In a strategic move aimed at further strengthening economic and trade relations between the European Union and Moldova, the parties have agreed to extend the validity of the current road transport agreement until December 31, 2025. This decision reflects the success of the agreement initially signed on June 29, 2022, which has played a key role in facilitating Moldova's access to global markets and strengthening its ties with the EU market.
The agreement was a direct response to the challenges faced by Moldova following the war in Ukraine, which resulted in the loss of crucial transport routes through the Black Sea Ukrainian ports and export markets to the east. By granting transit and bilateral transport rights to Moldovan and EU carriers, the agreement has simplified the transit of goods through the member states, helping to integrate the Moldovan market into the Union.
Thanks to this initiative, Moldovan exports to the EU have seen a 27% increase in volume in the third quarter of 2022 and a 35% increase in the same period of 2023 compared to 2021. This positive trend benefits not only Moldova but also the EU, which has registered a 30% increase in the value of its exports to Moldova from the third quarter of 2021 to the third quarter of 2022, with a trend that remained stable in 2023.
Beyond strengthening trade ties between the EU and Moldova, the agreement has supported the EU-Ukraine solidarity corridors, facilitating road transport between the EU and Moldova, crucial for the transit of Ukrainian exports and imports. The decision to extend the agreement, announced during the meeting of the joint committee established under the agreement, does not change the substance but extends its duration, offering greater predictability to the economic operators involved.
Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport, highlighted the importance of this extension: "This road agreement is a lifeline for Moldova, which has been hard hit by the loss of its traditional trade routes and the war in Ukraine. Today's decision reaffirms our steadfast support for Moldova, offering predictability to economic operators and ensuring that road exchanges between the EU and Moldova can continue without obstacles for the next eighteen months."
