2022.
Romania also offers a strong example. Since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania’s GDP per capita, measured in purchasing power standards, has increased from 44% of the EU average to approximately 78% in 2024. This growth reflects an accelerated process of economic convergence supported by higher investment, expanding exports and deeper integration into European value chains.
Moldova is also advancing toward European economic integration. The European Union has already become the country’s main trading partner. According to Moldova’s National Bureau of Statistics, EU member states accounted for 67.5% of Moldova’s merchandise exports in 2025, while 54.1% of the country’s merchandise imports came from the EU.
At the same time, the EU’s Growth Plan for Moldova, which provides up to 1.9 billion euros for 2025-2027, is creating opportunities to attract investment, modernize infrastructure and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy alongside the implementation of reforms under the Reform Agenda.
Natalia Bejan, Director of the Investment Agency, said: “European economic integration creates better conditions for the development of Moldovan companies. We are talking about access to markets, investment, standards that facilitate trade and a more competitive business environment. It is important for entrepreneurs and investors to understand how they can benefit from these opportunities and identify the tools that can help them grow.”
What Are the Concrete Benefits for Businesses?
Access to new markets
Companies can gain easier access to the European market, allowing them to diversify their sales markets, reach new customers and expand beyond Moldova’s borders.
Integration into European value chains
Local companies can become suppliers or partners of international businesses and participate in production, services and distribution processes spanning multiple European countries.
Greater investor confidence
An economic framework aligned with European standards and an ongoing reform process can strengthen investor confidence, potentially attracting new investment, supporting large-scale projects and creating jobs.
Access to financing and support programs
Companies can benefit from EU funds, development programs, financial guarantees and other instruments supporting investment, innovation, digitalization and competitiveness.
A more predictable business environment
Aligning legislation and standards with those of the European Union can provide clearer and more stable rules, reduce uncertainty and create a more favorable environment for long-term investment and business planning.
Greater competitiveness
Adopting European standards and gaining access to technology, know-how and international partnerships can improve the quality of products and services, helping Moldovan companies compete more effectively in European and global markets.
In a rapidly changing economic environment, European integration is no longer just a strategic objective. It can also provide a major advantage for companies seeking to grow, attract investment and expand their presence in international markets.
Moldova Business Week 2026 aims to bring these opportunities into focus and provide the business community with information, practical examples and connections that can be turned into concrete opportunities. Over the five-day event, participants will be able to attend thematic forums, dialogue sessions, B2B meetings and discussions focused on the business environment.
Registration for Moldova Business Week 2026 is open on the official website, www.mbw.md.