As a candidate country for accession to the European Union, the Republic of Moldova is required to align its national legislation with that of the EU, including the entire legal framework governing the media sector. The sector has evolved rapidly, with much of the press migrating online and social media becoming the main source of information for citizens. Meanwhile, the Press Law, adopted 30 years ago, has become obsolete and outdated in many respects. A new media law would be the solution expected in Chisinau and Brussels.
WHAT DO WE HAVE?
Currently, the Republic of Moldova operates in the media field on the basis of a normative act adopted in 1994, which is considered outdated by experts and no longer responds to current digital realities and the evolution of press freedom in the online environment. This situation has led to significant legislative gaps, including in terms of media ownership transparency, ensuring pluralism, and protecting journalists.
WHAT IS THE EU ASKING FOR?
At the European Union level, there is a new modern legal framework designed to protect press freedom, pluralism, and media independence, which member states are required to apply. The most important instrument in this regard is the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), adopted in 2024 and entered into force in August 2025.
In its latest report on the progress of EU candidate countries, the European Commission noted that Moldova still needs to harmonize its media legislation with EU standards. The authorities in Chișinău are urged to finalize the alignment of the legal framework and implement the outstanding recommendations of the Venice Commission. The main recommendation of the Brussels executive is to ensure the transparency of the print and online media.
WHAT IS MOLDOVA DOING NOW?
A draft of a new media law was drawn up last year, but it was not registered and therefore did not go through the legislative process. In the coming period, both the relevant parliamentary committee and the experts involved are expected to revisit the draft with a view to improving it and aligning it as closely as possible with European legislation on media freedom.
WHAT WILL CHANGE IN PRACTICE?
The new press law should, first and foremost, clearly define who can be considered a journalist and what types of institutions fall under the category of press. At the same time, the document would establish common and uniform rules for all media, whether traditional or online, as well as their responsibilities and the forms of protection they should enjoy.
One of the main novelties of the draft would be the creation of a clear legal framework for the print and online press, similar to that in which the audiovisual press has operated and continues to operate. At the same time, one of the most sensitive issues remains the definition of the status of journalist, especially in the case of people who are not part of editorial offices but produce and disseminate media content.
Although the new law does not seek to change funding mechanisms or access to advertising, it will most likely impose stricter requirements on the transparency of media funding sources.
WHEN WILL IT COME INTO FORCE?
The Republic of Moldova has committed to adopting the new media law by June 2026.
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The Republic of Moldova in March 2022, obtained candidate country status in June of the same year, and accession negotiations were officially opened in June 2024. The accession process mainly consists of proving that our country can adopt and implement EU legislation (the EU acquis), a process structured around 33 thematic chapters in six areas such as justice, the internal market, the environment, and economic policies. For each chapter of negotiations, there are clear stages, recommendations, and indicative deadlines, and Moldova’s progress is constantly monitored by European institutions.
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