Strategic Visit to Brussels: Strengthening Moldova’s European Integration Path Through Public–Private Dialogue

Between March 24–28, a high-level delegation from the Republic of Moldova – composed of representatives from the business community, public institutions, development partners, and economic journalists – carried out a strategic working visit to Brussels. Organised by EBA Moldova and Helvetas Moldova, with financial support from the Economic Journalism Academy (AJE) programme, the visit aimed to promote and strengthen Moldova’s European integration process, with a specific focus on the implementation of the EU Growth Plan and the country’s alignment with EU standards.

The delegation held a series of high-level meetings with European stakeholders, including members of the European Parliament, the European Commission (DG GROW, DG AGRI, DG TRADE, DG TAXUD), the European External Action Service (EEAS), and leading business advocacy platforms such as BusinessEurope. Discussions focused on key areas of reform, such as regulatory convergence, customs and transit systems, investment climate improvement, and institutional capacity development – all essential pillars of Moldova’s reform agenda and future EU integration.

A central theme of the visit was the active involvement of the private sector in shaping national reform processes. Moldovan business associations – including Moldova Fruct, the National Farmers Federation, and Agro Oguz – played a visible role in sharing on-the-ground realities and proposing practical recommendations. These voices are critical in ensuring that the country’s legislative and institutional transformation is not only top-down but also reflective of entrepreneurial needs and challenges.

Helvetas played a strategic role in bringing together diverse organisations under a common platform to foster dialogue, coordination, and synergy. By facilitating collaboration between business associations, public sector representatives, and EU institutions, Helvetas helped position the Moldovan private sector as a credible partner in the country’s European future.

This visit marked an important step in deepening Moldova’s engagement with European partners and strengthening the foundations for sustainable, inclusive economic development. It demonstrated how public–private dialogue, when structured and strategically supported, can accelerate reform, enhance trust, and ensure that integration efforts are grounded in local realities and needs.