EU and Moldova Extend Road Transport Agreement Through 2027

The European Union and Moldova have extended the validity of their Road Transport Agreement until 31 March 2027, ensuring continued access for Moldovan hauliers to EU transit routes and markets. The agreement, first signed on 29 June 2022, was created to offset disruptions caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and to strengthen Moldova's economic links with the EU. The extension is intended to facilitate trade and mobility by granting transit and bilateral transport rights to Moldovan and EU road freight operators.

Officials said the arrangement has already significantly boosted exports and provided crucial support to Moldova's economy after the loss of Black Sea shipping routes.

Agreement Supports Trade and Connectivity

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas welcomed the extension, noting its impact on regional stability. "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," he said.

The agreement was first introduced after traditional trade routes through Ukraine's Black Sea ports became inaccessible. By partly liberalising road freight, the EU and Moldova allowed reciprocal transit and bilateral transport rights, easing bottlenecks in exports and ensuring Moldova remained connected to international markets. Officials said the framework also reinforces the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, since Moldova is a key transit corridor for Ukrainian goods moving in and out of the EU.

Trade statistics show the agreement has delivered strong results. Exports by road from Moldova to the EU increased by 57% in volume and 41% in value in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2021, before the agreement was signed. In return, EU exports by road to Moldova grew by 36% in volume and 49% in value over the same timeframe.

Both sides consider the extension vital to maintaining trade flows while regional transport routes remain disrupted. For the EU, the agreement strengthens its integration with Moldova, while for Moldova it secures long-term access to European markets and logistics networks. The extension until 2027 is expected to provide stability for freight operators and businesses reliant on road transport.

Officials said further reviews will be conducted before the agreement's new expiry date to assess long-term needs for EU-Moldova transport integration.