Nicu Popescu has been appointed Special Envoy for European Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, with the mandate to strengthen support for the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union and to advance the political dimension of this process.

Popescu announced on social media that he is resigning from his position as a deputy to focus on political dialogue and the necessary partnerships with EU institutions and member states. Previously, he held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, leading diplomatic efforts to open accession negotiations with the EU. He is also the co-director of the European Security Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). His role as a special envoy will strengthen the activities of the presidential institution by involving experts in strategic areas.