Now comes the harder part: turning this political choice into real progress. The new government must strengthen the rule of law, push forward with reforms, and build the institutional capacity needed to make EU membership a reality. 

Among the challenges ahead, two stand out – energy and the environment. Moldova has benefited from strong European support. The European Commission’s Growth Plan for Moldova, worth more than EUR 1.9 billion, has already been approved. Yet, the biggest obstacle is not money, but the country’s ability to deliver reforms and put policies into action.

A recent National Green Transition Assessment Report, launched by SEI in June, offers a roadmap for Moldova’s green transition. The report reviews progress across climate action, energy, buildings, industry, pollution, agriculture, transport and biodiversity. It highlights real achievements but also major gaps that must be closed. 

Moldova has set an ambitious goal: to cut emissions by more than 70% by 2030 – exceeding the EU average. Yet serious challenges remain with green transition, governance and financing. Implementation often lags behind commitments, due to the already limited administrative capacity being pushed to their limits with the gigantic tasks related to EU accession.

This matters because Moldova is already feeling the effects of a changing climate. The country is highly exposed to droughts, floods and other extreme weather. A joint SEI and ACT Global public perception study found that 73% of Moldovans say climate change affects them or people close to them, 85% report health impacts, and more than half face economic hardship linked to climate-related issues. These disasters already cost the country about 1.3% of GDP each year.

Our assessment identifies areas where the new government must act fastest:

• Accelerate digital and green transformation: Expanding digital services, creating decarbonization plans, and scaling up green technologies are essential for innovation, exports and green jobs. These steps can also improve living standards and open EU markets.
• Improve adaptation readiness: Moldova needs stronger adaptation measures – public and private – to reduce damage from climate change, which hits vulnerable groups hardest.
• Unlock green capital: Moldova will need over EUR 30 billion in investment to reach net zero. Closing this gap means attracting new climate finance and more private investors.
• Empower local leadership and green finance: Municipalities need more tools, better capacity, and domestic green finance to lead climate action beyond reliance on international aid.
• Invest in clean energy: Better regulations and stronger market confidence are key to unlocking renewable energy, storage capacity and energy efficiency. Workforce and infrastructure gaps must also be addressed.
• Promote sustainable agriculture: Export-oriented agricultural reforms can make Moldovan products more competitive while protecting the environment and supporting EU market access.
• Protect nature and biodiversity: Moldova needs urgent afforestation and updated environmental policies to ensure sustainable land management and meet EU biodiversity standards.
• Upgrade waste and water solutions: Modern wastewater treatment and circular economy practices are vital for public health and pollution control.
• Modernize transport: Shifting from a road-centric system to smarter, cleaner public transport will cut emissions and improve access to mobility.

Moldova has made its political choice for Europe. Now it must prove that choice through action. The elections showed how crucial European support has been – and continued backing will be vital. The EU, its member states, and the international community can help Moldova succeed through technical assistance, mobilization of green finance, knowledge sharing, and political partnership.

Helping Moldova carry out these reforms is not just about one country’s future – it is an investment in stability, energy security and resilience at Europe’s eastern frontier. With sustained support, Moldova can turn its European vision into lasting prosperity.