As of October 6, Moldova officially became an operational part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the National Bank of Moldova. Anca Dragu, President of the National Bank, emphasized that the country’s integration into SEPA marks a historic milestone for the national financial system and confirms Moldova’s European path.
Previously, international transfers from Moldova cost between 20 and 200 euros. Following the SEPA membership, payments will be processed under European Union internal tariffs and standards, allowing transfers for just a few euros or even free of charge. According to the National Bank, Moldovan exporters could save around 20 million euros annually due to reduced transaction costs in trade with EU countries.
At this stage, eight Moldovan banks have received SEPA participant status. Moldova initiated the SEPA accession process in January 2024 by submitting an official application to the European Payments Council (EPC). On March 6, 2025, the EPC approved Moldova’s inclusion in the SEPA geographic zone.
The National Bank reports that in 2024, approximately 830,000 transactions totaling 11.8 billion euros were conducted between Moldova and SEPA countries. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a European system that enables euro transfers between payment systems of participating countries under equal conditions. SEPA includes EU member states, the United Kingdom, countries of the European Economic Area, as well as Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.
Earlier we wrote about who is Maia Sandu: moldova’s reformist leader and her vision for Ukraine.
