Brussels Considers Restrictions on Moldovan Citizens’ Employment After EU Accession

Citizens of Moldova may not be granted immediate free access to the European Union’s labour market even after the country joins the bloc. Brussels believes that transitional periods should be stipulated, allowing member states to restrict the employment of Moldovan workers. This is stated in the EU’s official negotiating position on Cluster 2, “Internal Market”, in a document dated October 12, 2026, obtained by the Bani news portal. The document notes that the European Union intends to revisit the issue at a later stage of the negotiations, after the European Commission presents an assessment of the potential impact of Moldovan workers’ access to member states’ labor markets. “The EU considers that transitional measures will be required to allow the current member states to impose restrictions on access to their labor markets for workers from the Republic of Moldova, as well as on the freedom to provide services involving the temporary movement of workers,” the document states. This means that acquiring EU citizenship following the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the Union will not automatically guarantee the right to work without restrictions in every EU country. Some member states may temporarily retain additional employment requirements for Moldovan citizens, depending on the provisions agreed during the negotiations. Brussels clarifies, however, that the rights of Moldovan citizens who already legally reside and work in an EU member state will be protected. Furthermore, neither they nor their family members may be treated less favorably than third-country nationals benefiting from rights provided for under EU law. At this stage, the document does not specify how long the restrictions might remain in force, which countries could introduce them, or which categories of workers would be affected. These issues will be discussed in subsequent stages of the accession negotiations. At the same time, the European Union notes that Moldova’s level of compliance with EU legislation on the free movement of workers remains low. The outstanding issues concern the right to enter and reside in member states, access to employment and equal treatment. Before joining the EU, Chisinau will have to ensure that EU citizens have unrestricted access to the labor market of the Republic of Moldova on equal terms with Moldovan citizens. These rights must cover working conditions, social and tax benefits, and the protection of family members. Brussels is also calling for stronger institutions responsible for labor mobility, including preparations for integration into EURES, the European network that helps people find employment in other EU member states. Challenges also remain in coordinating social security systems and in recognizing and preserving occupational pension rights for workers moving between European Union countries.