Support to Moldova’s European path and the strengthening of regional cooperation were at the centre of the meeting between Secretary General, Franco Dal Mas, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, in Chișinău on 27 April 2026.
The gathering followed shortly after Minister Popșoi’s participation in the 30th anniversary of the CEI - Executive Secretariat in Trieste, confirming the continuity of a well-established political dialogue and operational approach. It took place at a particularly crucial moment for the country, marked by progress towards the European Union alongside growing security pressures.
Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining strong support for Moldova’s EU accession process, also in light of recent debates at the European level pointing to a more open and flexible approach towards the country’s integration.
Particular attention was devoted to ongoing and future cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure - from transport or connectivity to energy to water systems - digitalisation, and support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The added value of CEI instruments to this end was underlined, notably projects implemented under the CEI Fund at the EBRD financed by Italy as well as activities financed through the CEI Cooperation Fund.
The visit confirmed the CEI’s commitment to accompanying Moldova along its European path, in line with its mission of turning policy into action through practical and targeted support.
The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption and organised crime, enhancing border management, and reinforcing resilience against hybrid threats. In this framework, programmes such as the Falcone-Borsellino Programme were highlighted as concrete tools to support institutional capacity-building.
Secretary General Franco Dal Mas stressed that regional cooperation remained essential to support Moldova’s European path in a concrete and effective way, adding that CEI intruments were designed to translate political commitment into tangible results. He further underlined that, in the current geopolitical context, Moldova’s stability and resilience were not only national priorities but also of strategic importance for the wider European region.
“The security of Moldova is part of European security. The CEI supports institutional strengthening and the country’s path towards the European Union,” said Franco Dal Mas, also recalling the position of Minister Antonio Tajani, according to whom EU enlargement represents a “reunification of Europe.”
Minister Popșoi expressed appreciation for the CEI’s continued engagement, underlining the importance of tangible cooperation at this decisive stage for the country, and both sides reaffirmed that regional cooperation remained a key driver for stability, resilience, and sustainable development, as well as a fundamental pillar in advancing Moldova’s European future.
During his visit to Chișinău, Franco Dal Mas also met with the Ambassador of Italy to Moldova, Giuseppe Maria Perricone.
For more info: arsova@cei.int
