Moldova Moves to Regulate Crypto Under EU-Style MiCA Framework by 2026

Moldova is preparing to introduce its first comprehensive cryptocurrency law by the end of 2026, aligning its regulatory approach with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), according to the country’s finance minister.Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster TVR Moldova, Andrian Gavrilita said the government is actively working with domestic regulators to establish a legal framework that would allow citizens to hold and trade cryptocurrencies, while stopping short of recognizing digital assets as legal means of payment.“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.”MiCA Alignment Signals Moldova’s First Crypto LawThe proposed legislation would mark Moldova’s first formal crypto law, bringing the country closer to EU regulatory standards as it deepens cooperation with European Union institutions.The move follows the full rollout of MiCA, which came into force for crypto-asset service providers across the EU on Dec. 30, 2024, establishing the bloc’s first unified framework for crypto exchanges, custodians, stablecoins and token issuers.Under Moldova’s plan, the draft law will be developed jointly by:The Ministry of FinanceThe National Bank of MoldovaThe country’s financial markets regulatorMoldova’s Anti-Money Laundering authorityWhile crypto ownership and trading would be legalized, Gavrilita stressed that cryptocurrencies will not be approved for payments within the country.Government Warns Crypto Remains SpeculativeDespite the regulatory push, Gavrilita repeatedly cautioned against treating crypto as a conventional investment.“I avoid using the term investments when it comes to cryptocurrencies,” he said. “I see them more as a speculative domain.”Moldova’s central bank has previously issued multiple warnings about price volatility, fraud, and money laundering risks linked to digital assets — a position that appears consistent with the upcoming legislation’s cautious scope.Gavrilita added that Estonia’s crypto legislation serves as a reference point for Moldova, citing its relative simplicity and regulatory clarity.Broader European Regulatory ContextMoldova’s move comes as regulatory scrutiny intensifies across Europe, even under the MiCA framework. In late 2025, France joined Austria and Italy in urging the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to take direct supervisory control over major crypto firms.That push followed criticism of Malta’s crypto licensing regime, after ESMA concluded that the Malta Financial Services Authority only “partially met expectations” when approving certain crypto service providers.Moldova’s planned crypto law reflects a broader regional trend: legalizing crypto ownership and trading under strict EU-aligned oversight, while maintaining firm limits on payments and systemic risk. If implemented as planned, the legislation would formally bring Moldova into Europe’s regulated crypto landscape — cautiously embracing digital assets without endorsing them as money.