Key Highlights
- Moldova plans to introduce its first cryptocurrency law by the end of 2026, aligned with the EU’s MiCA framework.
- Citizens will be allowed to hold and trade cryptocurrencies, but not use them as legal money.
- The law is being developed by the Finance Ministry, the National Bank, the financial regulator, and the Anti-Money Laundering authority.
The Republic of Moldova is set to introduce its first comprehensive cryptocurrency law by the end of 2026, aligning with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, according to Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilita.
Speaking on state TV channel TVR Moldova on Wednesday, Gavrilita said the government is working closely with regulators to create rules that let citizens hold and trade cryptocurrencies. However, he emphasized that digital assets will not be recognized as legal money in the country.
“We have the responsibility to regulate them, and it will be the right of citizens to hold these currencies,” Gavrilita said. “You can’t prohibit cryptocurrencies — this is our engagement with the European Union.”
How the law will work
The draft law is being prepared with input from several institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank of Moldova, the country’s financial markets regulator, and the Anti-Money Laundering authority.
The legislation will focus on allowing people to own and exchange cryptocurrencies safely, while stopping short of letting them use crypto for payments within Moldova. Gavrilita said the law is part of the country’s alignment with EU standards after the MiCA framework came fully into effect on December 30, 2024, for crypto service providers across Europe.
Gavrilita on cryptocurrency risks
Gavrilita warned about the speculative nature of digital currencies. “I avoid using the term investments when it comes to cryptocurrencies,” he said. “I see them more as a speculative domain, but citizens have the right to operate them either way, and this year we’ll have the legislation.”
The central bank of Moldova has repeatedly flagged risks like high price swings, fraud, and money laundering. These warnings match the cautious approach the new law will take, focusing on regulation without full endorsement of digital assets as legal money.
Moldova is looking at Estonia as an example for its cryptocurrency rules because of the simplicity and clarity of its laws. Meanwhile, across Europe, countries are pushing for stricter supervision. In 2025, France joined Austria and Italy in asking the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to oversee major crypto firms, following criticism of Malta’s licensing system, which ESMA said “only partially met expectations.”
The proposed law shows that Moldova wants to be part of Europe’s regulated crypto scene while keeping strong limits on payments and systemic risks. If passed as planned, it would be the country’s first formal crypto law and give citizens the right to hold and trade cryptocurrencies safely under EU-aligned rules.
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