The EU cooperates with Moldova in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and its eastern regional dimension, the Eastern Partnership. The key goal is to bring Moldova closer to the EU.

The European Neighbourhood Instrument is the EU financial instrument dedicated to the Neighbourhood for the period 2014-2020. It replaces the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) of 2007-2013. Other funding sources are the thematic programmes, focused on human rights and civil society.

EU assistance to Moldova takes mainly the form of country Action Programmes funded every year under the ENI. Moldova benefits also from regional and multi-country Action Programmes funded under the ENI.

Bilateral cooperation

Bilateral cooperation with Moldova contributes to the objectives of the Eastern Partnership.

The strategic framework, key results and indicative financial allocations for the EU's bilateral cooperation with Moldova in 2014-2017 are set out in the Single Support Framework . The three priority sectors are:

• public administration reform,
• agriculture and rural development,
• police reform and border management.

These sectors will encompass support for the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA) – that Moldova signed with the EU on 27 June 2014. In addition, complementary support for the modernisation of public institutions and for civil society can be provided outside the priority sectors.

In 2014-2017, ENI bilateral assistance to Moldova may range between a minimum of €335 million and a maximum of €410 million. These figures are indicative: final allocations will depend on the country's needs and commitment to reforms.

Moldova can also benefit from additional financial assistance granted through the multi-country 'umbrella programme': the incentive-based mechanism that rewards progress in building deep and sustainable democracy with supplementary financial allocations ('more for more'). See more

In 2014, the EU committed €131 million for bilateral assistance to Moldova under the ENI to support the implementation of a DCFTA, agriculture and rural development, and public finance policy reforms. This includes €30 million granted through the multi-country 'umbrella programme'. See the Annual Action Programme 2014 and the Special Measure 2014.

Ongoing programmes (under the ENPI) concentrate on reforms in justice, energy, rural and regional development, and on confidence-building measures. Support for public institutions and promotion of EU best practices are important elements of ongoing and future cooperation across all sectors. Civil society initiatives are supported with the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility.

In 2007-2013, the EU committed €561million for bilateral assistance to Moldova under the ENPI. This included €63 million granted in 2012-2013 through the Eastern Partnership Integration and Cooperation (EaPIC) programme (now replaced by the 'umbrella programme').

Regional cooperation

Moldova participates also in regional programmes funded under the ENPI/ENI (mainly in transport, energy and environment), in the Eastern Partnership Flagship Initiatives, in cross-border cooperation and in initiatives open to all Neighbour countries: Erasmus+, TAIEX, SIGMA, and the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF). The NIF in Moldova targets primarily investment projects in transport, water and energy.

Thematic programmes

In addition to the ENI, Moldova is eligible for funding under the EU thematic programmes: the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities, Human Development and Migration & Asylum.