Present at the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM) 2025, held between July 9–13 in Vatra Dornei, H.E. Victor Chirilă, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Romania, emphasized in a press interview the essential role of Romania in supporting his country’s economic development and energy security, as well as in its rapprochement with the European Union.

His statements came in the context of an event that brought together political, economic, and diplomatic leaders from the region and across Europe, to discuss sustainable development solutions and strategic partnerships in the wider Moldova area.

Romania – a strategic partner in investment, trade, and energy

Ambassador Victor Chirilă reaffirmed that Romania is not only a friendly neighbor, but “the guarantor of the Republic of Moldova’s energy security and prosperity.” With investments exceeding 300 million euros, Romania is currently the largest investor in the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, it is also the main trading partner, the destination for most Moldovan exports – a volume that has been steadily increasing year after year.

A particularly important element is energy interconnection.

“We have this great opportunity to import electricity and natural gas from the European Union market, thanks to Romania,” explained the ambassador.

These transfers are made possible by previously built energy infrastructure, while joint plans aim to expand it through three new interconnection lines:

• Bălți – Suceava

• Strășeni – Romania (planned)

• Isaccea – Vulcănești – Chișinău (under construction, estimated completion by the end of the year)

These projects will allow the Republic of Moldova to no longer depend on the Transnistrian region for electricity supply – a move that is essential both in terms of security and European energy integration. In addition, Moldova imports gas through the networks of Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, thus strengthening a regional energy security network.

2030 – strategic objective: accession to the European Union

Ambassador Chirilă also spoke about another major milestone in the Republic of Moldova’s vision for the future: joining the European Union by 2030. According to him, Chișinău aims to complete accession negotiations by 2028–2029, so that in 2029 an official accession agreement could be signed. The ratification process would then begin in 2030.

“2030 is an important date for the Republic of Moldova,” the ambassador emphasized. In this context, forums such as FERM become essential, because “our partners in Romania get to know us better, and we get to know them. Together we establish cooperation, development, and interconnection projects.”

An extended cross-border cooperation: Moldova and Romania’s Northern Region

In his dialogue, H.E. Victor Chirilă also highlighted the importance of the special relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the regions of northern Romania – Bukovina and Northern Moldova – areas that stand out not only through historical and cultural ties, but also through tourism opportunities and joint energy projects.

“One of the power lines will connect Bălți and Suceava – hopefully by 2027,” declared the ambassador, underlining the concrete nature of these regional partnerships.

Conclusion

The statements of Ambassador Victor Chirilă at the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 reaffirm what is becoming increasingly evident in today’s geopolitical landscape: Romania is not only a trusted partner, but also an essential pillar in building the European future of the Republic of Moldova.

Whether we are talking about energy security, investment, trade, or diplomacy, the bilateral relationship between the two states is constantly deepening and becoming more professional, with direct effects on the well-being of citizens on both sides of the Prut.