At a ceremony held in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, on Tuesday 2 September, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, together with Moldovan Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, signed an association agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the country’s participation in the Creative Europe programme.
From 1 January 2026, Moldovan artists and cultural organisations will be able to benefit from actions offered under the ‘Culture’ component of the programme.
The latter is the EU’s instrument for supporting the cultural and creative sectors. It promotes cross-border cooperation, innovation and diversity, and offers funding, mobility and greater visibility opportunities to sector stakeholders.
“Today marks a very important (...) milestone in Moldova’s path towards European Union membership”, said Glenn Micallef at the ceremony. “To recognise Moldovan culture as European is to affirm that Europe is stronger because of its diversity“.
Sergiu Prodan saw it as a “historic moment” that will initiate major European collaborations. “For us, it’s not just access to funds, (...) it is a declaration that Moldova affirms its natural place in the European family”, he said.
A Creative Europe desk will be set up to provide information and support to local organisations. This membership also enables Moldovan cities to compete for the title of European Capital of Culture. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)