EU and Moldova extend Road Transport Agreement until 31 March 2027

The EU and Moldova decided to extend the validity of their current Road Transport Agreement until 31 March 2027. The Agreement is designed to support Moldova's access to global markets by facilitating transit through EU countries and strengthening the country's connections with the EU market. Since its initial signing on 29 June 2022, the Agreement has significantly boosted road exports, benefitting of both economies.

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, stated: "We are very pleased to extend the Road Transport Agreement with Moldova, which has already proven to be a real success. It has provided vital support to the Moldovan economy in the wake of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, while also boosting EU exports to Moldova. This extension is a tangible demonstration of the EU's continued support for Moldova and of the steady integration of our economies."

The Agreement with Moldova was first established following the loss of important transport routes passing through Ukraine's Black Sea ports and export markets to the east of Ukraine, due to Russia's war of aggression. By partly liberalising road freight transport through giving transit and bilateral transport rights to Moldovan and EU hauliers for their respective territories, the Agreement supports deeper integration of the Moldovan market into the EU. It has also strengthened the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes since Moldova is an important country of transit for Ukrainian exports and imports.

Exports by road from Moldova to the EU increased by 57% in volume and 41% in value terms in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2021 (before the Agreement). The EU also greatly benefited from the Agreement: EU exports by road to Moldova increased by 49% in value and 36% in volume terms in the same period.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola - Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)

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