International Journal of Cyber Diplomacy / 2026, Volume 7

Toward a Shared Digital Ecosystem Between Romania and the Republic of Moldova

Adrian-Victor VEVERA

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Abstract

On 11 February 2022, Romania and the Republic of Moldova signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a common digital space, an initiative that has since generated a growing set of bilateral agreements, national laws and pilot projects. This chapter examines four years of implementation to determine how much of that framework has produced measurable cross-border results rather than remaining a declaration of intent. It maps the legislative and institutional architecture on both sides, from Moldova's interoperability and cybersecurity laws to Romania's digital identity and artificial intelligence strategies, and situates the bilateral relationship within Moldova's EU accession process, in particular the digital transformation chapter under Cluster 3. Roaming cost reduction, cybersecurity cooperation and EU association funding emerge as the clearest areas of documented progress, while mutual recognition of electronic signatures and a shared digital identity remain largely unrealized. Drawing on the literature on digital sovereignty, the chapter argues that this cooperation functions at once as a preparatory stage for EU integration and as a defense against hybrid threats, and outlines several directions, from AI governance sandboxes to a consolidated funding architecture, through which the partnership could evolve into a more substantive shared digital ecosystem.

Keywords

Cyber diplomacy, EU Accession, Digital sovereignty, Romania-Moldova Cooperation, Cross-Border Interoperability