The European Union is moving towards eliminating customs duties on seven Moldovan agricultural products, taking a major step to increase trade and market access for Moldova. On 18 September, the EU Council adopted a position to be presented at the EU–Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration, focusing on products that are not yet fully liberalised for export to the EU: plums, table grapes, apples, tomatoes, garlic, cherries, and grape juice.
Until now, these products have benefited from the EU’s unilateral trade liberalisation measures for Moldova, introduced in July 2022 in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and renewed until 24 July 2025. The EU now aims to move from this temporary arrangement to a long-term framework that provides stability for exporters while supporting trade flows and protecting sensitive EU farm sectors.
The planned agreement will include strong safeguard clauses to prevent market distortions and will tie new market access to Moldova’s gradual alignment with EU agri-food standards by 2027. Following the Council’s adoption, the next step is for the EU–Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration to formally approve the reduction and elimination of customs duties under the review process outlined in Article 147(4) of the Agreement.
This move marks a significant milestone in EU-Moldova trade relations, promising more predictable and secure opportunities for Moldovan farmers and exporters while deepening economic ties with the EU.
