Introduction
On 6 March 2025, the Republic of Moldova reached a major milestone in its European integration journey: it was formally accepted into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). This achievement marks a turning point in the country’s financial modernisation and its ambition to join the European Union by 2030.
For UK businesses, the development is more than symbolic. It creates practical opportunities for faster, cheaper, and more secure cross-border payments, lowering transaction costs for companies trading with Moldova and giving British firms an additional reason to explore this dynamic emerging market.
As Moldova receives €1.9 billion in EU support until 2028, followed by an even more substantial pre-accession package, its economy is being reshaped to meet European standards. Now is the perfect time for British companies to position themselves early.
This September, UK businesses will have the chance to experience Moldova’s progress first-hand during Moldova Business Week 2025 (15–19 September). Join Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance Ltd, Express Language Solutions Ltd and Ki Partnerships Ltd for the Business Led Trade Mission to Moldova and discover the hidden gem of Eastern Europe!
What is SEPA and Why Does It Matter?
The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is a European system designed to streamline and harmonise cross-border euro payments. It ensures that transfers in euro between SEPA members are treated as domestic payments—fast, low-cost, and highly secure.
For individuals, this means:
- Rapid and inexpensive euro transfers to and from Moldova.
- Transaction fees reduced from €10, €20, or even €200 to just a few euros.
- Greater financial security and reliability.
For businesses, the benefits are even more substantial:
- Lower operational costs in international trade.
- Improved cash flow management through faster settlements.
- Investor confidence, thanks to transparent and reliable payment systems.
- Easier financial integration with European partners.
For Moldova, joining SEPA signals stability, modernisation, and a clear commitment to aligning with European financial standards.
Benefits of SEPA for Bilateral UK–Moldova Trade
For British businesses trading with Moldova, SEPA membership will deliver:
- Cheaper Payments – Eliminating costly international transfer fees.
- Faster Settlements – Improving cashflow for importers and exporters.
- Reduced Risk – With payments aligned to European best practice.
- Simplified Operations – Less complexity when dealing with Moldovan suppliers or partners.
UK service providers, agrifood importers, and logistics firms will particularly benefit, as smoother payments reduce barriers to doing business.
SEPA in the Context of International Trade
For the wider global economy, Moldova’s entry into SEPA boosts:
- Investor Appeal – Financial reforms increase trust and transparency.
- Trade Facilitation – A modern payment infrastructure makes Moldova more attractive for supply chain integration.
- Regional Stability – Bringing Moldova closer to European financial markets enhances resilience.
In short, SEPA is not only about cheaper banking—it’s about unlocking Moldova’s potential as a reliable trading partner.
Moldova Business Week 2025: The UK Mission
As part of the UK Business Led Mission to Moldova, organised by the Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance (MDBA), Express Language Solutions and Ki Partnerships British businesses are invited to attend Moldova Business Week 2025 (15–19 September).
This mission is co-led by Dina Railean (Salford President, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce; CEO of MDBA and Express Language Solutions Ltd) and Paul Kallee Grover MBE, Export Champion with the UK Department for Business and Trade and MD of Ki Partnerships Ltd.
The event is the flagship economic forum of Moldova, attracting international investors, government ministers, and corporate leaders.
👉 Find out more here:
https://moldovan-diaspora.com/why-uk-businesses-should-join-the-trade-mission-to-moldova-september-2025/
Why UK Businesses Should Join the Trade Mission
Participation offers British companies direct access to:
✅ Government Officials – Insights into EU-aligned reforms and investment opportunities.
✅ Networking – Engage with agrifood producers, IT innovators, and logistics companies.
✅ Market Knowledge – First-hand exposure to Moldova’s economic transformation.
✅ Partnerships – Explore distribution, investment, and joint ventures.
✅ On-Site Visits – Witness Moldova’s new infrastructure and logistics facilities.
✅ Policy Context – Understand Moldova’s EU accession timeline and how SEPA fits in.
For businesses looking at Eastern Europe as a growth market, this mission is the most effective entry point.
Moldova’s Path to EU Membership
Moldova’s acceptance into SEPA is just one step on its path to EU membership by 2030. Already, the country is aligning legislation, strengthening financial institutions, and adopting European best practices.
Until 2028, Moldova will receive €1.9 billion in EU support, targeted at infrastructure, digitalisation, and governance reforms. After 2028, an even larger pre-accession support package will unlock additional resources, accelerating transformation across sectors.
For UK businesses, this means entering a market that is evolving rapidly towards European standards while offering attractive investment incentives.
The Domestic Impact of SEPA
For Moldovan citizens and businesses, SEPA brings tangible change:
- Households: Cheaper transfers from relatives working abroad in the EU.
- SMEs: Easier transactions with suppliers and clients across Europe.
- Banks: Integration into European systems, adopting indirect connectivity models via existing SEPA banks.
- Government: Stronger financial oversight, increased trust in institutions, and greater attractiveness for FDI.
This internal strengthening translates into a more resilient partner for UK firms, ready for long-term collaboration.
Institutional Efforts Behind SEPA
Moldova’s SEPA accession is the product of extensive collaboration between national and international institutions, including:
- National Bank of Moldova
- Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Justice
- Parliament of the Republic of Moldova
- European partners and regulators
This coordinated effort demonstrates Moldova’s seriousness about reform and its readiness for international business partnerships.
Why UK Businesses Should Care
For UK businesses, Moldova’s SEPA membership and EU trajectory create:
- Lower entry barriers into an expanding European-aligned market.
- Opportunities to partner with local firms benefiting from EU funding.
- Access to a market of 2.5 million people strategically located between the EU and Eastern Europe.
- A chance to contribute to Moldova’s economic development while securing cost-effective supply chains.
Stay Ahead: Subscribe to MDBA Updates
The Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance (MDBA) provides the latest updates on Moldova’s economic transformation, including SEPA developments, trade missions, and EU alignment news.
📩 To stay informed, subscribe to the MDBA newsletter:
moldovan.diaspora.uk@gmail.com
Get ahead of competitors by monitoring new opportunities in a rapidly reforming market.
Conclusion: A Gateway to European Finance
Moldova’s accession to SEPA is more than a financial milestone—it is a gateway to European integration and an open invitation for businesses to engage with a transforming market.
For UK firms, this means cheaper, faster, safer payments, greater financial transparency, and stronger business confidence. Combined with Moldova’s EU accession pathway and significant EU support funding, the opportunities are multiplying.
By joining the UK Business Mission to Moldova in September 2025, companies can position themselves early to benefit from Moldova’s transformation, while building partnerships that will pay off in the coming decade.
Now is the moment to act. Moldova is opening its doors—SEPA is the key.