Ministry of Finance includes full liberalization of foreign exchange operations among accession priorities

Full liberalization of foreign exchange operations and updated rules for payments and electronic money are among the priorities presented by the Ministry of Finance at consultations on 28 October 2026. The discussions focused on the Republic of Moldova’s positions on accession to the European Union in the areas of capital movements and financial services.

In brief

• The Ministry of Finance includes improving deposit guarantee mechanisms among the priorities for alignment with European Union standards.

• The Ministry of Finance lists Law No. 181/2026 on markets in financial instruments and Law No. 180/2026 on the crypto-asset market among the acts adopted.

• The Ministry of Finance’s consultations will continue on 2 November 2026, with negotiating positions on taxation and economic and monetary policy.

What changes are envisaged for payments?

Priorities for Chapter 4, Free Movement of Capital, include continuing to align legislation on payment services and foreign exchange operations with European and international standards. Full liberalization of foreign exchange operations is presented as an objective for the coming period, alongside updating the legal framework for electronic money.

The Ministry of Finance says that connecting the banking system to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is among the changes already made. According to the institution, the connection enables citizens and companies to make euro transfers more quickly and securely, at reduced or no cost. The ministry also points to the expansion of the MIA Instant Payments system to transactions between legal entities.

What does the agenda provide for financial services?

Priorities for Chapter 9, Financial Services, concern the rules applicable to the financial sector, including bank recovery and resolution mechanisms and deposit guarantees. According to the Ministry of Finance, alignment is intended to meet European Union standards for the authorisation, operation and supervision of financial institutions and regulated markets.

The ministry lists Law No. 181/2026 on markets in financial instruments and Law No. 180/2026 on the crypto-asset market among the acts adopted. The institution presents the protection of investors and users as objectives of these regulations.

The establishment of the first voluntary pension fund and the registration of the Joint-Stock Company “Moldova International Stock Exchange” are also mentioned by the ministry. The institution links them to long-term savings and the diversification of funding sources.

When will consultations continue?

The Ministry of Finance will continue public consultations on 2 November 2026. The next round will address the negotiating positions for Chapter 16, Taxation, and Chapter 17, Economic and Monetary Policy.

Representatives of public institutions, the business community, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and employers’ organisations took part in the consultations on 28 October 2026. According to the ministry, participants were able to raise questions and submit comments and proposals on the accession commitments.