National Bank of Moldova First Deputy Governor Petru Rotaru reiterated that Moldova’s first operational year in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) saved citizens and companies approximately EUR 16.4 million, during remarks at the annual EU enlargement conference in Chișinău. Approximately 1.2 million SEPA transactions were processed at an average cost of about EUR 1 per transfer, with lower fees than traditional SWIFT transfers.
Rotaru linked these payment benefits to reforms aligning Moldova’s financial regulation with European Union (EU) rules and emphasized banks’ capacity to finance businesses’ adaptation to European standards. Banks maintained high liquidity and complied with prudential requirements despite shocks in recent years. This financial position supports their ability to fund the investment businesses need as Moldova prepares for the EU single market.