The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Ms Anca Dragu, held a meeting with Her Excellency Ms Petra Lärke, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova, during which the latest developments in the financial sector were discussed, as well as progress made in aligning national financial legislation with the EU acquis.

The dialogue focused on the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European financial market, with particular emphasis on joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) in 2025 – an achievement that demonstrated the country’s capacity to align its relevant framework and legislation, including in the area of preventing and combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, with European Union requirements.

In this context, NBM Governor Ms Anca Dragu underlined that joining SEPA was the result of a concerted effort, reflecting the determination to accelerate structural reforms that effectively integrate the Republic of Moldova into the European Union’s economic area, with a direct impact on citizens, the business community and external economic relations.

“Within less than a year of connecting to SEPA, citizens and companies in the Republic of Moldova have saved more than EUR 13 million on cross-border euro payments. This money remains in the economy and supports the business community, while our financial system is becoming more stable and more attractive to investors. This is a tangible step towards a more connected and competitive economy at European level, and the National Bank will continue to implement the necessary reforms so that the benefits of European financial integration reach every citizen and every entrepreneur,” the NBM Governor stated.

Ms Anca Dragu also highlighted the NBM’s contribution to aligning the regulatory and supervisory framework with European standards, including through the process of aligning legislation with the requirements of the European Banking Authority (EBA).

The bilateral meeting confirmed the continuation of the partnership supporting the Republic of Moldova’s convergence with the European Union. Cooperation with the Kingdom of Sweden in the banking and financial sector is important to the National Bank, particularly on subjects related to payment systems, financial integration and cross-border financial connectivity.