Implications of the Republic of Moldova’s eu accession for its network of free trade agreements [Articol]

Abstract

The Republic of Moldova’s prospective accession to the European Union (EU) entails full alignment with the EU’s Common Commercial Policy (CCP), including the adoption of the Common External Tariff and withdrawal from existing free trade agreements (FTAs). This article examines the economic implications of such alignment for Moldova’s trade structure, export sectors, and broader development strategy. Using official trade data for 2021–2024 and a structural analysis of export dependencies, the study highlights how Moldova’s current trade network, particularly with CIS countries and Turkey, remains critical for some important industries such as horticulture, viticulture, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. The analysis suggests that the termination of these FTAs, while legally necessary under EU accession rules, may generate substantial adjustment costs, exposing vulnerable sectors to both tariff and non-tariff barriers, disrupting supply chains, and increasing input costs. The paper argues that a gradual, compensated, and sector-specific transition is essential to prevent structural dislocation and ensure economic resilience. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on the sequencing of trade policy alignment in small economies seeking EU membership, emphasizing the importance of transitional instruments that reconcile legal compliance with socio-economic sustainability.